Devon self catering cottage and eco lodges

Wheatland Farm, North Devon, wins bronze for sustainable tourism in the 2010/2011 South West Tourism Excellence Awards

Press Release 16 November 2010
Judges' verdict:

"Both Rob and I were particularly taken by your commitment to the Devon countryside and establishing accommodation at a level that makes its enjoyment accessible to many. Everything about the way in which you are developing and running your business is so genuine and I'm sure that your visitors pick up on this and find your care and love for the area and environment rubbing off on them."
Neil warren, Sustainability Strategist for South West Tourism.

Wheatland Farm, near Winkleigh, Devon, has won a bronze award for sustainable tourism in this year's South West Tourism Excellence Awards.  Ian Price from Triodos Bank and Broadcaster Declan Curry presented the award to owners Ian Ripper and Maggie Watson at a packed awards dinner at the Riviera International Conference Centre, Torquay on Monday (15 November).

Wheatland Farm's eco lodges, owned by Ian Ripper and Maggie Watson, impressed the judges by using 75% less energy per occupied night than the average UK home and keeping 79% of waste out of landfill.

Maggie said, "We're delighted. We aim for comfort, rather than luxury, because we think it's more sustainable and also because it means we can keep prices down, making our lovely farm and nature reserve accessible to more people. We're really pleased to see the judges recognise our approach and put us in a category that encompasses sustainability from luxury hotels through to attractions like Bristol Zoo."

Ian said, "From the beginning our ethos has been to make an environmentally and socially sustainable living from the special qualities of this part of Devon. Even so, it's been a journey of gradual greening. It really is possible to 'go green' in a pragmatic, incremental and profitable way from a very conventional starting point. Our most recent benchmarking showed we've cut annual electricity usage by 25%, even though last summer was one of our busiest seasons yet."

Maggie adds, "And what we'd really like is to help other businesses do the same. If any Devon tourism business - green or just thinking about heading that way - wants to come and see what we do just get in touch - we'd love to share ideas and experiences."


From left to Right, Alistair Handyside chair of South West Tourism, Ian Price from sponsors Triodos Bank,  Ian Ripper and Maggie Watson of Wheatland Farm, Broadcaster Declan Curry.
ENDS

Notes for Editors:
  • Images are available: see http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/maggie2watson/WheatlandFarm?feat=directlink and also the awards night photos at https://www.theimagefile.com/?skin=1397850&Action=FL&id=65086250&setpwd password TORQUAY.
  • 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 South West Tourism Excellence Awards are organised by South West Tourism http://www.swtourism.org.uk/marketing-your-business/excellence-awards/.