Green Statement

Witherslack Cycle Barn are continuously seeking to reduce their environmental impact and we encourage our guests to support us on this journey to ensure we operate as environmentally friendly as possible in our pursuit of sustainable tourism. During the building of the bunk house, every endeavour was made where possible to minimise its impact on the surroundings and the wider environment and ensure the running of the business is materially and ethically sustainable.

Some of the many efforts to reduce our carbon footprint and provide sustainable accommodation include:

• The installation of a new wastewater package treatment plant to improve the quality of water discharged.
• The installation of insulation to reduce the use of fuels for heating.
• Hemp and lime wall internal insulation so the building will breathe and remain healthy for visitors.
• Natural lime pointing around the external stonework of the barn.
• The reuse of old reclaimed oak timbers and limestone.
• Installation of solar thermal and photovoltaic arrays on the roof to take advantage of the renewable process to produce hot water and electric.
• The installation of a biomass pellet boiler for heating and additional hot water.
• A highly efficient LPG boiler as a back-up heating source.
• Energy efficient double glazing.
• Thermostatically controlled radiators to avoid wasted energy.
• Push button showers to conserve water.
• Flush limiters on WCs to conserve water.
• LED low energy lighting with PIR technology to utilise energy efficiently.
• The use of ‘A’ rated energy efficient electrical appliances where possible.
• Supporting local businesses by buying local wherever possible.
• Use of environmentally friendly chemical products to protect the wastewater package treatment plant and the environment the water discharges into.
• Disposing of fat and grease from cooking in the waste bin and not flushing this down the sink.
• Only using locally sourced kiln dried wood for the wood burning stove.
• Planting in the gardens to encourage conservation of wildlife and biodiversity.
• Recycling our waste, providing facilities and encouraging our guests to recycle – plastic, tins, glass, paper and cardboard
• Using recycled products such as toilet paper, bags and envelopes wherever possible.
• Supporting and encouraging sustainable transport both to the bunk house and for the duration of the stay.
• Providing visitors with information on sustainable public transport and free lifts from the nearest bus stop.

Please support our efforts on this journey by:

• Conserving water by not leaving taps running.
• Protecting our wastewater package plant by observing what can and cannot be flushed down the toilet.
• Disposing of fats and grease from cooking in the waste bin.
• Conserving electric by turning off lights when not in use.
• Conserving heat by closing doors and windows when the heating is on.
• Recycling paper, card, plastic and glass and use the designated containers provided for recycling and leave no trace of your visit.
• Buy local food and support local businesses. This area relies on tourism.
• Walk and ride whenever you can, limit the use of your car or use public transport to reduce carbon emissions.
• Observing the Countryside Code when you are outside enjoying the beautiful Lake District.