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Sustainability: How We’re Making a Difference

Here at Walnut Barn Estate, we have agriculture in our blood. And that’s part of the reason we have such a profound respect and care for the environment we work and live in. For us, providing sustainable accommodation means making every part of what we do better for the planet: prioritising clean energy, cutting back on waste, looking after the land, and promoting lower-impact travel choices. Whether you’re joining friends in a celebration cottage or kicking back in a glamping unit, we want to give everyone a stay they can feel good about.

Powering Our Sustainable Accommodation

    Clean energy is vital for reducing carbon emissions and protecting our landscapes. We power all of our properties with solar panels, harnessing the sun’s power to reduce our reliance on the grid. In our largest units, we also use heat pumps to keep properties nice and toasty, while Lottie’s Lodge benefits from its very own air-source heat pump that powers the private hot tub.

    For lighting and daily comfort, we use energy-efficient bulbs and appliances throughout, many with timers to cut unnecessary consumption. In Big Oak Barn, electric shut-off key cards mean the lights and power switch off when you leave, so no energy is wasted while you’re out. Own an electric car? We’ve installed two handy EV charging points on-site to make low-emission travel that bit easier.

    Using Water Wisely

    We use water wisely because we know how valuable it is. We offer low-flow showerheads in every property that deliver a refreshing experience for guests while conserving significantly more water than standard fittings. We’ve also installed rainwater harvesting systems across the estate to collect rainfall and redirect it where it’s needed most. Feeling thirsty when wandering around the site? Refill stations are dotted throughout the grounds, so you can top up your bottle easily without reaching for single-use plastic.

    Reducing Waste

    Holiday homes can generate a surprising amount of waste, so we’re taking a stand against it. Recycling systems are available in every unit, making it easy for guests to separate their waste, while we compost as much as possible from kitchens and gardens. We’ve also been phasing out single-use plastics, replacing them with reusable or biodegradable alternatives wherever we can. In the bathrooms, you’ll find organic, biodegradable toiletries decanted into refillable bottles instead of throwaway miniatures that often end up in landfills.

    For laundry, we use high-efficiency A-grade washing machines that clean linens at low temperatures with eco-friendly products, and when the sun’s out, sheets and towels are air-dried on the line for that fresh, sunshine smell. These small details might be easy to miss, but they’re all part of our commitment to waste reduction.

    Supporting the Land & the Locals

    Organic land care

    We tend the soil using organic manure and natural rhythms, steering clear of chemicals wherever we can.

    Tree planting

    Every year, we contribute to carbon offset efforts like the National Farmers’ Union programme. Hundreds of saplings have gone into the ground so far, and we collaborate with partners like Vision Linen, who plant trees via Tree-Nation on our behalf.

    Bee-friendly habitats

    Our beehives are close to our hearts. Pollinators are essential to thriving ecosystems, and our orchards and wild corners offer crucial shelter and nourishment for local bees.

    Homegrown produce

    Treat yourself to seasonal meat from our Gloucester Old Spot pigs, Shropshire lambs, and Aberdeen cows, plus ‘Cluck & Collect’ fresh eggs from our hens, geese, and rheas. Add them when you book or grab them on arrival.

    Local food and makers

    We love supporting local businesses. It’s why we’re always pointing guests toward The Old Inn, our village pub in Hutton, which serves delicious seasonal dishes made with local ingredients. Throughout the properties, you might also notice handcrafted details from nearby artisans. These are just small ways we’re keeping craft and community alive.

    Making Smarter Travel Choices

    It’s great to see that many of our guests decide to ditch the car once they arrive. To promote greener travel, we provide plenty of info about Westlink and First Buses, as well as the park-and-ride options at Weston-super-Mare train station.

    Love hiking through nature? Our location is a walker’s dream, with many beautiful footpaths leading down to the village, through the orchards, or out into the Somerset landscape.

    Find Out About Our Green Tourism Award

    Our whole team have truly embraced sustainability in everything they do. So much so, that we’ve been recognised with a Silver Green Tourism Award and are in the process of working towards Gold! If you’ve enjoyed any of our sustainability features during your stay, we’d love to hear all about them in your review for Walnut Barn Estate. It really does help to support our mission.