Regenerative Tourism

1. Our Regenerative Approach

At Frith Meadow, regenerative tourism means going beyond minimising harm. Our aim is to actively restore natural systems, strengthen local communities, and deepen guests connection to place, ensuring the land, biodiversity, and social value of the site are improved over time.

This policy is underpinned by our Sustainability Policy and Decarbonisation Plan and reflects our commitment to continual learning, adaptation, and positive impact.

2. Regenerating the Natural Environment

2.1 Land, Water & Biodiversity

We steward over four acres of meadow and woodland using regenerative land management principles:

  • Rewilding areas of the site by removing fencing to allow natural biodiversity spread between woodland and meadow

  • Planting over 1,000 native broadleaf trees and hedging since 2021, with a high establishment success rate

  • Creating and managing wildflower meadows to support insects, pollinators, small mammals, and birds

  • Protecting existing habitats and encouraging naturally occurring wildlife, including deer, birds of prey, and nocturnal species

Mown pathways allow guests to explore the landscape while limiting habitat disturbance.

2.2 Water as a Regenerative Resource

Water management at Frith Meadow prioritises resilience and respect for natural cycles:

  • Supplying all potable water from an on site borehole sunk 94 metres into the aquifer

  • Filtering water using sediment and UV systems, tested annually

  • Harvesting rainwater into a 1,000 litre tank for toilet flushing and outdoor use

  • Treating all wastewater on site, returning filtered water safely back to the land

This closed loop approach supports both environmental protection and long term water security.

3. Low Carbon, Off Grid Living

3.1 Renewable Energy & Decarbonisation

Frith Meadow operates primarily on off grid renewable electricity, generated by an on site solar panel array with battery storage.

  • Solar electricity supplies all standard electrical needs

  • A backup generator is used only during periods of low winter solar gain

  • Current system upgrades include expanding the solar array, increasing battery capacity, and transitioning to lithium iron batteries to reduce generator reliance

Heating and hot water are currently our largest carbon source, supplied by a gas boiler. Reducing this dependency is a core focus of our decarbonisation journey.

3.2 Continuous Carbon Reduction

We undertake annual carbon footprint assessments through Ecollective, in partnership with Canopy & Stars, and use these insights to inform investment priorities and future decision making.

Planned and ongoing actions include:

  • Reducing generator use through renewable upgrades

  • Exploring biodiesel as a lower carbon fuel alternative

  • Transitioning site and personal vehicles to electric or hybrid models

  • Investigating electric vehicle charging infrastructure powered by renewable energy

4. Regenerative Design & Materials

Our buildings are designed to tread lightly on the landscape while maximising longevity and comfort:

  • Using small scale, low impact foundations to protect roots, soil structure, and habitats

  • Constructing with locally sourced, reclaimed, and second hand materials wherever possible

  • Insulating with sheeps wool and recycled newspaper (WarmCell )

  • Using wood fibre board as an eco-friendly alternative to plasterboard

  • Finishing interiors with natural plasters and eco clay paints

These choices reduce embodied carbon while supporting healthy indoor environments.

5. Circular Resource Use & Waste Reduction

5.1 Waste & Materials

Frith Meadow embraces circular principles:

  • 100% of food waste is composted

  • Guest waste is actively separated, with approximately 50% recycled

  • A zero waste refill system supplies toiletries and cleaning products using sustainably sourced, plastic free bulk refills

  • Firewood is harvested locally within a five mile radius, processed in house, and supported by reclaimed woodworking offcuts

6. Local Economy & Cultural Regeneration

We actively strengthen the local rural economy by:

  • Partnering with neighbouring farms, including sheep grazing for land management

  • Sourcing welcome hamper goods from local bakers, farmers, and producers

  • Supporting regional supply chains that prioritise quality, seasonal production, and reduced food miles

Future plans include deepening partnerships with local craftspeople and land based businesses.

7. Regenerative Guest Experience

Guests are invited to be participants, not consumers, of regenerative tourism:

  • Encouraged to slow down, explore on foot, and reconnect with nature

  • Provided with clear guidance on caring for wildlife, water, and resources

  • Offered locally focused welcome hampers celebrating Herefordshire produce

  • Future initiatives include bike provision for car free exploration and arrival by public transport

Proposed carbon positive initiatives include offering guests the opportunity to sponsor the planting and nurturing of trees on site.

8. Future Regenerative Projects

Planned and aspirational projects include:

  • Creating a natural swimming pond / eco pool that acts as a wildlife habitat and carbon sequestering ecosystem

  • Expanding tree and hedgerow planting across site boundaries

  • Increasing renewable energy capacity to further reduce fossil fuel use

  • Improving on site infrastructure efficiency to move closer to net zero operation

9. Monitoring, Learning & Accountability

Regenerative tourism is an evolving process. We commit to:

  • Regular review of environmental and carbon performance

  • Listening to guest feedback and local insight

  • Using assessments to guide meaningful, long term improvements

  • Being transparent about challenges as well as successes

10. Policy Review

This Regenerative Tourism Policy is reviewed regularly to reflect learning, innovation, and site development.

Last review: May 2026
Next review: May 2027