Here at West Longridge Cottages we are committed to providing a good quality service whilst minimising the environmental impact of our activities and as a result we have achieved a Green Tourism Silver Award.
Northumberland is considered to one of the few unspoilt areas in the country and with picturesque views of the rolling countryside and our proximity to the coast we want to keep it that way. There are a number of ways in which visitors to our area can help us.
5 Ways to be the best sort of visitor…..as small measures have big impacts.
- Reduce, Reuse, And Recycle.
Our local council has provided recycle bins for every property. We encourage their use and when out shopping, only take what packaging is required. Always recycle and never throw down litter.
- Get out of the car!
Walking, cycling and riding are great ways to see our beautiful countryside without adding to the traffic. We even have storage for bicycles in garages with the properties. Use public transport were possible. We have a great train service to Edinburgh and Newcastle, so why not give the car a day off.
- Stay Local, Eat Local, Buy Local, See Local
Buy locally – we have a great selection of shops, cafes, pubs and local businesses which all need your support to create a vibrant town centre. www.berwickonline.co.uk
- Chill out – Switch Off!
Help us reduce light pollution, energy use and C02 emissions by switching off lights and standby buttons when you don’t need them. Help us reduce water consumption by using just the water you need; and then sit back and enjoy our fantastic views. cep.org.uk
- Follow the Countryside Code
The Countryside Code reminds us all to protect, respect and enjoy: look after plants and animals; take litter away; leave gates and property as you find them; keep dogs under close control; and consider other people and users when visiting the countryside. And enjoy!More info here: https://www.ahume.co.uk/blog/index.php/countryside-etiquette-the-essential-guide/#1
The ways your Holiday at West Longridge Cottages Helps the Environment:
In many ways when you support us as holiday cottage owners, you are also supporting the locally- run businesses and keeping local people in employment.
The profits made from the cottages are re-invested in the properties to provide you, the customer, with more comfort and pleasure to make your holiday more enjoyable. We put a great emphasis on the restoration of stone walls and repairing farm buildings and are currently working on a tree planting scheme to enhance the beauty of our farmland.
In the winter of 2006 we built a traditional sandstone extension on Honeysuckle cottage, recycling and colour matching the sandstone perfectly with the existing cottage using stone recovered from a collapsed farm building and providing an en-suite suitable for limited mobility customers. We have another such scheme in the pipeline for 2010.
When furnishing our cottages, we believe strongly in supporting the local small businesses. All the carpets and soft furnishing are purchased locally to help sustain a healthy town centre. This small part that we play has an impact on the local economy and we encourage all guests to do the same.
We encourage people to shop locally. We have a great range of independent stores where your weekly shop can be purchased. There are Farmers Markets held in Berwick on the last Sunday of each month, where local farmers sell their produce and there are a wide range of farm shops dotted around the countryside including The Chain Bridge Honey Farm, Oxford Farm shop, Conundrum Farm and even a Green Shop on Bridge Street in Berwick.
We aim to recycle as much of our waste as possible. We re-use scrap paper in the office as note pads, use refill ink-cartridges etc. When replacing furniture, we give the pieces away to a local support group for young people starting out and second hand books and videos are purchased for each holiday house from various charity shops for your enjoyment during your stay in our cottages.
Please try to help us protect the environment whilst you are here by making use of our recycling bins and compost caddy. Surplus food items can be fed to our pet llamas and hens (remembering they do not eat meat).
All new electrical appliances are bought to the highest energy efficiency ratings A or B to minimize energy consumption. All light bulbs, where feasible, are energy efficient.