Sustainability Statement

Nature recovery does not end when a guest checks out. The woodland continues to grow, wildlife continues to return and our community continues to benefit. That is the legacy we want every stay at Northumberland Nook to leave.

Our approach goes beyond simply reducing our environmental impact. We believe that the success of our business should actively contribute to restoring nature, supporting local businesses, strengthening our community and creating richer experiences for future visitors.

Restoring Nature

Nature recovery is at the heart of what we do. Through the Great Northumberland Forest initiative, we have restored 1.75 hectares of connected habitat, planting 2,339 native trees across 16 species. These trees help reconnect fragmented tree lines and create wildlife corridors that will continue to develop for generations.

We have also created three wildlife ponds covering approximately 0.5 acres and established a two-acre organically seeded wildflower meadow. Together, these projects have transformed previously low-value pasture into a diverse landscape of woodland, wetland and species-rich grassland habitats.

Our independently prepared Landscape and Ecological Management Plan (LEMP) forecasts a minimum 14% Biodiversity Net Gain, providing measurable evidence of our commitment to improving biodiversity.

Supporting Northumberland

Regeneration also means strengthening the local economy. Around 80% of the products in our guest welcome packs are sourced from Northumberland businesses, including Bari Tea, Mocha Mondo Coffee, Northumberland Bakehouse and our neighbouring farm, Goodfellows. We source firewood from within ten miles, while our shepherd's hut was built just 14 miles away, using reclaimed timber, recycled plastic and natural sheep and alpaca wool insulation. Wherever possible, we choose local suppliers and products, helping to ensure that the economic benefits of tourism remain within the Northumberland community.

Sustainable by Design

Our everyday operations are guided by the same principles. Electricity is generated through 16 solar panels and a wind turbine, supported by battery storage, allowing the business to operate largely on self-generated renewable energy. We provide guest information digitally, eliminating printed welcome packs, and carefully select cleaning products with lower carbon impact, reduced plastic and minimal packaging.

Investing in Our Community

We believe successful tourism businesses should strengthen communities as well as landscapes. As Northumberland Nook has grown, we have reinvested £1,000 through sponsorship of Matfen Cricket Club, helping fund solar panels and battery storage at the clubhouse, supporting festivals involving more than 100 Under-9 cricketers, and providing kit for women's and junior teams.

Every Stay Makes a Difference

Most importantly, our guests become partners in our nature recovery journey. Many return specifically to see how the landscape continues to evolve. One couple have already stayed five times in two years, with two further visits booked, telling us how rewarding it has been to witness the woodland establishing, wildlife returning and habitats becoming richer with every visit.

For us, this is regenerative tourism: every booking helps leave Northumberland in a better condition than before.