Foxtwood Cottages Environmental Statement 

Foxtwood Cottages is committed to minimising its environmental impacts; we strongly believe that we can make a difference.
Action is being taking in the following areas:

Waste

• Glass, paper, tins, cardboard, carrier bags and plastic bottles are recycled.
• Sturdy bag are supplied in the cottages for guests to easily recycle these products.
• Email and telephone is used, where appropriate, rather than paper-based communication.
• Compostable waste is put on the compost heap.
• Recycled products are used where possible e.g. toilet rolls and stationery.
• Items are bought in bulk to reduce packaging waste.

 Energy·        

• Electricity and gas use is monitored. From 2007 - 2008 the Cottages used 11,876 kWh of electricity and approximately 80,149 kWh of gas. Targets have been set to reduce this amount during 2008/09.        
• Energy efficient bulbs are used where possible, preventing 5,642kg of carbon dioxide.        
• Insulation has been fitted between the floors, in the roof space and in the walls.
• Windows are double glazed and draft free.        
• The hot water tanks and pipes are insulated.        
• New white goods are energy ‘A’ rated.       
• The kettles have a water gauge to avoid the need to boil more water than is required.        
• Efficient underfloor heating has been installed.        
• Radiators where fitted have thermostatic valves to reduce the heat in rooms as required.         
• Hot water is part heated by solar water panels. 

Water

• Showers are available as a water saving option to a bath.
• Dripping taps are repaired promptly.
• Kettles have a water gauge to avoid using more water than is required.
• Most toilets are fitted with low flush cisterns.

 Purchasing

• Wherever possible we use local suppliers and seek to use goods and services which do not have a negative environmental impact.

 Grounds

• Our fields are managed using traditional farming methods under the Countryside Stewardship Scheme.
• We have a small heard of Dexter cattle for conservation grazing of our grasslands.
• Our own free range chickens provide us with eggs
• We raise trout for eating in our pond.
• Growing our own fruit and vegetables is especially enjoyable.
• We can offer plenty of organic blackberry picking to our guests in season!

   Community

• We are members of the Cauldon and Uttoxeter Canal society, which aims in the long term to restore a further length of the canal, the Staffordshire Wildlife Trust, FWAG (Farming and Wildlife Group), BESST (Business and the Environment through Small Scale Tourism) and two local accommodation groups, who meet up to swap ideas, support each other, purchase and advertise together.
• We always try use local craftsmen for maintenance and other jobs.
• We recommend guest to local attractions, restaurant and pubs, within walking distance if possible.

 Continuous Improvement

• We always welcome ideas and suggestions from our guests on ways we can reduce our environmental impact further.

Signed Clive and Alison Clive & Alison Worrall                  March 2009