Sustainable travel is more than a trend – it’s a joyful way to discover and connect with the world around us. At Walnut Barn Estate, nestled in the beautiful foothills of the Mendips in Somerset, we’ve embraced sustainability as a key part of what we do, from the energy powering our cosy holiday properties to the ways we welcome our guests and share the charms of the local area.
Come and discover how we blend sustainability with comfort to create green getaways where hospitality and eco-consciousness coexist harmoniously. Whether you’re dreaming up your next holiday or just curious about sustainable practises, we hope this little peek into our world sparks fresh inspiration and encourages you to travel with the planet in mind.
Powering Your Stay With Renewable Energy
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- Electric Vehicle Charging On-Site: We’ve installed two EV charging points for guests travelling in electric cars. It’s a gesture that makes a big difference, supporting low-emission travel and making it easier to choose a greener mode of transport.
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- Solar Panels Across the Property: Our commitment to renewable energy is reflected in the solar panels installed across our holiday cottages and outbuildings. By harnessing the power of the sun, we reduce our reliance on traditional energy sources.
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- Heat Pumps for Year-Round Efficiency: We’ve installed eco-conscious heat pumps to efficiently keep our largest properties at a comfortable temperature year-round. Plus, guests in Lottie’s Lodge can enjoy a revitalising soak in the air-source heat pump-powered private hot tub.
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- Energy-Efficient Lighting and Appliances: Inside our properties, you’ll find energy-efficient lighting and appliances that help reduce unnecessary energy consumption, many of which are equipped with timers.
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- Electric Shut-Off Key Cards: In the Big Oak Barn, one of our large group holiday cottages, we’ve installed electric shut-off key cards. When you leave, the lights and power go off with you, ensuring that energy is saved while you’re out exploring the area.
Every one of these little touches reflects our dedication to providing a relaxing, feel-good stay that’s gentle to the planet. We believe that sustainable travel is about making considerate choices that care for both our guests and the planet we all share.
Smarter Water Use for Sustainable Travel
Water is one of our most precious resources, and at the farm, we treat it with the care it deserves. We’ve built in easy resource-saving efficiencies around the site, from thoughtful plumbing choices to refillable water stations.
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- Low-Flow Showers: All Walnut Barn Estate properties are fitted with low-flow showerheads. They offer a lovely, revitalising experience after a long walk or a day in the garden, while using significantly less water.
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- Rainwater Harvesting: Rainwater harvesting systems are in place across the site, capturing nature’s offering and putting it to good use for tasks like watering the garden.
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- Refillable Water Stations: We’ve installed water refill stations throughout the grounds, making it easy for guests to top up their water bottles without relying on single-use plastic.
These measures may not be flashy, but they truly make a difference. Together, they are part of a bigger goal: to make sustainability feel natural and effortless, and simply part of the way you enjoy your stay with us.
Reducing Waste, One Thoughtful Detail at a Time
When it comes to sustainable travel, it’s often the quieter choices that speak the loudest. Behind the scenes, we’ve taken a gentle but deliberate approach to reducing waste – rethinking how things are used, what they’re made of and how they return to the earth.
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- A Zero Waste Ethos: From compost bins to recycling systems, we aim to to make zero waste feel like second nature. Guests are encouraged to separate their rubbish, and we compost as much as possible from kitchens and gardens alike.
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- Phasing Out Single-Use Plastics: We’ve been phasing out single-use plastics wherever possible and replacing them with reusable or biodegradable alternatives.
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- Thoughtfully Chosen Toiletries: All of our organic, biodegradable toiletries are decanted into refillable bottles, reducing unnecessary packaging. It’s a small moment of care that makes a big difference and helps reduce waste.
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- Eco-Friendly Linens and Carpets: The Big Oak Barn features carpets made from sustainable materials, and across the site, we use A-grade washing machines that clean linens at low temperatures. When the sun’s out, our sheets and towels are air-dried on the line – crisp, fresh and smelling of sunshine!
These details are easy to overlook, but for us, they are part of a bigger picture. Waste reduction isn’t about perfection; it’s about consistency, care and finding beauty in doing things a little differently.
Supporting Local, Seasonal Living
Sustainable travel also means connecting with the land and the people around you. At Walnut Barn Estate, we strive to live in harmony with the rhythms of the seasons, supporting local growers and business owners in ways that bring authenticity to your stay.
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- Organic Practises on the Land: The land is cared for with as few chemicals as possible. We spread organic manure, nurture our soil health, and favour natural cycles over artificial shortcuts. It’s quiet, slow farming that’s better for the land and future generations.
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- Tree Planting Initiatives: Each year, we participate in carbon offset initiatives, such as the National Farmers’ Union tree-planting programs. So far, we have planted hundreds of saplings and look forward to supporting future efforts. We also work with companies like Vision Linen, who kindly donate trees on behalf of clients through Tree-Nation to help offset carbon emissions.
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- A Buzzing Bee-Friendly Habitat: Our beehives are a labour of love. Pollinators are essential to environmental sustainability, and bees remain important to the ecosystem, pollinating wild plants and crops as part of nature’s delicate balance. Our orchards and wild spaces provide important shelter and food for our local pollinators.
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- Homegrown Seasonal Produce: Guests can enjoy seasonal, freshly frozen meat from our Gloucester Old Spot pigs, Shropshire lambs, and Aberdeen cows, plus ‘Cluck and Collect’ fresh eggs from our hens, geese and rheas. Pick up a few things on arrival or add some tasty treats to your booking – we welcome both cash and bank cards.
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- Celebrating Local Food and Makers: We love recommending The Old Inn, the local pub in Hutton that’s only a short walk from Walnut Barn Estate. The pub is more than just a place to eat – it’s part of our social fabric, and its seasonal menus with locally sourced ingredients provide a true taste of the community. You’ll also find handmade touches from artisans throughout Walnut Barn Estate’s holiday properties – special places enhanced by small-scale, local talent.
It’s not just about cutting food miles or reducing packaging. It’s about building a heartfelt connection to the people, produce and places that make this special corner of England worth exploring.
Encouraging Low-Impact Travel Choices
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- Travel, at its best, is about more than getting from A to B. It’s about how we move through the world, with awareness, curiosity and care, which is why we do what we can to make low-impact travel easy and appealing.
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- Encouraging Public and Shared Transport: We gently encourage guests to consider public or shared transport options where available. Westlink and First Bus are Somerset’s main bus providers, plus you can find park and ride facilities at the train stations in nearby Weston-super-Mare. We can also suggest the most convenient travel routes to Walnut Barn Estate or help with local connections.
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- A Walkable Space Perfect for Exploration: Once you’re onsite, there’s so much to discover – and you can leave the car behind! Wander beautiful footpaths right outside the door, make your way down to the pub, enjoy views of our thriving orchards or simply take in the Somerset landscape from a comfy seat with a nice drink in hand.
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- Inviting You to Slow Down: At the heart of low-impact travel is a shift in pace. We’ve designed our space to be a sanctuary, where you don’t need to pack your days full to feel they were well-spent. Let the slower rhythm of life here inspire a deeper appreciation for nature, stillness and simplicity.
By removing pressure and offering gentle alternatives, we hope to show that sustainable travel isn’t about restriction – it’s about rediscovery.
Choosing Sustainable Travel That Makes a Difference
Sustainable travel is about more than just the places we visit; it’s about how we look after those places and how we carry that care with us. At Walnut Barn Estate, every choice we make, from the energy we use to the food we produce, is rooted in a desire to live gently and in harmony with the land.
By sharing our journey, we hope you feel inspired to seek out travel experiences that reflect your values: where comfort meets care, and every stay contributes to a greener, more mindful future.
Join a Community of Like-Minded People
When you choose to visit Walnut Barn Estate, you’re doing more than booking a holiday – you’re joining a community passionate about making sustainable travel the new normal. Whether it’s a romantic escape or a big celebration, our sustainable holiday destination is the perfect getaway for your group to relax, reconnect and create lasting memories.