carbonneutraltourism.co.uk

Tom’s Place is an ethical ‘fish and chip’ restaurant which has recently opened and is run by Michelin starred chef Tom Aikens.  Located in Chelsea, London Tom’s Place offers diners fish which has been line caught (rather than trawled).  We also understand that the furniture is made from recyled materials.

Deepdale Backpackers and Camping have just been awarded the Gold Award by the Green Tourism Business Scheme, the highest award available.

Since Deepdale Backpackers opened five years ago, they’ve won awards for both the environmental nature of the business and the quality of the product they provide. These awards include the Tourism in Norfolk Sustainable Tourism Award, Food and Farming Industry Award for Rural Regeneration and the Best Rural Retailer Diversification Award.

Being awarded the Gold Award by the Green Tourism Business Scheme confirms the environmental status of Deepdale and bench marks them against over 1400 businesses in the United Kingdom.

The customers of Deepdale have always been involved with the green sides of the business, from recycling their rubbish to getting involved with the annual conservation weekend. In fact many customers come back year after year because Deepdale makes such a big effort to reduce their impact on the environment. In 2007 Deepdale supplied over 29,000 bed nights in the hostels, on the campsite and in their tipis.

To win the Gold Award, Deepdale had to be inspected and to keep the Gold status the facilities will be inspected regularly to check they are moving forward with their green policy, installing new technologies and continuing to reduce the carbon footprint of the business.

All businesses wanting to be graded under the Green Tourism Business Scheme, must also first be graded for the quality of their product by Quality in Tourism. This means that the business isn’t just green, but also provides a quality service. Deepdale Backpackers and Camping have received 4 stars in this scheme, and would have 5 stars if there were carpets in the bedrooms. However the managing partner, Alister Borthwick, points out, “Why would we want to cover the beautiful floor boards we have upstairs? And we have underfloor heating, so the floor is always warm.”

“Burnham Deepdale is home to one of the country’s best backpacker hostels, around which activities pool.” Lonely Planet - Great Britain Guide

The Green Tourism Business Scheme has been running since 1997 and is the largest and most established scheme of its type in the world. The scheme is recognized by UK national and regional government as a crucial part of its drive towards sustainability. Their aim is to build on this strong position and ensure that the UK remains at the forefront of sustainable tourism in the future.

Deepdale has been working with environmental organisations, from advisers to installers, for many years. In fact Jason Borthwick, the other partner in the business, now offers consultancy with his company Earthly Ideas.

To celebrate the Gold Award and Earth Day, an international day about the environment, Deepdale is holding the North Norfolk Coast Earth Day Event on 22nd April, in the grounds of Deepdale Backpackers and Camping. This event will run from 10am to 4pm and is FREE to attend for the general public and businesses who would like to meet installers, pressure groups, advisors or have a look around the eco friendly facilities of Deepdale Farm.

Companies wishing to exhibit at Deepdale on 22nd April are more than welcome. If they visit www.deepdalefarm.co.uk/earthday they’ll find all the information they need.

For more information on the facilities at Deepdale Backpackers and Camping and the eco friendly aspects of the business please visit www.deepdalefarm.co.uk or call into the site in Burnham Deepdale, approximately half way between Hunstanton and Wells-next-the-Sea on the A149 coast road.

GreenSpace in Christchurch New Zealand is marketed as eco-friendly accommodation which can accommodate up to four guests. Meals are normally produced using produce from either the English Park organic fruit and vegetable market or from their own organic garden.

The house was design by Alan Simpkin from Eco Homes and built by Phillip Wilkinson Fern of Natural Home Builders. Environmental initiatives include the use of:

• Solar water heating
• Triple glazing equivalent
• Recycled carpet insulation
• On-site organic vegetable and herb garden
• Comprehensive kerbside recycling scheme

Find out more about GreenSpace here.

This time about purchasing second homes overseas.  Sky News reports that British second home owners are taking environmental considerations into account when purchasing a second home. One in four people stated they would only look for a property which was a ’short distance’ away from the UK. Read more on Sky’s website.

Foresight is published monthly by VisitBritain and in issue 39 January 2007 there is an interesting article on second homes (you need to scroll to the last article in that month’s issue).  Do people who purchase second homes in the UK encourage less overseas travel?