Sustainability
Being surrounded by stunning countryside on a daily basis certainly brings home the importance of respecting the natural world around us and protecting it for future generations.
While renovating Atlow Mill and bringing it back to life, we have tried to do it with sustainability in mind. We have used local materials and suppliers and upcycled or reused materials already available on site wherever possible. We are constantly managing and developing the land to ensure it offers a diverse range of habitats while at the same time creating spaces for guests to enjoy nature.
We have taken many positive steps but see it as a process of constant improvement, and have many more plans in mind as we develop and grow. Here are some of the steps we have taken so far:
Energy & Heating
- Our properties are all newly renovated so benefit from very high levels of modern insulation, thermally efficient UPVC windows and doors, LED lighting throughout, and modern appliances to keep energy use to a minimum.
- As we renovate we are moving away from oil and gas fired heating to electric systems, which comes from suppliers that invest heavily in renewable technology.
- All outside lights are on automatic dusk sensors and timers to minimise disruption to nocturnal wildlife and reduce energy consumption.
- We provide additional blankets and winter weight duvets for the colder months to minimise the need for additional heating.
- For our log burners and pizza ovens we buy kiln dried wood from a local forestry supplier who works with local estates owners to manage their forests, or use wood felled on site as part of our woodland management programme.
Responsible Sourcing
- We are big advocates for ‘shopping local’. All our cleaners, gardeners and tradespeople live in the surrounding villages, our building materials come from Lester Lowes and we use local shops in Ashbourne and Hulland Ward for the produce provided in our cottages.
- We use refillable bottles in all the cottages to reduce single-use plastic.
Waste Reduction
- We have a segregated waste system and ask guests to separate out their glass, plastic, metal, paper and card for recycling.
- We ask guests to turn off lights, appliances and water when not in use to avoid wasted resources wherever possible.
- We are keen on up-cycling and look to 'repair' rather than 'replace' wherever possible when items are broken.
Our Surroundings
- We have created wild meadow banks and planted fruit trees to attract pollinators and improve bio-diversity
- We work with Trent River Trust to improve the health of our stretch of Henmore Brook. This has included managing the banks of the stream to tackle run off and silt reduction, and taking part in regular surveys to monitor water quality and wildlife.
- Planted native mixed hedging to provide natural screening and habitat for wildlife
- We encourage our guests to 'leave only footsteps, and take only memories' when exploring the area and to always follow the Countryside Code.
Transport
- We have installed two electric charging points at Atlow Mill for guests with electric or hybrid vehicles.
- We invested in an electric vehicle for our own business use reducing our carbon emissions.
- We provide information on local bus routes, cycling routes and footpaths to help our guests enjoy the local area without their vehicle.
Future Plans:
- We are in the process of securing funding to install air source heat pumps to power our hot tubs which we plan to have in place by the middle of 2025. This will reduce energy consumption, saving costs, and reducing carbon emissions.
- We will phase out the last oil fired boilers on the site within the next 3 years moving to more modern, renewable heating sources.
- We are currently investigating ways we can 're-wild' our 3.5 acre field, either by returning it to wildflower meadow or introducing a new woodland area.