Posted on November 05, 2021
We are all looking for ways in which we can be a little more sustainable in our day to day lives. Whether you’re planning a winter trip to The Cotswolds or even considering becoming a home owner or holiday home owner in this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and want to make a positive impact, there are a few easy steps you can take to make this happen.
Choose accommodation that has green credentials
Bolthole Retreats
Bolthole retreats have a small but growing number of cottages in The Cotswolds with sustainability at the heart of the stay. We love the picturesque Aylworth Manor Granary, a fabulous, centuries-old eco-electricity manor equipped with photovoltaic cells, otherwise known as solar cells, and EVC charging points. Check out Aylworth Manor Granary here and explore their other cottages for your upcoming winter escape to The Cotswolds.
Shop local in The Cotswolds
Image credit: Daylesford Organic
The Cotswolds are abundant with delightful shops and farms to help you reduce your food waste, food miles, all while offering tasty, local produce.
Food Loose Cheltenham
Food Loose in Cheltenham is an organic refill shop offering up a completely plastic-free shopping experience. Just take along your own containers and pick up organic and fair trade foodie goods, household cleaning items as well as some tasty sweet treats for a little bit of indulgence. They’re based in the Global Footsteps Cafe so you can time your shopping perfectly with a spot of brunch or lunch!
Made in Stroud
A mainstay in Stroud, Made in Stroud started as a farmers market stall in 1991 before evolving into an emporium of food and drink and so much more in 2000. All items are handmade with the aim of supporting the local community and our planet. Pick up one of their many beautiful gift items as a memento of your time spent in The Cotswold or explore their eclectic collection of food and drink delights, from the more boozy indulgences and sweet treats to flavourful seasonings!
Daylesford Organic
A sustainable trip to The Cotswolds isn’t complete without a visit to Daylesford. As an organic, pioneering and sustainable farm, Daylesford’s core values on ethical and environmental standards have held true for over 40 years. Their ethos is that by producing food organically and in tune with nature’s rhythm, the future of the planet is supported all while producing better products for our own wellbeing and that of our families.
A wide range of produce is available to do your proper food shop here in The Cotswolds. Plus you can make a trip to Daylesford a real experience by enjoying a delicious meal in the cafe or exploring their organic garden shop too.
Consider sustainable methods of transport
Cotswolds Discovery Pass
Explore the Cotswolds car free by purchasing a flexible Cotswold Discovery One Day Pass to roam some of the most scenic areas by bus and train. Routes trail through picturesque villages, historic buildings and beautiful gardens and you can simply sit back and admire some of the most the beautiful views in England from your window.
Don your hiking boots!
There are lots of self-guided walking routes available on the Cotswold National Landscape website for various levels of difficulty. Pick a relaxing stroll after enjoying a wholesome lunch or cover one of the long distance routes that sprawl across The Cotswolds.
The website also offers you the option to build your own walk from start to finish, including circular walks with options for paths that are wheelchair and pushchair friendly.
If you’re not sure on where to get started, checked out the Cotswold Gateways. Cotswold National Landscape has worked with local communities to create ten Cotswold Gateway routes along footpaths, bridleways and minor roads which you can walk or cycle to discover hidden gems, stunning views, historic sites and beautifully diverse wildlife.
The Cotswolds by horseback
The Cotswolds are an amazing place to ride whether you bring your own horse or go pony trekking. The long distance riding route of the Sabrina Way passes through The Cotswolds and routes are available through the British Horse Society.
If you’re looking to go trekking but need a guide and horse, check out our journal post sharing 5 horse riding tours in The Cotswolds.
Hop on your bike
The Cotswolds is amazing for off road cycling. Exploring the network of designated byways and bridleways offers a unique way to discover the area by finding spots inaccessible to cars.
Check out a few of our favourite cycling routes in this journal post.
Tips as a holiday home owner in The Cotswolds
Image credit: Ashleigh Clarke Architects
As a holiday home owner there are opportunities to market yourself as a sustainable rental and steps that can be taken to improve your sustainability.
Small changes can make a huge difference
As low season approaches it may be the perfect time to consider making some simple changes and upgrades to your holiday home to stand out from the crowd.
For the delightful period cottages, it may be a matter of upgrading to more eco friendly products such as smart controls, timers, installing a water butt and upgrading to appliances that use less energy and water.
Consider more sustainable options when redecorating and building
For decorating, the Little Greene Paint Company are a locally based business who can supply eco friendly paper and paints to meet your needs.
If you plan to upgrade items within the home, Cornflower and Calico are a Cotswolds-based homeware supplier whose ethos is based in supplying eco-friendly, sustainable and ethically sourced products.
If you are looking to extend or build a sustainable and eco friendly home in The Cotswolds, we cannot recommend Ashleigh Clarke Architects enough! Their ethos is cemented in using environmentally-friendly materials and methods so your environmental impact is minimised. You can find out more about their commitment to green architecture here.
See if you qualify for the green check of approval
Green Tourism marks of approval are a worldwide acknowledged award scheme given to acknowledge environmentally friendly practices. By creating a network of Green Tourism businesses, it’s easier to promote a more sustainable way of travelling and also provides a hallmark for businesses to aim for in terms of ‘green quality’.
Find out more here: https://www.green-tourism.com/...