Eco Credentials

Larchwood building project was completed in 2019.  Most of the building work (other than the main structure) was completed by us the family with help from friends, family and our small staff team . . . and we are all really proud of what we’ve created in both a home for ourselves and facilities and spaces for you our guests and visitors.  What we are equally proud of is the low impact of the buildings and facilities which we will continue to improve upon as we grow and develop into the space. 

Here’s a few ways in which Larchwood and the wider farm is an even more intelligent and eco-friendly place than you might at first think . . .

Ecotricity

We use a green energy supplier. . . when we talk about green energy, we mean electricity and gas made from renewable sources. No fossil fuels, and no animal by-products. Just green electricity made from the wind, the sun and the sea, and green gas made from organic material and, soon, grass.  And they don't just supply green energy, they make it themselves – they’ve built windmills and sunmills across Britain, helping to supply their customers with 100% green electricity.

Low-level mains power supply

There isn’t all singing and dancing mains power here – we have a low level supply that comes off the mains and under the large lower field – one day we would like solar panels and are saving the pennies for that already.

Wood Fired and Solar Under-Floor Heating and Hot Water

The hot water and underfloor heating is a combination of wood-powered (and all the wood is harvested from the farm by us) and solar.

Sensitive to ecology/wildlife 

We work to an ecological plan on the site to protect the abundance of wildlife, flora and fauna we are so lucky to live and work amongst.  We have regular support and inspections from an independent ecologist.

A VORTEX® Eco Electric Sewage Treatment Plant

This sewage treatment plant is the only ADJUSTABLE sewage treatment system in the UK.  Approved by the Environment Agency and on the British Water Certified List

Suma Wholesale

We buy Ecofriendly cleaning products in bulk from top ethical brands like Ecover, Bio D, Ecoleaf, Clear Spring, Earth Friendly and more. Suma's own Ecoleaf range which is always our first choice features top ethical credentials: it is produced in the UK, vegan & cruelty free plus all containers are recyclable and we opt for the 5 litre refills into bottles we already have . . . sending the containers straight back with the next delivery driver.

Recycled Materials

Wherever possible we get creative and use materials that are recycled rather than new . . . the biggest example of this is the Storm Board used to create the internal cubicles in the swanky toilet and shower block at Larchwood.  Storm Board is a great example of Closed Loop Recycling that turns waste plastic into a weather proof alternative to plywood.

Our ethos - reduce, reuse and recycle

We put this into practise ourselves in everyday home and work-life plus we provide our guests and visitors with the facilities and tools to embrace the ethos with us.  Large 240 litre recycling bins, compost/food waste, last-resort landfill bins – you name it we will try to recycle or reuse it!  Much of our campsite construction makes use of recycled materials as well… for example our little gas powered shower-units were constructed using bits and bobs from around the farm and the campfire braziers are re-purposed alloy wheels . . . look around and see what else you can spot!

We’ve covered the main points but it’s also important to stress that this list isn’t exhaustive – sustainability runs through the core of everything we do here and we are continuously looking for ways to improve and reduce our impact both now in the present day and for our future generations.  We also aim to provoke thought and action in others through their experiences as a guest at Racquety Farm.  We will leave this little list on an important note, thanks for reading . . .

“the greatest threat to our planet is the belief that someone else will save it”  Robert Swan