Environmental Policy
Gwel an Mor recognises and accepts that the activities involved in the running of the lodges may encroach upon the environment. In an effort to minimise these harmful effects, we are committed to responsible and sustainable environmental management.
Our guest experience is built on enjoying the natural environment, which is why we strive to make it our responsibility to protect it. We work hard to focus on reducing our footprint on the environment by working on key factors such as our waste production, water and energy use, and protection of wildlife.
Recycling…
We provide recycling opportunities for our guests on the resort for glass, cans, plastic and paper our guests are actively encouraged to use these facilities, as are our staff. It is our aim to continue to increase the amount we recycle and reduce the amount we send to landfill.
In 2020, we recycled 75% of our waste with just 25% being sent to landfill. In 2021, it is our aim for 90% of our waste to be recycled and only 10% sent to landfill as we work to continually reduce our impact in the environment.
Green Lodges…
We seek to minimise our consumption of energy by utilising low energy lighting across the entire site with LED light bulbs in our lodges, as well as facilities such as the Terrace Restaurant. Lights are also controlled by movement or light sensors wherever practical.
All our lodges are well-insulated, and our Scandinavian lodges have skylight windows to bring natural light into the upstairs rooms that would otherwise require increased artificial lighting and ventilation. Water consumption is kept to a minimum and is recycled at Feadon Wildlife Centre where possible. Our Residence Eco Lodges boast water reduction equipment on the kitchen taps to reduce water wastage by reducing the amount of water consumed.
Our lodges have been constructed using eco-friendly materials and the grounds around each lodge have been planted with shrubs, bee and butterfly-friendly flowers and local plants that work best with the environment.
Electricity Use…
We have invested in a fleet of 30 electric vans and buggies that are used by our staff to move materials around the site to reduce noise pollution and emissions. There are also electric car charging points for our buggies and vans to allow us to charge these on-site to further reduce unnecessary travel.
There is an electric car charging point for guests to use free of charge during their stay in the main car park outside reception, to encourage more guests to travel using an electric vehicle. Signs have been placed in all lodges to prompt guests to turn off lights that are not being used when they leave a room, plus all lights and unnecessary heating are switched off when lodges are empty.
Wildflower Areas…
While much of the resort requires the grass to be kept short, where possible we allow grass and hedges to grow to encourage wild flowers, insects and other animals to thrive. All fields have a four-metre wildlife corridor around the boundaries. Tree planting is an ongoing project with 600 new trees planted around the site in 2020. We recognise the importance of trees in the environment, and wherever we can we plant trees native to Cornwall.
There are dedicated wildflower areas across the site that are marked by a sign, so guests understand why some areas have been left to grow naturally rather than be perfectly manicured. These are designed to encourage bees, butterflies and other insects to pollenate and are managed by Feadon Wildlife Centre and our grounds keepers.
Local Suppliers…
Our Terrace Bar & Restaurant sources local produce wherever possible and use local suppliers. All appropriate food waste is fed to the animals in the Feadon Wildlife Centre or wildlife that come to visit every evening to collect their ‘supper’ at the centre. Peelings and grass cuttings are made into compost, which is used on the gardens around the resort.
We purchase our fish from Matthew Steven’s Fish based locally in nearby St Ives. The restaurant is also part of the Cornwall Good Seafood Guide that provides clear and accurate information to help consumers and businesses make environmentally informed decisions when purchasing Cornish seafood.
Wildlife Conservation…
Feadon Wildlife Centre has many rescued animals that couldn’t otherwise live in the wild including foxes and owls. It is home to a large natural pond, which has a path for pushchairs and wheelchairs to use and has two wild bee homes. We also encourage wild bird life, with many nesting boxes used around the resort and in the woods.
There are eight large fields that are home to everything from emus and pygmy goats to chickens and reindeer that our guests can learn about on our wildlife activities conducted by our rangers. The aim of the wildlife centre is to educate guests about the environment and our wildlife, and what they can do to protect them. We hope a visit to the centre will enthuse and educate guests in environmental issues, so that they can take an active responsibility when they return home.
Our Environmental Promise
All of our guests are encouraged to have ‘car free’ days, and we have local walking routes in all of our lodge folders. We encourage the hire of cycles we are located on the mineral tramway route, which our guests also made aware of, along with the local bus route.
At Gwel an Mor we do not provide shops as we encourage our visitors to interact with the local community, and buy local produce, to promote social sustainability. The local village is within walking distance of the resort.
We employ local staff to reduce the carbon footprint of the resort, many of whom walk or cycle to work. All staff are trained to be aware of the environment, and use sustainable practices.
This policy is reviewed quarterly, by the management and staff at Gwel an Mor.
Let’s Escape…
5 Star Luxury Holidays in Cornwall