Sustainability

Coming Environmental and social responsibility is important to us at Scenic Stays Herefordshire. We know there is always more to do, but we have made significant investment across our properties to reduce energy use, support renewable systems, minimise waste and make practical, responsible choices wherever possible.

Supporting Local Families & Reducing Waste

Where furniture, fixtures, fittings, mattresses, linen or towels are replaced but remain in good condition, we aim to donate or reuse them rather than sending them to landfill.

We are proud to support a local Herefordshire charity that redistributes donated household items to vulnerable children and families moving into accommodation or experiencing financial hardship.

As the charity explains:

The beds, mattresses and bedding you have kindly donated have been used to support vulnerable children and families across Herefordshire who are moving into accommodation or experiencing financial hardship.

Your generosity has made a significant difference. Every bed donated has been provided to a child who did not previously have a bed of their own. We have also been able to distribute bedding to families in need, helping to ensure children have a comfortable and dignified place to sleep.

The support you have provided not only helps local families but also prevents good-quality items from going to landfill, creating both a social and environmental benefit for the community.

By extending the life of good-quality household items, we are able to reduce waste whilst supporting families within our local community.

Renewable Energy & Heating

Penblaith Barn is heated by a biomass boiler using UK-produced wood pellets, providing heating and hot water without relying on gas. The ash is reused on the borders within the grounds. In 2023, we also invested in a 20kW solar panel system with battery storage, helping to power the property overnight.

Trevase Granary is powered by an Anaerobic Digester (AD plant), which also powers the farm and creates electricity for the National Grid. Excess heat produced by the AD plant is used to heat Trevase Granary.

Electric Vehicle Charging

To support more sustainable travel, Penblaith Barn and Trevase Granary each have three electric vehicle charging points, and guests enjoy complimentary charging throughout their stay.

Old Barn House also has a paid Electric Vehicle Charging Facility that guests can use via the Voltshare App.

Please see our EV Policy for further information.

Insulation & Energy Efficiency

Large investments have been made to ensure all properties are well insulated, helping to reduce heat loss and improve energy efficiency.

Klargester Wastewater Systems

Each property has its own Klargester system, which treats wastewater before it safely drains away.

Water Saving

All toilets have dual flush systems to help reduce unnecessary water use.

Lighting

Sensor lights and timer-controlled lighting are used in communal areas at Penblaith Barn and Trevase Granary, and all outdoors lights across all the properties to help avoid lights being left on unnecessarily. We also use LED light bulbs, which are lower energy and longer lasting.

Recycling

We actively encourage recycling at all properties by making it as simple as possible for guests. Clear information is displayed at each property, with signage on bins to show what can be placed where.

After each stay, we check waste and recycling areas and separate items where needed. Light bulbs and batteries are recycled separately.

Reducing Packaging

Where possible, we buy guest supplies and housekeeping products in bulk and decant them into refillable containers. For example, all complimentary toiletries (hand wash, shower gel etc) are purchased in larger containers and existing bottles are refilled to reduce packaging waste.

Supporting Local Businesses

We work with a wealth of local suppliers, tradespeople and independent businesses. From welcome basket items and locally roasted coffee to recommended chefs, activity providers and maintenance contractors, supporting the local economy is an important part of how we operate.

Many of the recommendations featured throughout our website are independent businesses, allowing guests to experience the best of the local area whilst supporting the local economy.

Charity Support & Local Events

When suitable dates are available, we are happy to support charity fundraising events and local initiatives. In the past, this has included hosting fundraising events supporting charities such as the MS Society and pancreatic cancer charities, as well as a range of local community events.

Protecting Our Countryside

Our properties are located within beautiful rural landscapes surrounded by farmland, wildlife and public footpaths.

We encourage guests to respect the countryside, follow local walking guidance, keep dogs under control where required and leave no trace when exploring the local area. Small actions help ensure these special places can be enjoyed for generations to come.

Sustainability FAQs

Do you recycle?

Yes. Recycling facilities are available at all properties and guests are encouraged to recycle during their stay.

Do you use renewable energy?

Yes. Trevase Granary is powered by the farm’s anaerobic digester, with excess heat from the system used to heat the property. Penblaith Barn is heated by a biomass boiler and supported by a solar panel and battery storage system. We continue to review opportunities to improve energy efficiency and increase the use of renewable energy across all properties.

Do you support local businesses?

Yes. Wherever possible we work with local suppliers, contractors and independent businesses, and many of the recommendations featured on our website are local businesses.

Do you provide EV charging?

This depends on the property: Complimentary EV charging is available at Penblaith Barn and Trevase Granary. Old Barn House has EV charging that is paid via the VoltShare App. Bettws Court Retreats does not currently have any EV charging facilities. Please see our EV Policy for further information.

What happens to replaced mattresses, bedding and household items?

Where possible, items that remain in good condition are reused or donated rather than sent to landfill.

How can guests help reduce their environmental impact during their stay?

Simple actions such as recycling, switching off lights when not required, respecting the countryside and supporting local businesses all help contribute to more sustainable tourism.

Looking Ahead

Sustainability is an ongoing journey. We continue to review how we can improve our environmental performance while maintaining the comfort, quality and guest experience that Scenic Stays Herefordshire is known for.