Wheeldon Trees Farm Holiday Cottages, Peak District

How does Wheeldon Trees Farm minimise its impact on the environment and contribute to a sense of place?

To minimise draw on energy, a ground source heat pump has been installed under-floor heating in the cottages controlled with thermostatic valves, all external cottage doors and frames have been replaced with specially designed draught proof closings to reduce heat loss, and the loft and solid stone walls have been heavily insulated. Low energy lighting and ‘A’ rated appliances throughout also help reduce energy consumption. Laundry is hung to dry. Electricity is sourced from renewable sources, and monitoring usage helps the owners identify ways to further reduce consumption.

To minimise the amount of waste sent to landfill, products with minimal packaging are purchased as much as possible and recyclable materials are separated. Food waste is fed to the on-site green cone food waste digesters or put in the cardboard recycling bin to compost. Items that are no longer needed are advertised on the local ‘Freecycle’ website. To minimise water consumption, all toilets are dual-flush, shower heads and bathroom/kitchen taps have water saving devices. Rainwater is collected in butts and used in the garden.

Locally sourced produce is used as much as possible; including milk from a nearby dairy, local artisan cakes, and the Derbyshire Breakfast Basket includes homemade jam and eggs from the owners’ chickens. To encourage guests to arrive by low carbon transport alternatives, discounts are offered to guests who choose to arrive by public transport or by bike and the owners are happy to collect guests in their hybrid car from nearby train and bus stations. Guests are refunded for the costs of local bus journeys during their stay and on-site cycle hire in available, as well as secure bike storage. These proactive transport measures help guests have as little impact as possible on the protected landscapes of the Peak District National Park.