Nannerth Country Holidays, Rhayader, Mid Wales

How does Nannerth Country Holidays minimise its impact on the environment and contribute to a sense of place?               

To reduce its draw on energy, Nannerth Country Holidays has installed solar thermal panels and a biomass district heating system using woodchips. The cottages are renovated stone, slate and timber traditional farm buildings, where the local styles and techniques have been used and good design is prioritised. For building and renovation, locally sourced building materials are used and whenever possible locally reclaimed items such as slate and stone are reused. The cottages are insulated and have wood burning stoves. Separate recycling bins and compost bins provided for guests. Eco friendly household cleaning products are used and refilled from bulk containers, to reduce packaging. The water comes from a spring and guests are encouraged to use it sparingly. Rainwater is collected and used for the garden.

Guests are encouraged to shop locally and buy local home produced take away meals. The fairly isolated location makes accessibility by public transport difficult, but on the 200 acre farm, there is plenty to see and do in the immediate environment so enjoying a car-free holiday upon arrival is easy. The farm has direct access to open walking and cycling country and the local village is 3 miles away. Mountain bikes are available at no charge. Exploring the area using various low carbon options helps minimise the impact that visitors have on the farm, as well as the entire Wye Valley and the Brecon Beacons National Park ecosystem and biodiversity.