Sustainability

The Lake District is a treasured place loved by us all, but it’s many visitors can have a damaging impact on the local environment and its natural beauty. We believe we have a responsibility to operate a business that aims to be as sustainable as possible, and also help increase awareness of our environmental impact on the area amongst our guests too.

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To measure our progress we use an Independent Assessment scheme operated by Green Tourism who provide advice and guidance on the measures we can take to operate in a more sustainable way.

We were pleased to receive a Silver Award in March 2019 as a recognition of the start we have made on our journey to become a sustainable business. But we know we have more work to do and our aim is to hold a gold award by the end of 2020.

You can see evidence of our move towards becoming more sustainable in several ways:

  • Providing information on local walks & cycle routes from the door of the B&B to cut down on transport miles
  • Local Sourcing of food & drink from many suppliers in the Ambleside area
  • Local sourcing of other consumables (e.g. Toiletries)
  • Reduction in our energy consumption (low-energy bulbs, double-glazing, individual heating controls in each room)
  • Reduction in our use of single-use plastic
  • Diligent re-cycling of our, and our guests, waste packaging
  • Contracting energy from a Renewable energy source
  • Using appliances which are rated high for energy efficiency
  • Increasing use of bio-friendly cleaning materials

In addition we are proud to support the Lake District Foundation a local charity who fund a wide range of projects across Cumbria and who are passionate about sustaining it’s unique landscape, wildlife and cultural heritage.

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In 2019 we will donate £1 for every direct booking made at Haven Cottage to LDF funds. In addition, guests are also able to donate both at the point of booking and also via a donation box at reception. Our commitment is that we will raise a minimum of £250 in 2019 in aid of the Lake District Foundation.

Some examples of recently funded LDF projects include:

  • Lake District Osprey project
  • Save our Squirrels
  • Fix the Fells
  • John Muir Trust Helvellyn Flora & Fauna project
  • Keswick to Threlkeld Railway path
  • Ullswater Way
  • Barkbooth Lot Nature Reserve