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Sustainability at Garth Barns & Country House
Garth Barns & Country House operates with the philosophy to provide a wonderful countryside destination for guests to enjoy, whilst also ensuring alignment with our commitment to minimising our impact and protecting the nature, biodiversity and rural environment in which it exists, and beyond
From solar-powered hot water and a comprehensive recycling programme, to the initiatives to promote biodiversity on the wider estate, the owners, John & Veronica, take a holistic approach to ensuring the Garth Farm as a whole continues to not only reduce and mitigate impact, but also promotes and enhances the quality of the environment in which it lies.
Please see below for a summary of sustainability-focused initiatives at Garth Barns & Country House.
Energy Efficiency
From the very beginning of Garth Barns & Country House, the development and renovation of the properties has been carried out with a focus on maximising efficiency and minimising resource use.
The Barns are well-insulated to reduce heat energy loss and items such as appliances are well-maintained and selected for both their energy efficiency performance, as well as their utility, wherever possible.
Solar Powered Hot Water
Since opening, the hot water and underfloor heating systems in Hafod Barn have been heated by a set of discreet solar panels installed on its roof (subject to the availability of sunlight!).
Biomass Boiler to Replace Oil Across the Entire Venue
With the installation of a biomass boiler system in 2015, Garth Barns & Country House’s central heating and hot water systems are now proudly powered by 100% renewable energy!
Locally-Sourced Materials
During the development of Garth Barns & Country House, great care was taken to minimise the need for new, manufactured and imported materials which generate a higher carbon footprint.
Many of the materials used in the renovations were either re-used, repurposed from the existing structures or sourced locally. There are also many examples of fixtures, fittings and furniture at the venue which have been made from solid Welsh oak!
Responsible Farming
On the Farm, the operating farmers are committed to farming responsibly at the Garth Farm, and in accordance with organic principles.
In practice, this means no chemical fertilisers or feeds are permitted, and a strict adherence to the prevention of ‘over-farming’ the land.
Large areas of the farm are left fallow for much of the year, which allows for necessary regeneration and the promotion of important biodiversity.
With an abundance of wild pastures, woodland, traditional hay meadows and responsible farming practices, the Garth Farm also benefits from an ever-changing display of wild flowers from spring through to the end of summer.
Measures to Promote Wildlife & Bio-Diversity
Across the Farm, there has always been (and continues to be!) a strong commitment to enhancing the quality of the environment, with keen focus on promoting flourishing bio-diversity. Some of these initiatives have included establishing new ponds to promote wildlife and birds, as well as afforestation through the planting of thousands of new trees, with great focus on species suitability and diversity.
Another recent project included the planting of new hedgerows (and re-establishment of old hedgerows) in various locations across the Farm, replacing bare metal fencing with a diverse range of flora, in order to provide important ecological building blocks across the Farm’s landscape.
Natural Spring Water
The water supply at Garth Barns & Country House comes from the Garth Farm’s own private spring. The water is tested annually by Powys County Council. It is a natural supply, free from any added chemicals.
Recycling Facilities
Garth Barns & Country House operates with a firm commitment to upholding the highest standards when it comes to recycling. This ethos is underpinned by Powys County Council’s recycling operations, which require (1) general domestic waste; (2) glass/plastic/metals; and (3) paper-based products to be sorted separately prior to kerb-side collection.
Powys currently (as of 2022) has a household recycling rate (meaning proportion of total waste that is recycled) of 68%, which is more than 50% higher than the 44% average in England! Guests are invited to do their part to promote sustainability by kindly making use of the recycling facilities available on site, which are discreet, easily accessible and will be explained upon arrival.
A truly beautiful venue… adapted & responsibly managed to minimise impact and to protect & promote the natural environment for generations to come