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. 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 over the last few months we are inching closer to finalising 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 EV charger (designed AND manufactured in the Cotswolds) to encourage you to travel in your EV’s. Alternatively, we’re 10mins from Lydney Rail station where you can book a transfer via The Robin to be dropped practically at our door. Or the No. 72 electric bus from Chepstow also stops just on the main road near Nuthatch. If you’re travelling by bike we provide a secure bike shelter, discreetly tucked away, to store your much-loved bicycles. A useful active transport map for the area can be found here.
Efficient appliances (AEG, Neff, LG) 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 products for cleaning and guests use, refilled to minimise single-use plastic.
Who Gives a Crap bamboo toilet paper. 50% of their profits are donated to clean water and sanitation non-profits.
Line drying towels and bed linen whenever possible to minimise power usage and give them as long a life as possible.
Use of peat-free compost only.
The frozen meat available to buy is sourced from Plump Hill Farm - rare-bread and ethically reared, just 12 miles away in Longhope.
A herb bed offers guests fresh mint, thyme, sage, parsley, and wild garlic in the spring.
Foodie treats and hamper items are locally sourced from within 21 miles and showcase the best of the area whilst supporting local producers and suppliers, as highlighted by our affiliate membership of Made in Gloucestershire.
A bat-box is installed on site to encourage our nocturnal neighbours to roost.
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 part of the 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 the colder months. We also have plans for a small pond to attract even more wildlife to the area.
The bird feeders attract greater spotted woodpeckers, goldfinches, all the tits, squirrels and of course, the occasional nuthatch! Whilst relaxing here you can encounter a myriad of butterflies, slow worms, bees and bugs, lizards, bats, owls and birds of prey.
Just over the boundary into Forestry England land herds of deer can often been seen grazing amongst the bracken under the old Ash tree and at night you may hear the sound of owls in the trees, and snuffling wild boar making their way through the undergrowth.
