Withyfield Cottage, West Sussex, England

How does Withyfield Cottage minimise its impact on the environment and contribute to a sense of place?

The building has straw bale and sheep’s wool insulation. The cladding is from our own trees, grown within 50 metres from the site. The cedar shingles and crook frame are all sourced from West Sussex. Solar panels have been installed for hot water and all appliances are A rated or better. To reduce the amount of waste sent to landfill, separate recycling and compost bins are provided and bulk dispensers are used. Some of the furniture is second hand or handmade by local tradesman.

To reduce water consumption, water savers have been fitted in the toilets, and all cleaning products are eco friendly. The welcome pack includes cakes and beer from the local village and eggs from the farm. Guests are encouraged to shop at farmers markets and locals shops. To minimise their impact on South Downs National Park and its biodiversity, guests can arrive by public transport. To encourage car-free holidays, the owners happily offer a collection service from local train stations.  Guests can also arrive by cycle as the Downs Link Cycle Route is a 5 minute cycle ride away.