Guest blog post
At Ramblers’ Rest, eco-tourism isn’t just a trend; it’s our core value. Nestled in the heart of Dartmoor, we’ve always aimed to protect the environment that makes this place so special. But in late 2023, our future looked uncertain. Energy costs were spiralling, and despite our commitment to sustainability, we couldn’t see how to keep the doors open.
We’d done the cash flow homework. Without tackling our biggest overheads, survival seemed impossible. Then came a lifeline: the Decarbonise Your Small Business course from Libraries Unlimited. This free program didn’t just teach theory; it helped us analyse our carbon footprint and provided a Decarbonisation and SME Recommendations Report tailored to our business. That report became our roadmap giving us the confidence to apply for funding.
Solar Powered Ramblers
Sustainability Starts in the Rooms
From the moment guests arrive, they see our commitment to eco-tourism in action. In every room, we’ve added:
– Compostable coffee pods (for food waste bins)
– Food waste and recycling bins
– Bamboo toilet paper
– Snoap (the innovative soap featured on Dragon’s Den)
– Soft plastic recycling
– Map loans for exploring Dartmoor
– Real crockery and cutlery (no single-use plastics)
– Ecover washing-up liquid
– Eco-friendly laundry products for towels and robes
– Reusable sliders instead of disposable slippers
Entrance Hallway
Big Changes Through Grant Funding
Thanks to West Devon Borough Council’s Rural England Prosperity Fund and Devon County Council’s Green Impact Fund, we’ve made major upgrades:
– Installed solar panels and battery storage
– Added double glazing throughout
– Fitted an air source heat pump for our spa pool
– Installed five EV chargers for guests
– Improved insulation and energy efficiency across the property
EV Chargers in the car park
The Electric Car That Changed Everything
One of the biggest mindset shifts? Electric cars. We used to think buying one was ridiculous. Why not run our old diesel into the ground? But the numbers speak for themselves. Our second-hand EV costs about £220 per month on finance and just £30 each month to charge. Compare that to around £380 every month for diesel fuel. It’s the most modern car we’ve ever owned, and it’s guilt-free driving.
Yes, it’s not perfect (we learned about range limitations the hard way during a snowy Dartmoor day!), but we’re fully converted. We even plan to upgrade to a longer-range model and keep this one as our runaround.
Our new energy efficient windows
Customer Service and Online Presence
While we’ve focused on sustainability, we’ve never lost sight of what matters most: our guests. Exceptional customer service is at the heart of Ramblers’ Rest. From the moment you visit our website to the time you check out, we aim to make your experience seamless and memorable. Our online presence reflects our values, clear information, easy booking, and a commitment to eco-friendly hospitality.
Glorious Darmoor
Recognition and Awars
We’re proud to be:
– Green Ambassadors for Visit Tamar Valley
– Holders of the SECTA Green Acorn Award
– A TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice destination
These accolades reflect our dedication to sustainability and outstanding guest service.
Air source heat pump for the hot tub
Why It Matters
Decarbonisation didn’t just save our business, it brought us even closer to our values. Eco-tourism isn’t just a buzzword for us; it’s a commitment. By reducing our carbon footprint, we’re protecting Dartmoor for future generations and offering guests a truly sustainable experience.
If you’re a small business wondering if decarbonisation is worth it, take it from us: it’s worth looking into. There are plenty of options out there. The most important thing is to get started and find out what could work (even if it seems beyond a possibility).
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