Going Green

It seems that every generation must have a 'buzz word', whether it is good or bad.  Certainly the biggest issue of the year now, is climate change and the environment.  People are more aware of the impacts that their lifestyle has to the environment (locally and globally).  There are of course simple measures that you can do to improve and lessen your impact, from recycling to walking, to buying local produce and turning off lights when not in a room.

John and Brenda have always been environmentally minded, evidence of this can be seen around the Farm from tree planting and pond digging, through to the more modest bird and bat boxes that are scattered about.

History

In 2004, John and Brenda decided to go for a Green Island Award - Freshwater Fruit Farm was awarded a GOLD Award, and although we didn't get the top prize, we were short-listed which was a great pat on the back!

However, during the awards for 2005 we not only won GOLD but also the Camping and Holiday Park of the Year! This means that not only are our practices considered the best, but also that we are able to offer our customers an experience that impacts the Island's beautiful countryside in a more positive way. 

In the 2006 & 2007 Awards, we were awarded GOLD, and would like to thank our guests for making this possible.  Because of suggestions, and the willingness to support the recycling scheme, composting scheme and things such as Gift to Nature, we feel we have been able to go that little bit further than many of our competitors.

Unfortunately, the Green Island Project became very dormant in 2008 and there were no awards or grading.  Although the IW Council commended the great work that the Green Island team did, they seemed reluctant to pay for it. 

The Future

Freshwater Fruit Farm Holidays continue to encourage our guests in being a little greener during their stay, but we are still keen to reduce the impact further! We are very pleased and grateful to our guests who have helped us achieve this award by supporting our waste reduction measures, giving money to Gift to Nature and so on and hope that you will see why we feel that it is an important step to take in forward thinking using practical and positive measures to help reduce our ecological footprints.

We all like to feel that we are doing our bit to help the environment and our own future, so this is what we are actively doing to help our environment, our home ...

We continue to put up nest boxes - for bats and birds - each year.

We are encouraging all guests to recycle their waste - we now have bins for everything from beer cans through to waste food.

We are actively promoting local produce and suppliers where possible - including former Green Island Award winners - so that you can have a green and enjoyable stay on the Island.

As part of our commitment to the environment and to the Green Island Award Project, we have implemented the following environment policy:

SUSTAINABLE TOURISM & ENVIRONMENT POLICY

 Our core vision is to develop and showcase an inspirational example of tourism that:

·         Protects & enhances the natural and built environment

·         Supports & expands the local economy and Island culture

·         Improves residents quality of life

·         Strengthens & diversifies the local skill base

·         Responds to both traditional and emerging holiday markets

In accordance with this vision we are members of Green Island Tourism. This means we are committed both to making your visit more enjoyable and to ensuring that the quality of the Island and its way of life are safeguarded for future generations. 

This organisation will ensure that it meets requirements set by environmental law in the country and fulfils its legal Duty of Care requirements for waste disposal. 

This organisation will aim to ensure it is minimising the harmful effects and maximising the beneficial influences that its activities have on the Island’s environment.

As such we: 

o        Encourage guests to respect our Environmental Management Strategy;

o        Actively promote other green tourism enterprises;

o        Ensure the long-term viability of any wildlife projects we undertake;

o        Promote public transport, walking and cycling;

o        Encourage guests to recycle refuse where appropriate;

o        Maximise the biodiversity at Freshwater Fruit Farm;

o        Ensure that you enjoy your stay and take with you knowledge of green tourism.

Freshwater Fruit Farm Holidays, Wilmingham Lane, Freshwater, Isle of Wight, PO40 9UG, ENGLAND.

t: 01983 753413   f: 01983 753413   e: FFFIOW@aol.com