Devon self catering cottage and eco lodges

Wheatland Farm, North Devon, wins silver for sustainable tourism in the 2010 Devon Tourism Awards

Commenting on the award, Ian said "We're delighted. It recognises four years of hard work and our belief that sustainable tourism should be mainstream, not luxury." He added, "We're not big, so I suppose in that sense we're exclusive, but people come here from all incomes and all walks of life. We've had someone pay with a cheque from Coutts & Co. and others who've asked for extra time to pay cash on arrival. Sustainable shouldn't be beyond most peoples' pockets".

Regional sustainability expert, Rob Buckley, of the Sustainable Building Resource Centre in Dorset, agrees, saying: "Wheatland farm completely disproves the ideas that quality needs excessive consumption, or that sustainable means hair shirts and cold showers. You get the comfort we've all come to expect and stunning surroundings. If there's a 'luxury' it's knowing your holiday has a minimal impact on the environment. Wheatland Farm's lifestyle package minimises consumption without just 'bolting on' technology for the sake of it. It's a glimpse of the future we all hope to see, and invaluable education in winning over hearts and minds to real change in the way we live."

And Maggie and Ian want to spread the word further. Ian says "Come and stay-we're open all year for holidays or short breaks. But we also welcome visits from all sorts of groups, and particularly other tourism providers who want to talk about going greener.

"It's not about splashing the cash, it's about a different approach that values quality over consumption and celebrates wildlife and our environment. And so many Devon tourism providers have something to celebrate and share-our fabulous countryside is why people come to Devon. Lets help our visitors keep it that way!"

ENDS

Notes for Editors:
  • Images are available: see http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/maggie2watson/WheatlandFarm?feat=directlink
  • Wheatland Farm is owned and run by Maggie Watson and Ian Ripper. Contact telephone: 01837 83499 and 07780708747 www.wheatlandfarm.co.uk info@wheatlandfarm.co.uk. Ian Ripper has 20+ years of experience in sustainable tourism, particularly adventure travel. Maggie Watson has previously worked as a professional ecologist and as a science communicator.
  • In late 2006 they took over Wheatland Farm - a rather dilapidated and un-green business attached to a neglected Site of Special Scientific Interest (Popehouse Moor). Their dual aims have been to protect and enhance Devon's wildlife (making it financially viable through tourism), and to contribute to wider environmental issues by offering socially-sustainable low carbon holidays.
  • Ian and Maggie thank the Devon Wildlife Trust for its advice and support in managing their culm grassland Site of Special Scientific Interest, Popehouse Moor.
  • Wheatland Farm would be delighted to welcome any Devon tourism business for a half day visit and to talk about sustainability. Please just get in touch.
  • The Devon Tourism Awards are organised by Visit Devon http://www.visitdevon.co.uk/site/tourism-businesses/devon-awards .
  • The Sustainable Building Resource Centre is co-located with the Dorset Centre for Rural Skills, at Blandford, Dorset  http://www.dorsetruralskills.co.uk/index.htm.


Press Release 1 October 2010
Judges' verdict:

"From the website to wildlife walks with Ian and Maggie any guest to Wheatland Farm would experience an authentic 'green' holiday and leave inspired, with a lighter impact behind them."
Wheatland Farm, near Winkleigh, has won a silver award for sustainable tourism in this year's Devon Tourism Awards.  BBC Radio Devon's Judie Spiers presented the award to Ian Ripper at a packed awards dinner in Kingsbridge (Thurlestone Hotel) on Thursday (30 September).

Wheatland Farm's owners, Ian Ripper and Maggie Watson, impressed the judges with their commitment to both carbon-cutting and education. Maggie said, "We've been monitoring our energy use, and the insulation, solar panels and other power saving devices mean the lodges use 75% less energy per occupied night than the average UK home." Wheatland Farm also has a 'comfort-not luxury-policy' to cut consumption and, by encouraging guests to recycle, keeps an impressive 79% of its waste out of landfill.

But for Maggie and Ian it's their wildlife that's most important. Maggie explains: "The lodges and cottage make it financially viable to run Wheatland Farm for wildlife-including our barn owls, orchids and dormice. Our guests love the freedom and space, and they know it's their stay that makes our conservation work possible. We offer everyone a guided walk around Popehouse Moor, our Site of Special Scientific Interest nature reserve, as a thank you and people leave knowing they've helped look after the Devon countryside they came to enjoy."

From left to Right, Rosie Bates, Ian Ripper, Judie Spiers, and sponsors Gail Livingstone and Jane Adkins (from A Head for PR).