At Birchfield we try to minimise the impact of our activities on the environment whilst enhancing our bio diversity.
Litter - By means of regular litter walks and constant monitoring of the dustbin area we aim to keep litter levels to zero.
Waste - We try to separate it into its component parts to be recycled on site or exported to where facilities for recycling exist. We reduce wastage and re-use or recycle products wherever possible.
We Seek To - foster a close relationship with our community as a whole and in collaboration with customers, staff and suppliers help to conserve the environment in which we operate.
looking towards the village |
wild orchid |
birch mhor woodstore |
vegetable garden |
bird feeding station |
ringing swifts |
We collect rain water from some roofs in water butts. We have two shallow pools in the bog garden which are drinking holes for birds and mammals and sustain their own aquatic life.
We try to use water saving devices e.g. including hippos in cisterns or a dual flush cistern and so on. We believe that the installation of dishwashers in the cottages would be a development too far, for our site.
Although we read meters for electricity and, where appropriate, oil with you so you can monitor your own consumption, we also check each cottages' water meter to assess consumption even though there is no separate charge to visitors.
We use recycled paper at home and in our office, environmentally friendly laundry aids and pump sprays for cleaning processes. Our principle source of foodstuffs and cleaning products is Highland Wholefoods (www.hihoco.com) and Fair Trade. All purchases are made with consideration of the environment in mind.
Birchfield Cottages supports SWAN (Strathspey Waste Action Network). Our green policies are independently audited by Green Business UK Ltd. Under the Green Tourism Business Scheme (www.green-business.co.uk).
