European Charter Businesses
The Forest of Bowland AONB gained the European Charter for Sustainable Tourism in Protected Areas in 2005. The Charter is awarded to protected areas that are delivering tourism that is both nature and landscape friendly and which contributes to the economic development of the region. The Charter approach ensures that organisations, local people and businesses are working together to protect the area, whilst at the same time increasing opportunities for visitors to discover and enjoy its special qualities.
Since 2007 a number of tourism businesses working in partnership with the Forest of Bowland AONB to contribute to the development of sustainable tourism have been able to gain their own recognition and have become European Charter Businesses.
In order to qualify for certification as a European Charter Partner a business will:
- Participate in the Forest of Bowland Sustainable Tourism Network
- Support Bowland Tourism & Environment Fund
- Achieve Green Tourism Business Scheme accreditation
- Maintain relevant quality accreditation
The businesses that have recently received European Charter Business status are listed below. These businesses are also all of the businesses in the Forest of Bowland with GTBS accreditation.
European Charter and GTBS Accredited Businesses
Click on the company name to get further information about the business.
| Company | Business Type | Address | GTBS accreditation (*click the link to view business case study) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bleasdale Cottages | Self-Catering | Lower Fairsnape Farm | GOLD 2007* |
| Bowland Visitor Centre | Visitor Attraction | Beacon Fell | GOLD 2009* |
| Bent House Farm | Self Catering | Tosside | SILVER 2010 |
| Bowland Wild Boar Park | Visitor Attraction | Chipping | SILVER 2007* |
| Bridge House Farm Tea Rooms | Restaurant | Wray | BRONZE 2007 |
| Broadgate Farm | B&B | Bleasdale | SILVER 2009 |
| Caldertop Cottage | Self-Catering | Calder Vale | GOLD 2009* |
| Cleveley Mere Boutique Lodges | Self Catering | Forton | GOLD 2010* |
| Clough Bottom | Self-Catering | Bashall Eaves | GOLD 2007* |
| Cobble Hey Farm and Gardens | Farm/Gardens/Visitor Attraction | Claughton on Brock | GOLD 2007* |
| Cobden Farm | B&B | Sabden | SILVER 2009 |
| Dalesbridge | B&B/ Hostel/Campsite | Austwick | BRONZE 2007 |
| Forest of Bowland AONB | Corporate Office | Dunsop Bridge | GOLD 2010* |
| Forrest Hills | Activity Centre/Visitor Attraction | Lancaster | GOLD 2009* |
| Foxhill Barn | B&B | Gisburn | GOLD 2009* |
| Gibbon Bridge Hotel | Gibbon Bridge Hotel | Chipping | SILVER 2010 |
| Height Top Farm | Self-Catering | Higham | SILVER 2009 |
| Higher Gills Farm | Self-Catering | Rimington | GOLD 2007 |
| Holden Clough Nursery | Garden Centre/Visitor Attraction | Bolton-by-Bowland | SILVER 2007 |
| Hornby Village Institute | Village Hall | Hornby | SILVER 2007 |
| Little Stubbins | B&B | Garstang | SILVER 2010 |
| Lower Gill Holidays | Self-Catering | Tosside | GOLD 2009* |
| Malkin Tower Farm Holiday Cottages | Self-Catering | Blacko | GOLD 2007* |
| Middle Flass Lodge | Guest House | Bolton-by-Bowland | SILVER 2009 |
| Off The Rails | Cycle Hire | Settle | GOLD 2007* |
| Parkfoot Holiday Homes | Holiday Park | Ingleton | SILVER 2007* |
| Pinfold Farm | Self-Catering | Ribchester | SILVER 2009 |
| Riverbank Tearooms | Tea Room | Slaidburn | BRONZE 2009 |
| Slaidburn Village Hall | Village Hall | Slaidburn | SILVER 2009 |
| Spring Head Farm Holiday Cottages | Self-Catering | Bolton-by-Bowland | BRONZE 2007 |
| The Garden Cottage | Self-Catering | Inglewhite | SILVER 2009 |
| The Priory Hotel | Guest House/Restaurant/Pub | Scorton | BRONZE 2007* |
| The Three Fishes | Inn | Mitton | SILVER 2010 |
| Waddow Hall | Activity Centre | Waddington | SILVER 2007* |
| The Old Post House | Hotel | Clitheroe | SILVER 2009 |
| Wolfen Mill Country Retreats | Self-Catering | Chipping | SILVER 2007 |
Note:
GTBS = Green Tourism Business Scheme, for further information visit www.green-business.co.uk/
Bleasdale Cottages
Address:
Robert and Anne Gardner
Lower Fairsnape Farm
Bleasdale
Preston
Lancashire
PR3 1UY
Tel: 01995 61343
Email: info [at] bleasdalecottages [dot] co [dot] uk
Website: www.bleasdalecottages.co.uk/
'At Bleasdale Cottages we are committed to providing a good quality service whilst minimising the environmental impact of our activities. You will stay on a farm managed for wildlife in accommodation designed for sustainable tourism, featuring wood pellet central heating. We work closely with the RSPB, and other conservation organisations to maintain and improve wildlife habitats on our land. In particular we are working to increase wading bird and brown hare populations and to enhance biodiversity.'
Newly converted from traditional Lancashire stone farm buildings, our holiday cottages offer luxurious and flexible self-catering and B&B accommodation. If you are looking for wide open skies and breathtaking views, to breathe fresh air and recharge you batteries then Bleasdale in the Forest of Bowland is the place to be. We have won awards for our efforts in Lapwing conservation and this is a wonderful area to come and watch birds and Brown Hares.
Bowland Wild Boar Park
Bill Bailey
Chipping
Preston
Lancashire
PR3 2QT
Tel: 01995 61554
Website: www.wildboarpark.co.uk/
'In order to secure our Silver award, we installed a wind turbine and two solar panels to generate our own electricity. These will also generate heat and hot water for the classroom and office when there is spare capacity. We also introduced measures to prevent river pollution from the site. We have introduced recycling bins to encourage visitors to separate their rubbish, and we have switched to environmentally friendly soap in our washrooms.'
See and feed our wildlife which includes deer, llamas, and goats. We have lots for kids to do including a pedal tractor area; tractor rides; a play area; and lamb, llama and deer feeding (when available). Take a picturesque walk by the river Hodder, and visit our cafe for homemade food and our special home reared wild boar meat.
Bridge House Farm Tea Rooms
Address:
Pat Staveley
Wray
Lancaster
LA2 8QP
Tel: 015242 22496
Email: info [at] bridgehousefarm [dot] co [dot] uk
Website: www.bridgehousefarm.co.uk/
'We recycle and compost our waste; we have reduced our water consumption and are analysing our energy use too. We have lagged pipes, and measure the use of cleaning products to avoid over use. We try to stock local produce wherever possible and we promote local walks and wildlife.'
Bridge House Farm Tea Rooms is open daily with delicious home cooked food, with special attention paid to local produce. A mix of local crafts, garden gifts and regional foods, Bridge House Farm is a year-round destination for a good quality afternoon out!
- Striking Plants and Horticultural Expertise
- Original Crafts and Artwork
- Picnic Area and Children's Playground
- Riverside and Woodland Walks
Clough Bottom Farm Cottages
Address:
Harry & Jane Backhouse
Bashall Eaves
Near Clitheroe
Lancashire
BB7 3NA
Tel: 01254 826285
Fax: 01254 826015
Email: info [at] cloughbottom [dot] co [dot] uk
Website: www.cloughbottom.co.uk
'We have developed our own environmental policy which sets out our principles, such as using ecological detergents and cleaning products, recycling waste and using recycled products, switching to energy saving light bulbs, stocking local, organic and fair-trade food, providing local information packs for our guests, and carrying out conservation projects on our organic farm.'
Stylishly furnished and equipped with every modern facility, these lovingly converted stone-built farm buildings are perfect for small groups of family and friends. Some of our visitors come in search of ornamental trees and shrubs for their gardens, others to tend their horses and ponies or perhaps spend a relaxing cottage break in this idyllic stretch of the Ribble Valley, Lancashire. Awards include Highly Commended in the North West Tourism Awards for excellence in Sustainable Tourism and for Self Catering Holiday of the Year, and now our Gold award from the Green Tourism Business Scheme.
Cobble Hey Farm & Gardens
Address:
Edwina Miller
Off Hobbs Lane
Claughton on Brock
Garstang
Nr Preston
Lancaster
PR3 0QN
Tel: 01995 602643
Email: cobblehey [at] aol [dot] com
Website: www.cobblehey.co.uk/
'We won our Gold award for a commitment to sustainability throughout our work. For example, we use local food, and our own produce where ever possible, in the tea room; we always re use materials within the garden; we have a strong recycling policy; we have switched to energy saving lighting and have a wood burning stove which uses thinnings from our own woodland, and ash from the stove is used on the garden. We also have a strong commitment to education and working with local schools and other partnerships.'
Cobble Hey Farm & Gardens has something to offer the whole family. From a wide range of excellent walks, to wetland bird conservation areas, rare breed farm animals & children's play facilities. We also offer educational packages, from the individual to school groups and from kindergarten to secondary, we have co-ordinated a programme linking with the National Curriculum using a wide range of teaching experience. Our excellent tearoom which has received the Highest Quality assured mark from the Lancashire and Blackpool Tourist Board with all produce locally sourced and produced on site. All this along with beautiful gardens full of unusual plants and spectacular views, what more could one ask?
Dalesbridge Centre
Address:
Jon Beavan
Austwick
Near Settle
N Yorks
LA2 8AZ
Tel: 015242 51021
Email: info [at] dalesbridge [dot] co [dot] uk
Website: www.dalesbridge.co.uk/
'When we entered the Green Tourism Business Scheme we decided to look at our business from top to bottom. We asked our cleaning products supplier to do an audit of all the products we used, and switched to ones that were biodegradable; we have introduced recycling bins to our bedrooms, and changed to low energy light bulbs wherever possible; we use recycled paper products; we use email and print only when necessary, rather than sending everyone printed leaflets; we save water, plant trees and have our own Green Tourism policy which was developed by all our staff working together. We believe in educating our guests about our work too, and although Dalesbridge was already a green place when we started, we're certainly a lot greener now!'
Originally built in 1907 Dalesbridge offers a variety of excellent accommodation. B&B, Self Catering House, Bunkhouses and Campsite, they all provide a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere. Ideal for groups or individuals who wish to take advantage of the splendid scenery and outdoor challenges that the Yorkshire Dales has to offer.
Whatever the event, Dalesbridge can provide the venue. Dalesbridge specialises in club trips, birthday and wedding functions, reunions, corporate training events, weekend camping, short break B&B and house parties.
Higher Gills Farm
Address:
Freda Pilkington
Rimington
Clitheroe
Lancashire
BB7 4DA
Tel: 01200 445370
Website: www.highergills.co.uk/
'Our silver GTBS award was given because of our commitment to wildlife, local suppliers and energy saving. We have created nature notebooks illustrating local wildlife, and a perpetual diary to record sightings in. We have also identified and promoted 3 local walks from the farm for visitors to enjoy. We encourage recycling, and compost kitchen waste for the farmhouse gardens. We have switched to low energy light bulbs, and 'A' rated appliances wherever possible, and we also use and provide ecological cleaning and soap products. We provide a list of local suppliers, make and sell our own jam, and provide home made biscuits as part of our welcome pack'.
Situated at the foot of Pendle Hill, Higher Gills Farm offers magnificent views of the Ribble Valley and Forest of Bowland, surrounded by the villages of Barley and Downham, close to the historic market towns of Colne, Clitheroe, Settle and Skipton. The farm, which has cattle and sheep, provides an ideal base for exploring the surrounding areas and the excellent walking territory. The stables have been converted into two self-catering apartments.
Holden Clough Nursery
Address:
Peter Foley
Holden
Bolton-by-Bowland
Clitheroe
Lancashire
BB7 4PF
Tel: 01200 447615
Website: www.holdencloughnursery.com/
'In order to attain our Silver award with GTBS we had to demonstrate our environmental credentials. These include re using plastic plant pots and trays, cleaning them with an environmentally friendly cleaner, and only recycling them when they reach the end of their lives. We use very few chemicals at the nursery, preferring instead to work in harmony with nature and encouraging natural predators such as lacewing and ladybirds. We also use a minimal amount of peat, and compost all our own waste - using the resulting product within the nursery. We work with our local hotel, the Spread Eagle, by taking away their cardboard boxes and using these for posting out orders and for customers buying plants from the nursery - and so reducing the need for plastic packaging. Finally, we work closely with the local community and beyond, educating the public about gardening and the environment.'
The nursery was established in 1927 by Richard Milne-Redhead and in the early days specialised almost solely in the cultivation of alpine and rock garden plants which proved very popular with gardeners across the north and were soon offered by mail order countrywide.
Over the years the range of plants propagated and offered for sale has widened immensely to include many fine herbaceous perennials, shrubs, climbing plants, dwarf conifers and heathers as well as hardy ferns and ornamental grasses. Throughout this time the main criteria of the nursery has been to produce quality plants in a hardy manner with no excessive protection from the elements and at the same time ensure that the range of plants offered is hardy in our North West England Pennine location.
Hornby Village Institute
Address:
Jill Calvert
Main Street
Hornby
Lancaster
LA2 8JR
Tel: 015242 22227
Email: info [at] hornbycrc [dot] co [dot] uk
Website: www.hornbycrc.co.uk/
'The Institute was awarded a Silver award, this was partly due to the highly efficient gas central heating system, which enables certain areas to be isolated and other areas heated. The Institute also installed energy efficient lighting as part of its major refurbishment scheme, and all windows were double glazed and walls and roofs insulated. The committee has a policy of sourcing materials and produce locally wherever possible, and does not stock bottled water on principle - the bar serves Hornby water only!'
The beautifully restored listed building provides two large conference and dining rooms, reception lounge, break out/training and syndicate rooms. The ideal location for business meetings, conferences seminars, corporate events and team building events and also a fantastic community resource centre.
Malkin Tower Farm Holiday Cottages
Address:
Andrew and Rachel Turner
Barnoldswick Road
Blacko
BB9 6RQ
Tel: 01282 699992
Email: info [at] malkintowerfarm [dot] co [dot] uk
Website: www.malkintowerfarm.co.uk/
'We found working towards the Gold GTBS Award extremely interesting. To obtain this award we encourage our guests to recycle their waste, sign up to our guests' charter and plant a tree to offset their carbon footprint. We provide an environmental and sustainability folder in each cottage, which contains details of farmers' markets, pubs and restaurants, local walks and other local information. Some changes that have been made at Malkin Tower include replacing the oil fired Esse range cooker for an energy saving electric cooker, energy saving lighting, installation of an 'A' rated boiler, and the planting of around 8,500 trees and hawthorn, blackthorn etc, to form a natural environment for birds and wildlife.'
Established in 2002 Malkin Tower Farm Holiday Cottages have converted a derelict barn into two cottages offering a very high standard of accommodation with panoramic views over the surrounding countryside.
The farm cottages are ideally situated for walking holidays in Pendle or the Forest of Bowland. The cottages are right on a footpath connecting the Pennine Bridleway to the east and the villages of Roughlee, Newchurch, Barley and Fence to the west. These cottages are superbly situated for those who want to climb Pendle Hill or follow the Witches Way.
Off the Rails
Address:
Colin Clifford
The Cycling Centre
Station Yard
Settle
North Yorkshire
BD24 9RP
Tel: 01729 824419
Email: rides [at] offtherails [dot] org [dot] uk
Website: www.cyclebowland.com/
'We were proud to be "Highly Commended" in the Sustainable Tourism section of England's Northwest Tourism Awards 2007. While working towards the Green Tourism Business Award we realised that, although we were operating perhaps the greenest form of tourism possible, we had a number of opportunities to pass on the message to our visitors. Our route sheets were an ideal place to inform people of the importance of maintaining the Bowland environment and keeping it alive. Our message "Whatever you take out with you, bring it back again" was included, together with information about the various environmental schemes that were in operation. Our feedback forms were extended to include questions about environmental awareness and this proved to be a good way to engage visitors and remind them of how special this area is. We also made it clear to our accommodation providers that we were keen to use those who ran environmentally friendly premises and could continue the green message that we were giving.'
Our big idea is to make it easy for visitors to explore this part of the world in an environmentally friendly way straight off a train and onto a bike! The business was launched Easter 2006 and is based at the railway station in Settle. We offer a range of self-guided day rides and 2/3 day tours of Bowland with accommodation and baggage transfer included. A unique award winning bike/rail trip in conjunction with Northern Rail lets visitors take the train to the top of the hill and ride a bike back down. Mountain Bike Tuition and Dirty Weekends are also available.
Our target market covers families, the 50+ and larger groups of young people. Families can hire bikes, tag-alongs, child trailers and seats so everyone can join in, and we have a choice of child friendly routes. The older age group are people who may not necessarily ride a bike regularly or haven't ridden for a long time and now have the opportunity to enjoy a day out on a bike. We cater for youth groups, scouts, company away days and mountain bike groups etc. We have a custom built 24 bike trailer so we can supply bikes over a wide area.
Parkfoot Holiday Homes
Address:
Ann Shaw
Bentham Road
Ingleton
LA6 3HR
Tel: 015242 61833
Email: enquiries [at] parkfoot [dot] co [dot] uk
Website: www.parkfoot.co.uk/
'As a result of our involvement in GTBS we have developed a wildlife and nature library for guests and we also ran a tree identification competition in the autumn. We encourage our guests to purchase environmentally friendly products and not to use bleach products, and we also encourage them to use the recycling facilities. We have purchased benches from Prosperity Recycling, and use recycled wood fibres for our play area, and recycled products for our printing etc. We will also install a water butt to use for watering our hanging baskets, and a chipper shredder to chip all our shrub and tree cuttings. We aim to encourage our guests to reduce their own energy use and to get involved in greening Parkfoot!'
Parkfoot has been architecturally planned and landscaped, providing a density of less than ten homes per acre. You can relax at Parkfoot in an oasis of peace and quiet.
Spring Head Farm Cottages
Address:
Susan Lund
Bolton by Bowland
Nr Clitheroe
Lancashire
BB7 4LU
Tel: 01200 447245
Website: www.springheadcottages.co.uk/
'Springhead has introduced a 'shop locally' guide into the cottages, and switched to low energy light bulbs. Recycling is encouraged and cleaning products are environmentally friendly.'
Set amidst splendid, unspoilt countryside in the beautiful Ribble Valley and within the Forest of Bowland, Springhead Farm Holiday Cottages provide high quality, comfortable four-star accommodation for those seeking the freedom of a self-catering holiday.
Guests can relax in our garden and enjoy the birdsong and the peace of the countryside along with the splendid views towards Pendle Hill.
The Priory
Address:
Jonty Collinson
Scorton
Preston
PR3 1AU
Tel: 01524 791255
Website: www.theprioryscorton.co.uk
'To achieve the GTBS Award we have pursued simple, low cost effective and cumulative measures which have led to saving energy costs, for example through the use of low energy light bulbs; reducing laundry loads by encouraging environmentally conscious use of towels by guests; and compacting of cardboard, paper and plastic waste for recycling. We use a local firm for the collection of glass waste and harvest rainwater for gardening purposes. We promote walking and cycling to encourage visitors out of their cars when visiting Bowland. To this end we provide cycle locks, a cycle store and drying facilities.'
Restaurant, bar, tea Rooms and four star en-suite accommodation. We are open all year round except Christmas Day. We serve traditional dishes using local Lancashire produce, and have a fine selection of ales and beers from Daniel Thwaites and Bowland Brewery. We are an ideal base for exploring rural Lancashire, the Fylde, the Wyre and The Forest of Bowland.
Waddow Hall
Address:
Antony Wootton
Clitheroe
Lancashire
BB7 3LD
Tel: 01200 423 186
Fax: 01200 427 460
Email: waddow [at] girlguiding [dot] org [dot] uk
'Greening an old building like Waddow Hall is not easy, but we have collected over 50 drinks bottles and put one in each toilet cistern to reduce water consumption. We are also introducing energy saving light bulbs wherever possible. We provide fair-trade tea and coffee in all rooms, and stock it in our shop also. A major insulation programme is also planned to reduce energy wastage.'
Waddow Hall is a 17th-century manor house overlooking the River Ribble and set in 178 acres of enchanting Lancashire countryside. It has been owned by Girlguiding UK since 1927 as a place for trainings, activities and accommodation. The manor house provides an ideal setting for groups to get away from the day-to-day pressures of school and work.
There are five fully equipped campsites, plenty of indoor accommodation, good conference facilities and equipment provided for a range of exciting activities. Facilities are available for youth groups and other group bookings.
Wolfen Mill
Address:
Michael Lawson
Fishponds Lane
Chipping
Forest Of Bowland
PR3 2GR
Tel: 01995 61574
Email: information [at] wolfenmill [dot] co [dot] uk
Website:www.wolfenmill.co.uk
'Wolfen Mill has undertaken several measures to reduce its energy usage including changing all fittings, where possible, to low energy lighting as well as the installation of a highly efficient fuel boiler for central heating. We provide all guests with copious information about local walks direct from the door at Wolfen Mill as well as programmes for 'Car Free' days out whilst staying with us.'
Wolfen Mill is a development of luxury self catering holiday properties located in 300 year old country mill just one mile from the village of Chipping. We provide holiday accommodation on a weekly or short let basis. Our audience is targeted at medium to affluent couples although we do have two properties suitable for families. Our guests are capable of contributing a high spend whilst on holiday, providing valuable business to local restaurants pubs and other tourist attractions and shops.
We can accommodate up to 38 guests and often have our property filled by groups of family or friends meeting for the weekend, we hold a wedding licence at the Mill also.
The majority of our guests arrive to stay with little to no knowledge of the Forest of Bowland, but they all leave very well impressed with the area its services and beauty.