Sustainability
Cosy in the winter and cool in the summer, from the outset Nuthatch Retreat was conceived with sustainability in mind and we’re making efforts to move to net zero - all of which has been recognised in receiving our first award for Regenerative Tourism in 2025, alongside two other silver plaques, from the South West Tourism Awards.
The building is triple-glazed and highly insulated with hot water and underfloor heating fed from our air-source heat pump. Electricity is currently provided from 100% renewable sources, and, having had many, sometimes conflicting, conversations with solar PV providers last year we are inching closer to investing in a solar installation with battery storage to further improve efficiency and reduce our carbon footprint once funds are secured.
We recognise that travel is a significant contributor to emissions so offer use of a stylish Simpson & Partners charger (designed and manufactured in the Cotswolds) when you bring your EV’s. Or get the train - we’re 10mins from Lydney Rail station where you can book a transfer via The Robin or hop on the No. 72 electric bus, both of which stop just by Nuthatch Retreat (ask for Ayleford Turn). Or explore the forest by bike - we provide a secure shelter, discreetly tucked away, for your much-loved bicycles. A useful active transport map for the area can be found here.
Efficient appliances have been installed; sustainable hemp, organic cotton and linen bedding and ethically-produced Neal’s Yard Remedies toiletries further reflect efforts to minimise the impact of the space. Other considerations include:
Environmentally-friendly, SLS- and paraben-free refillable products for washing and cleaning to minimise polluting the water table and affecting the abundant wildlife in the area.
Who Gives a Crap bamboo toilet paper with plastic-free packaging. 50% of profits are donated to clean water and sanitation projects.
Line drying towels/bed linen when possible to minimise power usage and extend their lifespan.
Use of peat-free compost only and our own compost is in progress!
Frozen meat available in our ‘honesty freezer’ sourced from Plump Hill Farm - rare-bread and ethically reared, 12 miles away in Longhope, using regenerative farming practices.
A herb bed offers guests fresh mint, thyme, sage, parsley, and wild garlic in the spring.
Foodie treats/hampers are sourced within 21 miles, showcasing the best of the area whilst supporting local farmers and producers, as highlighted by our affiliate membership of Made in Gloucestershire.
A bat-box is installed to encourage our nocturnal neighbours to roost.
Low level, down-lit warm lighting is used outside to minimise disruption to wildlife and starry views at night.
Beyond rubbish bags, minimal use of single-use plastic is employed.
The garden is designed to attract a wider biodiversity to an area already rich with the sights and sounds of nature. The lower garden is left to grow wild, with spring and summer wildflower beds and grasses left to grow tall and other planting left over winter to provide habitats in colder months. We also have plans for a small pond to attract more wildlife to the area.
Whilst here you’ll encounter a myriad of birds, butterflies, slow worms, bees and bugs, lizards, bats, owls and birds of prey.
Just over the boundary into Forestry land herds of deer can often been seen grazing under the old Ash tree. At night you’ll hear the sound of owls, or snuffling wild boar making their way through the woods.
