Green Issues

We are all becoming more environmentally aware and having to try and make some changes in our lifestyles to 'do our bit'. Hugo and I have decided that we would like to try and put as much in place as possible at Dove House and Swallows towards this aim.

We are very pleased that we have just been assessed by the Green Tourism Business Scheme and have been awarded SILVER. This is the level for businesses that show 'very good environmental practices'.

As both our properties are relatively new there are areas where we fulfil all the up to date criteria. However, things move very quickly at present with regard to environmental issues and the 8 years since we built Dove House and Swallows have seen some very exciting and progressive advances in energy saving and eco building practices. We would do things very differently were we building today.

We will continue to do what we can and our guests will be able to see this and take part in it if they wish. We are aware that it is becoming more and more important for people, and for many it is now a way of life. All the small, simple things really can add up and make a difference, particularly with big properties like Dove House. However this does not compromise any of the quality that we offer.

Can we make an impact with these small things?

A friend who is very green aware once said to me that although she knows it seems like a drop in the ocean to recycle our rubbish and turn off lights etc, she feels that it is not this that we are trying to make an impact on as much as the attitudes of our children and future generations. For her children it is now second nature to do all these things and they will be part of a generation who just think very differently because they have grown up with a new attitude, and it would not occur to them to throw away a glass bottle rather than recycle it.

I believe this is the point, our contribution is not for our generation, and may not instantly change the balance of nature. However if we can change the way of thinking for future generations by our example we will have made the greatest impact we can.

There are green files in both houses which contain more information for those who are interested.

We support the Royal National Lifeboat Institute by having boxes in both houses, we felt this was an appropriate Charity as many of our guests come here because of our coastal location and all of us who visit the sea are dependant on this wonderful service if things go wrong.

In the future we will be looking at some sort of carbon off-setting with each booking we take.

We will keep you updated with our progress.

Please read our Environmental Statement.