Milburn Grange Holiday Cottages

Knock, Appleby-in-Westmorland, Cumbria

tel: 01768 361867
fax: 01768 362337
mobile:077120 50952
holidays@milburngrange.co.uk

Environmental Policy

Looking After the Environment

We believe that we all have a duty to care for the environment and have taken the following steps.

Energy Conservation:
All high-use external lighting is by low energy, long-life bulbs that is controlled by a both a timer and a photo-electric cell (quality of natural light). We are trialing the use of low energy bulbs in the lighting of the hallways and landings of the cottages.

The cottages are supplied with electricity via a coin meter that is set to charge at below cost. Experience across the country suggests that the use of meters is an effective means of reducing the consumption of electricity.

As an experiment to assess the cost/benefit of double-glazing, we have fitted replacement windows to the front of Hayloft Cottage.

We are replacing white goods with more energy-efficient A rated models.

In the period between 1st October and 30th May, should your cottage be too warm, please feel free to turn off the storage heater, at the wall socket, rather than leave windows open.

Water Conservation:
Although some consider that Cumbria experiences a higher rainfall that many other parts of the country, all water has to be processed before it is pumped to Milburn Grange.

To encourage water conservation, we have fitted showers above all baths.

As 'foul' water from the cottages drains to a septic tank we ask guests to consider what they are flushing down the toilet or pouring down the sink! Bleach and certain cleaning agents are harmful to the bacteria that break down waste that is in the septic tank. Oils and fats may cause blockages in the pipework - please dispose of such material in a plastic container or jar (we will provide the latter if requested).

The gardens are laid mainly to lawn with borders of shrubs. Unlike annuals, shrubs do not require watering during the long, hot summers.

Recycling:
We recycle all our waste paper and cardboard, plastic bags, bottles (glass and plastic), cans and batteries. To conserve natural resources and energy as well as reduce landfill, please use the bins that we provide at the far end of the barn for recycling packaging materials. This waste is recycled at Milburn Village who receive a payment for managing the facility which is then used to support the village hall.

Garden refuse is composted.

Vegetable peelings and uncooked vegetable scraps are fed to the sheep.

We have achieved our target, set 3 years ago, of reducing waste sent for landfill to 30%. With your help we have achieved this figure.

Thoughtful Purchasing:
We use local suppliers wherever possible. This both helps to sustain local businesses and reduces delivery costs.

Visitors are invited to use the village store at Silverband.

Appleby offers a grocery and butchers shop, a bakery, pharmacy, post office, garage, several traditional pubs, cafes, take-away food outlets and a bistro.

Transport:
The best way to cut down on pollution is to walk, cycle or use public transport. Bus timetables and details of local cycle-ways are available in the Utility Room. Suggestions for local walks are provided in each of the cottages.

Unfortunately, the local bus serves us on Fridays only!

Flora and fauna:
We have uncut areas of grass and dead wood is left in places to encourage insects upon which birds and small mammals feed.

Bird boxes have been placed in a number of locations in the grounds of Milburn Grange and bird feeders are located in the shrubs opposite the cottages

Local Environment:
Milburn Grange is situated within the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and the fells (hills) behind the cottages are part of the Moor House-Upper Teesdale National Nature Reserve.

Milburn Grange Holidays is an Associate Member of The Lake District Tourism and Conservation Partnership and, through its guests, is helping to fund the Dufton Ghyll Project.
Current total donation through guest sponsorship £308 - 2009

We encourage visitors to consider the importance of protecting the environment for future generations and invite you to make suggestions as to how we might improve our environmental performance.