Your organisation's purpose:
The most recent additions to the farm is Romney Marsh Shepherds Huts, three luxurious huts which sit in the heart of the farm all bespoke built and made by a local craftsman in Kent, with stunning views over the Romney Marsh and a chance to unwind and get close to nature, with vast open skies and beautiful, peaceful surroundings. These huts sit on AONB and are in keeping with the landscape, with our sheep grazing the clover rich pastures surrounding the huts. We collaborate with local businesses through placing local food and drink as well as adding enhanced experiences of the surrounding area from tours to bike hire and much more.
What is your impact initiative?
We’re so delighted to announce that Romney Marsh Wools has been officially accredited as ‘carbon neutral’ in October 2022 as part of our ongoing journey to reduce carbon emissions, become more sustainable, and build a better future for our planet. In March 2023 we sited an Electric charger into our car park to encourage more use of electric cars and enable existing electric car users to charge whilst on site.
The impact your initiative has had:
Carbon neutrality is a state of net-zero carbon dioxide emissions. It essentially means that for any emissions we create, it will be offset by emissions we’ll reduce elsewhere. It’s a huge achievement to be awarded this title by Net Zero, and it’s a big step towards eventually becoming a fully carbon-zero company.
We’ve always been passionate about sustainability. You could even say that it’s part of our DNA. Wool as a material is incredibly beneficial for the environment, with its bio-degradability and all-natural fibres, making it a good choice for the eco-conscious among us.
We already have a list of green policies and credentials listed on our website, which include our pledges such as supporting local, conserving the historic Romney Marsh pasture, having a minimal impact on the community, and creating products which are naturally processed, with no synthetic dyes or damaging chemicals.
Taking steps to become carbon neutral ties into everything we do, from not only how we source and create our products – but also how responsible we are being in the shop and the office. Something we’re working on currently is the aim to reduce the use of plastics in packaging, and ensuring we’re doing everything we can to ensure you can purchase our products in the most environmentally friendly way.
Have you observed any direct benefits to your business or organisation as a result of the initiative?
We have had positive feedback through our social media channels as well as direct from customers at events, following posts there has been a beneficial uplift on sales through our website and at events. Whilst we have not seen a huge saving in costs it has negated the increases we have experienced as a business as it has helped keep operating costs down.
Have you observed any benefits to your visitors as a result of the initiative?
Being a Carbon neutral business helps our customers feel good about supporting our business. We have attracted new customers and visitors and it has helped maintain a competitive advantage, both locally and globally to our business.
What category/categories does your initiative fall under?
- Reducing energy use
- Reducing waste
- Nature positive initiatives – conserving, preserving or restoring landscapes, habitats & wildlife
- Reducing overcrowding & promoting off-season tourism
- Local job creation
- Wellbeing
- Preserving and protecting cultural heritage
Address:
Rushfield, Giggers Green Road, Aldington, KentTN25 7BT
Website:
www.romneymarshshepherdshuts.co.uk
Contact email address:
