The Environment

Cossington Park is a member of the Green Tourism Business Scheme. We have been awarded a Silver grade. We are very pleased with this performance at our first attempt - particularly as the eligibility criteria are getting tougher. Here are a few points of interest: Over the past five years, we have spent far more on restoring and maintaining the gardens at Cossington Park than is justified on purely commercial terms We nurture some special trees, including the oldest tree of its type in the country, some very fine limes and a wide range of unusual apple trees We keep a wild garden at the end of our paddock, which is loved by butterflies Our Paddock has lots of rare cowslips We have three ponds that are abundantly supplied with newts, including the endangered great crested newt, and have recently erected owl, bat and bird boxes

We have regular contact with Chris Sperring MBE, Naturalist and Broadcaster, who will arrange guided nature walks including ‘Owl Prowls’ and ‘Badger Watches’ on the Somerset Levels. Contact Lorraine , our 'green champion', on 07833 646 831 for more details.

Lorraine is helping us introduce a whole range of initiatives aimed at reducing our impact on the environment. These include:

• Adopting a policy of 'green procurement', taking environmental factors into account in all purchasing and supplier contracts using where possible local suppliers, artists and retailers and incorporating organic and fair trade products when available.
• Reducing waste at source and recycling paper, cardboard, plastic, and glass, digesting/composting all kitchen waste in our 'Green Cones' and 'Wormery'.
• Using environmentally friendly cleaning products where possible, utilising micro-fibre cloths that minimize the need for cleaning products.
• Reducing water and detergent use by weekly washing of bed linen and towels and drying naturally where possible (guests are invited to let us know on arrival if they require a more or less frequent linen change).
• Adopting the practice of responsible and efficient energy management to reduce consumption in all our operations.
• Encouraging the use of public transport and cycling by providing information on local walks, cycle trails, nature reserves and bus and train timetables.
• Conserving rainwater for use in the gardens where we have a protected environment for rare trees and plants and a wildlife pond
• Working with and supporting our local community and disadvantaged groups in the wider community.
• Maintaining a non-smoking environment (smoking can be permitted by special pre-agreed arrangement).

Graham Wason, owner/guardian of Cossington Park, has been deeply involved in tourism and sustainability for many years. He led the teams that worked on the following reference works:

• A guide to Corporate Social Leadership for the industry, produced on behalf of The World Travel & Tourism Council.
• The follow up to Agenda 21 for Travel & Tourism, working with the World Tourism Organization
• A guide to sustainability for small hotels, prepared on behalf of the International Hotel Environment Initiative and International Hotel Association; and
• A guide to sustainable golf course development and management for the European Commission.

Please click this link to download a copy of our Environmental Policy