Bosinver and the Environment

We’re passionate about the environment and committed to developing and promoting sustainable tourism. We love living in Cornwall and are very aware of the fragile balance of this beautiful environment and the demands we all make on it – that’s why we do everything we can to try and protect it and reduce our impact. To find out more about what we do to care for the environment, read our environmental policy pdf.

Our site

We have 30 acres of land which includes a variety of diverse habitats, including wetland, woodland, a lake, hedgerows and wildflower meadows. We encourage out visitors to make the most of these special areas. There are a number of interpretation areas around the site with information on the different habitats and what can be found growing and living there. We have a variety of wildlife and nature-related books for visitors to borrow, and we encourage them to use our wildlife spotting book to record what they’ve seen.

Green Tourism Business Scheme

In April 2008 and March 2011 we were assessed by the nationally recognised Green Tourism Business Scheme. The inspection looks at the environmental impact of business in over 120 areas, including energy usage, cleaning products and recycling practices. We are delighted to be awarded Gold, the highest accolade.

Cornwall Sustainable Tourism Project (CoaST)

We’re members and Ambassadors of the Cornwall Sustainable Tourism Project (CoaST). They’re a social enterprise which started in Cornwall but has now spread across the globe. CoaST advocates ‘One Planet Tourism’, which is tourism that operates within the economic, environmental and social limits of our planet (currently we’re using three planets worth of resources). It’s about being aware of what we’re doing, and actively working together to make things better, one step at a time.

Wild Kids Cornwall Club

We believe outdoor play is really important. As we're lucky enough to have our own woodland right here, we set up out Wild Kids Club Cornwall to help children (and their families) re-discover the natural environment. We run regular guided activity sessions in our woods which include things like campfire building and marshmallow toasting, den building and pond dipping.

Lowen – our new eco-house

Lowen is a zero carbon house which is energy self-sufficient. It uses energy from the sun and ground to provide electricity, heating and hot water to the house. It will also send surplus electricity back to the grid.

Part of the reason we built Lowen was to demonstrate that it’s possible to construct buildings and run a business with a low environmental impact – with the aim of inspiring others to do the same.

It’s been a furthering of our interest in all things sustainable and Cornish. Our son Mark is a Chartered Engineer and moved back home to project manage the build using his knowledge of sustainable building techniques. Our aim throughout the build has been to source materials and labour as locally as possible. Where possible, all the furnishings are eco-friendly and/or recycled and locally sourced. We are committed to supporting local artists and craftspeople and have commissioned furniture and artwork for Lowen from a number of craftspeople and artists in Cornwall.

 Hilltribe TV recently made a video for Business Link featuring Bosinver as one of their case studies.  Watch Pat talking about our sustainable business practices, researching renewables and building Lowen - and catch a glimpse of Lowen being constructed.

Cleaning products

We use eco-friendly cleaning products from Green My Business in all our cottages, and they’ve trained our cleaning staff how to use them effectively.

What you can do to help

We want you to enjoy the beauty of Cornwall's countryside and coastline – and to help keep it that way for future visitors. There are lots of ways you can help protect the environment while you’re here:

Recycling at Bosinver

You’ll find a bag in your cottage to store recycling in as you collect it. There are large recycling bins next to the big barn attached to the office. We’d be grateful if you could put your bottles, newspapers etc. in these when you pass by. So far we’re able to collect glass bottles and jars, steel and aluminium food and drink cans or food tins, paper, cardboard and plastic.

There’s a bag in your cottage to collect your recycling throughout the week. When it gets full, there are separate bins for different types of recyclable materials next to the big barn by Reception.

At the end of your stay, please don’t throw away and leftover food. Leave it in the fridge or out on the worktop and we will use or recycle it.

Composting

You’ll also find a compost caddy in your kitchen to use for vegetable waste, and there’s a compost bin next to the games room and two to the left hand side of the washing line in the vegetable garden behind the farmhouse. If you need more bio-degradable compost caddy liners during your stay, just ask.

What happens to our recycling?

Bosinver’s recycling is collected and taken to the Bodmin Material Recycling Facility. From there, it’s sent on to be recycled at specialist sites in the UK and abroad. Recycling also helps our local community - St Mewan Playgroup receives a donation from everything we collect.

Support local producers

There’s loads of fantastic produce grown right here in Cornwall. By supporting local producers and services, your visit can have a lasting impact on small businesses and communities within the county. From Farmers’ Markets to farm shops, village stores to pubs and cafes, local vineyards and fishmongers, there’s lots to whet your appetite.

Our local village shop in Polgooth has an excellent range of produce. Order online, and they’ll deliver your order to Bosinver. Or you could try Cornishfoodmarket.co.uk, for a wide range of local produce with free delivery. 

The ‘Quality of Life’ Veg Bag Scheme

People and Gardens work with people with physical and emotional difficulties at the Eden Project’s Watering Lane Nursery to grow and harvest fresh, sustainable produce. They’ll deliver locally grown fresh season produce to your cottage door. By ordering from them, you’ll be supporting this no-for-profit organisation to continue providing opportunities and employment for disadvantaged individuals. www.bosinver.co.uk/facilities/organic-veg-bags

People and Gardens also bring small groups to work in Bosinver’s gardens and grounds once a week.

Travel by public transport

Getting to Bosinver by public transport

It’s quite easy to reach Bosinver by public transport. St Austell railway station is only 3 miles away, and we’re on two bus routes - 26A Western Greyhound service (towards Gorran Haven) which stops in Polgooth village and the First bus number 27 (towards Truro) stops in Trelowth.

If you’re willing to leave your car at home and travel to Bosinver by public transport, we’ll pay your taxi fare to and from our St Austell railway station.

Car-free days out in Cornwall

There’s lots for the whole family to do here at Bosinver, from exploring the woods to our play equipment, swimming pool and tennis course. We can point you in the direction of some great walks that start from Bosinver - there are some fantastic places to see right on your doorstep!

Even if you leave the car here for just one day and travel by public transport instead you’ll still be doing your bit to help reduce traffic and protect the environment. Take a look at our ’50 things to do without a car’ guide if you’re looking for some inspiration. We’ve put together our top recommendations for what to see and do, and how to get there.