The Scheme was set up in 1997 and it aims to encourage Sustainable Tourism - taking into account the needs of the environment, local residents, businesses, and visitors; now and in the future.

Westley Farm Environmental Policy

 We’re committed to sustainable tourism and want to make being green as easy as possible for you while you stay with us.

Situated within the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Westley Farm comprises 70 acres of mixed pasture and woodland environments. Julian converted the cowsheds and barns on this 200 year old farm himself using local traditional crafts and materials wherever possible. We continue to use local tradesmen, suppliers and craftsmen in the everyday running of both farm and holiday cottage businesses.  We have installed solar water heating in the farmhouse for keeping up with all the summer linen washing. Thankfully the winter load is relatively light by comparison. As part of our efforts to reduce the impact of the business on the environment, we also offer full recycling facilities to our guests and are investigating the possibilities of providing our own electricity from a wind turbine. 

Here's what we're doing to reduce our carbon footprint and make our business as green as we can:

• We encourage our guests to participate in sustainable practices such as;
• Recycling; every cottage has it’s own recycling and composting bins. We separate all your recycling for you (we even recycle batteries and light bulbs) and compost your vegetable waste for our garden
• Buying local produce; We are lucky to have the nations best farmer’s market in Stroud every Saturday. Every cottage also has details of local places to eat and local food producers who deliver to the cottages
• Minimising car use; we offer to take guests to/from local train stations. Every cottage has details of local walks. We have local maps available.
• We have liased with a local cycle hire company to have hired bikes delivered and collected from the farm
• We buy environmentally friendly cleaning products such as Ecover, in bulk from The Green Shop
• We use local craftsmen and services. Our cleaning & gardening team all live within walking distance to the farm.
• Weekly visitors to the cottages get home made flapjacks or biscuits, Fair Trade organic tea and sugar and milk bought from the local village shop.
• We monitor energy and water use regularly throughout the year and try to reduce the amount we use without compromising guest satisfaction or comfort
• We always try to REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE
• Much of the farm is under Higher Level Stewardship which means we encourage wildlife and protect and enhance habitats for rare and endangered species on our land
• We are involved in community action groups (Transition, Community Supported Agriculture, local archaeological and environmental groups)
• We structure our environmental practices to ‘GTBS’ standards and set yearly objectives and targets to ensure we continue to improve
• We encourage the use of local transport wherever possible and promote local walks, cycle routes and attractions