At Harlings, sustainability is at the heart of everything we do. Nestled in the beautiful Tamar Valley and on the edge of the Bere Peninsula, we’re surrounded by an area rich in wildlife and natural beauty. We believe it’s our responsibility to protect this landscape for future generations.
Over the years, we’ve introduced a range of sustainable practices, but it’s an ongoing journey, and we’re always looking for ways to do more.
Restoring Habitats and Protecting Wildlife
We’ve planted over 1,000 metres of new earth bank hedgerow and more than 5,000 British native trees by hand, with the help of volunteers. Our 1-acre wildflower meadow and 10-acre woodland, managed under a 10-year plan, provide vital habitats for wildlife. We’ve also installed bug, bat, bird, and hedgehog boxes to enhance biodiversity.
Sustainable Farming and Water and Energy Management
Our farming practices focus on keeping the land chemical-free. We use our own dung as natural fertiliser, produce our own hay, and have fenced off watercourses to protect them from livestock. We also harvest rainwater and use LED lights with sensors to minimise energy use. Our two sewage treatment plants and separate holding tank ensure safe waste management. We’ve also installed water pipes using a pipe layer rather than digging trenches to minimise soil disturbance.
Reducing Waste and Our Carbon Footprint
We’ve cut down animal feed deliveries to once a month to lower emissions, and for the past few years we’ve collected Christmas trees from the local area to repurpose as feed for our A-Grade English Goats. Our farm shop, café, and restaurant are currently being built using as much repurposed and recycled material as possible. We also encourage our campers to recycle their waste.
Supporting Local Communities
We prioritise sourcing from local suppliers and producers, reducing transport emissions and supporting the local economy. Our commitment to sustainable tourism has been recognised with the SECTA Green Acorn Award, recognising the taking steps we’re taking to protect and enhance our natural environment.
What’s Next: Our Plans for the Future
We’re excited about the next phase of our sustainability journey. We’ll be reducing printed marketing materials by using QR codes and opting for recycled paper when printing is necessary. We’re also installing cold stores for the farm shop, café and restaurant which consume less energy than conventional refrigeration.
In the long term, we plan to expand our rainwater harvesting and explore installing solar power to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels. We’re also looking to offer more farm tours that focus on sustainable farming to educate and inspire others.
Living and working in such a beautiful and ecologically rich area reminds us daily of how important it is to protect what we have. By continuing to invest in sustainable practices, we’re preserving not just the land, but creating a space where nature, people, and the community can thrive.
What Do You Think?
We’re always looking for new ways to improve and would love to hear your thoughts. What sustainable changes would you like to see us introduce at Harlings? Or perhaps you’ve seen great ideas elsewhere that could inspire us?
Share your suggestions by emailing us at info@harlings.co.uk and be part of shaping a more sustainable future.
