Ecolnet Case Study :: Roulotte Retreat
Country
SCOTLAND, UK
Contact Details
Address: near Melrose Scottish Borders TD6
Website: http://roulotteretreat.com/
E-mail: avril@roulotteretreat.com
Phone Number: 0044-0845 0949 729
Website: http://roulotteretreat.com/
E-mail: avril@roulotteretreat.com
Phone Number: 0044-0845 0949 729
Keywords
Excellence
Case Description
Roulotte Retreats offers 5 *accommodation in traditional ‘Roulottes’ (Traditional Gypsy Caravans). The business is the vision of Avril Berry and Alan Fraser and has developed over the last 5 years into an award winning luxury ecotourism establishment. It is a first rate example of how being green can be luxurious as well as good for the environment.
Best Practices
1
Criterion 1 B.1. Community Development
Description
Description
The local community was concerned about a ‘caravan’ development adjacent to a historic village
Initial concerns from the community about the development which would impact on planning permission being awarded. The solution was found to acknowledge their concerns and have direct discussions with the community both in the planning meeting and by offering to meet with individuals or groups and show them the plans for the site. These meetings produced some interesting ideas and fed into the final plans for the development.
Subsequently direct links with the community have enabled the owners to address any issues that arise and deal with them in a timely manner.
Involving the community at an early stage is vital so issues can be discussed and mitigation or alterations to plans can be undertaken while the development is still in the planning stages.
Initial concerns from the community about the development which would impact on planning permission being awarded. The solution was found to acknowledge their concerns and have direct discussions with the community both in the planning meeting and by offering to meet with individuals or groups and show them the plans for the site. These meetings produced some interesting ideas and fed into the final plans for the development.
Subsequently direct links with the community have enabled the owners to address any issues that arise and deal with them in a timely manner.
Involving the community at an early stage is vital so issues can be discussed and mitigation or alterations to plans can be undertaken while the development is still in the planning stages.
2
Criterion 1 D.1.3. Energy Consumption
Criterion 2 D.1.4. Water Consumption
Description
Criterion 2 D.1.4. Water Consumption
Description
There was some concern about the environmental impact of the business. Therefore:
1) Caravans heated with wood logs sourced locally and logs made from rapeseed meal (along with electricity)
2) Toilets are low flush; 'water pebbles' in the showers to help reduce water usage
3) The Roulottes (Romany hand built wooden caravans) were equipped with energy-efficient appliances; e.g. eco kettles, eco toasters, low energy lighting, wind-up radios, torches, etc.
4) High quality mattresses and natural fabrics were used in the Roulottes
It was learned that clients value the quality of the furnishing and environmentally friendly attitude of the business
1) Caravans heated with wood logs sourced locally and logs made from rapeseed meal (along with electricity)
2) Toilets are low flush; 'water pebbles' in the showers to help reduce water usage
3) The Roulottes (Romany hand built wooden caravans) were equipped with energy-efficient appliances; e.g. eco kettles, eco toasters, low energy lighting, wind-up radios, torches, etc.
4) High quality mattresses and natural fabrics were used in the Roulottes
It was learned that clients value the quality of the furnishing and environmentally friendly attitude of the business
3
Criterion 1 D.3.4. Biodiversity - Conservation
Criterion 2 D.2.4. Other Pollutants
Description
Criterion 2 D.2.4. Other Pollutants
Description
A number of measures were taken to limit the impact of the business on the biological environment:
1) Operating a Dark Skies policy and ensure caravans are sufficient distance from each other to limit disturbance; use solar lighting to light pathways
1) A wildlife pond was created consisting of clay lined with reed bed to filter water
2) A wildlife advisor was consulted to help identify rare species within the area and advise on how to improve biodiversity by planning native species of trees and shrubs and have planted a wildlife meadow
As a result, clients value the quiet and darkness (no wifi on site as well) so return visits are high as are recommendations.
1) Operating a Dark Skies policy and ensure caravans are sufficient distance from each other to limit disturbance; use solar lighting to light pathways
1) A wildlife pond was created consisting of clay lined with reed bed to filter water
2) A wildlife advisor was consulted to help identify rare species within the area and advise on how to improve biodiversity by planning native species of trees and shrubs and have planted a wildlife meadow
As a result, clients value the quiet and darkness (no wifi on site as well) so return visits are high as are recommendations.