From the original design process through to running of the site, we have utilised several sustainability practises at The Outside-Inn Wirksworth and aim to further develop our approach to "Regenerative Tourism" in the future:

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Located within Wirksworth’s conservation area, working with a local architect helped ensure the site is sympathetic with the landscape: the lodges have a low aspect; are situated within a cutting in the hillside with raised berms and planting of new hedging minimises the visual impact.

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High insulation values help keep the lodges warm in winter and cool in summer; solar gain is minimised through shading from the roof over-hang, orientation of the windows (west and north) and thermally lined curtains and blinds. The lodges are all Building Regulations compliant.

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A Green Entrepreneurs Grant from Derbyshire County Council provided matched funding for solar infrastructure and two Electric Vehicle chargers. The solar has been incredibly successful resulting in the site being “off grid” for most of the year, contributing significantly towards us achieving Net Zero.

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The lodges have low-voltage appliances where possible and water-saving taps, toilets and showers.

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We use refillable bottles for shampoo/body wash, conditioner, moisturiser and hand soap rather than disposable minis. Welcome packs contain biodegradable face cloths, non-plastic shower caps and minimal plastic vanity kits.

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Our cotton bed linen and towels are laundered locally in Matlock, and we wash tea towels, dog beds and dog towels in house using “Minimal” laundry detergent bought in returnable bottles.

 

Where possible we use nature-friendly cleaning products such as white vinegar shower sprays and sodium bicarbonate.

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Our waste management provider “B&M Waste” is carbon neutral and diverts all waste from landfill. Waste is recycled where possible; any residual waste is sent for energy recovery in the UK.

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We actively promote biodiversity across the site: from an "ecological desert" of heavily grazed, low value grassland, we are actively managing the site to promote biodiversity. We have planted over 200 native hedging plants, established wildflower areas, planted over 1000 spring flowering bulbs and we leave most of the grass to grow long, with just two cuts per year.

 

We actively encourage guests to explore the site and experience the local nature - we have cut paths through the grass and positioned benches to take in the views and watch the birds (including buzzards, red kites, swallows and owls), butterflies and bats fly overhead.

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External lighting in communal areas is limited to motion sensor solar lights and we ask guests to be mindful not to leave the patio lights on in order to reduce the impact on nocturnal wildlife, as well as making it easier to see the stars.

 

To find out more about our re-wilding efforts, please see our Social Media pages.​