Grove Wood Cottages encourages its employees, guests and contractors to minimise its  impact on the environment. We have started in a small way using best practice, but aim to keep improving steadily and we encourage guests to get outside: to walk, run, cycle, use public transport or car share. This is especially so now that energy is so precious and climate change which needs close attention.

Location

Perrycliff Cottage and The Stables 

In the close vicinity of the cottage there is an orchard and guests are welcome to pick and use the fruit in the autumn. Guests will find a number of bug houses and bird boxes positioned to encourage nesting within a safe environment.

The cottage looks out on the countryside and guests can enjoy and appreciate the natural beauty of the land and the flora and fauna that surrounds them during their stay.

The Stables is on the edge of our meadow and Grove wood.

Accommodation

The properties are fully insulated and  double glazed; the lighting is low energy thus keeping the environmental impact minimal.

There is provision given for guests to dispose of used bulbs and batteries, these will be taken to a local collection point.

Facilities

We provide guests with a the Countryside Code and other guidance that highlights the ways to recycle paper, card, metal, plastics and glass. Separate bins are provided for recycling. On departure, the recycling is taken by us to the nearest recycling point or placed outside for recycling collection from our local authority.

Guests are given the option of using a compost bin for kitchen waste. This is combined with waste from the Owner’s other properties to produce the rich humus used in the garden pots and in the surrounding flowerbeds and hedge rows.

The toilet rolls provided are produced from recycled paper and are certified FSC that helps support the principles and actions that protect our air, water, and overall quality of life. Other purchases of paper materials are where practicable of a re-cycled nature.

The guest hospitality toiletries are environmentally friendly using products from the Myddfai Trading Company which is a social enterprise.  Their ethical,  innovative, environmentally friendly and original products are in line with their social enterprise values. We also provide organic baby products. Myddfai TC are committed to minimising the impact of its operations on the environment through its  business activities, wherever practical, with profits used for local rural regeneration. All their products are UK made and are SLS, Paraben and cruelty free. We use re-fillable bottles and use every opportunity to avoid single use plastic. We no longer supply cling film and hope our guests will be happy to use our re-usable fridge storage boxes. We use small cakes of Myddfai soap to minimise waste.

The cottage heating is controlled by a room thermostat and individual radiator controls. Guests are shown how to use these on arrival and are encouraged to switch off all appliances, heating and lighting when not needed. Although a tumble dryer is provided for use we encourage guests to dry clothes in the heated cupboard, outdoors on the washing line or on the Aga, which can be safely used for drying as long as you use the Aga rack provided. An eco wood burner using logs from our sustainable woodland is in the living room.

The Stables has an eco wood burner and logs provided as above and is insulated to a high standard with background electric heating. Solar panels are in the process of being sourced for the properties.

• We leave you a reusable bag/basket for your shopping whilst you are here.
• Our milkman delivers milk and newspapers. You can order in advance for delivery on the doorstep. Used bottles should be returned on the roadside for recycling. Let us know if you would like to use this service. You can walk to our local fruit farm in the village for eggs and seasonal fruit and veg such as cherries and asparagus grown here and fruit juices etc
• We harvest rainwater to water pot plants.
• We use as many environmentally friendly products as possible from companies such as Ecover.
• We use vinegar with bicarbonate of soda as a cleaning product. There are books in the cottage which inform guests on the benefits of these products.
• We use a steamer to clean carpets and upholstery.
• The surrounding gardens have been planted with plants specifically to attract bees such as various types of buddleia, wisteria and lavender.
• There are books  that will help you identify flora, fauna, birds and wildlife. We have lesser spotted woodpeckers in the trees which you may hear or see from time to time and red kites.
• We plant new trees every year and all logs for the cottage are from the Owner’s woodland  -Grove Wood- which are well managed and sustainable.
• We use flowers and greenery from our surrounding gardens for decoration in the cottage.
• The Welcome hamper includes a gift of wine, perry or cider from local Herefordshire producers – Three Choirs Wine and Much Marcle – Westons Cider & Perry and /or Wye Valley brewery.
• Guests are welcome to make use of the herbs in the walled organic herb kitchen garden adjoining the tennis court.
• Cooked meals or freezer meals ordered by you are from local producers.
• We encourage use of star gazing and can provide star maps and telescope for guests with dark sky interests.
• We encourage guests to observe wildlife and nature and to record the same so we can keep a record  and where appropriate publish online.

Amenities

An extensive tourist information pack highlights places of interest and natural beauty to visit, which helps the low impact on sustainable tourism. Public transport timetables are available online or from the Owner.

The cottage has covered bicycle racks which can be fixed with your own lock.

We encourage guests to support the local producers, shops, pubs, restaurants and cafes and we promote local tourist attractions and events.

Thank you for reading our Environmental Policy