Sustainability
Sustainability and our environmental impact is something we are very conscious of. Our aim is to attract visitors to enjoy beautiful East Devon responsibly, to conserve and enrich wildlife and biodiversity on our land, to support fellow local businesses (with an emphasis on smaller independents), and to do our best to limit our overall impact on the environment. We're not perfect, but our intentions are genuine and we are committed to improve.
Below are examples of some of the sustainable practices and initiatives we have implemented so far at West Meadow Cabins:
Planting trees and rewilding
Since first taking on our 16-acre site and beginning our adventure in 2019, we have so far planted over 500 new native trees, over 100m of new native hedgerow, and prohibit the use of harmful pesticides. Our efforts have created a visible increase in wildlife and biodiversity, supporting existing wildlife and creating new habitats for even more to flourish.
Planting trees and rewilding
Since first taking on our 16-acre site and beginning our adventure in 2019, we have so far planted over 500 new native trees, over 100m of new native hedgerow, and have put a stop to the use of harmful pesticides on the land. Our efforts have created a visible increase in wildlife and biodiversity, supporting existing wildlife and creating new habitats even for more to flourish.
Hampers of local produce
We offer all guests the option to pre-order a Breakfast Hamper of fresh, locally sourced produce, to be placed ready in the cabin’s fridge ahead of arrival. It gives our guests an authentic taste of beautiful Devon produce, directly supports other local businesses, and helps reduce car journeys by our guests. The milk comes from local Oak Park Dairy, where we return the glass bottles for reuse.
In addition to the Breakfast Hamper, we also offer Celebration Hampers of sparkling, white or rose wine from nearby vineyard, Heron Farm, together with locally made artisan fudge.
Responsible waste disposal
All the waste created by our business is collected by our local, responsible and sustainable waste collection experts, Devon Contract Waste, as part of their 'Zero to Landfill' service. DCW divert over 35,000T from landfill every year, 'making our world greener, one bin at a time.'
Responsible waste disposal
All the waste our business creates is collected by our local, private waste disposal experts, Devon Contract Waste, as part of their Zero To Landfill service. Experts in responsible and sustainable waste disposal and recycling, DCW divert over 35,000T from landfill every year "Making our world greener one bin at a time".
Responsible waste disposal
All the waste our business creates is collected by our local, private waste disposal experts, Devon Contract Waste, as part of their Zero To Landfill service. Experts in responsible and sustainable waste disposal and recycling, DCW divert over 35,000T from landfill every year "Making our world greener one bin at a time".
Encouraging public transport
With Feniton railway station (direct connection to London Waterloo 3 hrs and Exeter 30 mins) less than a mile away, travelling to West Meadow Cabins using public transport is a realistic option that we actively encourage. We have hosted many guests who have travelled to us by train, alighting at Feniton and then either walking (20 mins) or cycling (4 mins) the short 0.9 mile journey to our site. There is no restriction on bicycles aboard trains serving Feniton station.
Wood-fired and eco-friendly
We made a conscious choice to have a traditional wood-burning hot tub, rather than electric. Wellness and relaxation is different for everyone, but for us it shouldn’t be about flashing lights, jet streams and bubbles. We believe it should be natural, organic and without distraction. The difference in energy consumption and environmental impact is significant. The wood we provide is sourced from a local sustainably managed woodland estate and is barn-seasoned (not kiln-dried) for a cleaner burn. We also provide eco-friendly firelighters rather than cheaper more harmful alternatives that contain fossil fuel-based chemicals.
Wood-fired, not electric
xxx
Locally crafted
Working with and supporting local tradespeople, local businesses, and sourcing local and sustainable materials where possible is an important part of the core element of our business. Our next cabin is currently being built in a corner of our 16-acre site by a team of skilled local craftsmen who each live no more than 15 miles away. As many as possible of the materials have been sourced from local suppliers, including all of the timber which has come from Luton Green and Blamphayne Sawmills, located only 1 and 3 miles away respectively. The cabin is insulated throughout with Thermafleece - the UK's only producer of 100% British sheep's wool insulation, for a natural, sustainable and breathable insulation.