Our Green Message

Tregathenan sits between two of the most stunningly beautiful areas of Cornwall – the Land’s End peninsula and the Lizard peninsula, which includes an area designated SSSI (Site of Special Scientific Interest) and an AONB (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty).

The Cornish countryside is diverse with its mix of coast and rural; its industrial and cultural heritage and its unique flora and fauna.

Since moving to Cornwall in 2002, we have loved every aspect of our adopted home and, more than anything, enjoy sharing it with the many visitors who come to Tregathenan each year. But we are more and more aware of the potential impact that tourism can have on our precious environment and this is why in 2009 we joined the Green Tourism Business Scheme as a measure of our commitment to running a sustainable tourism business.

We don’t pretend to know everything about running a ‘Green Business’. We don’t pretend to get everything right. Sometimes we have to think long and hard to find the best way to do things which balance the needs of our guests with the needs of the environment. Some of the changes we have made to the way we do things seem such a small drop in the ocean, and we know we still have a long journey ahead of us. But we are trying. And we ask you to try too.

Here are some of the things we are doing:

  • All our appliances are rated ‘A’ or better for efficiency.
  • We monitor our use of resources and energy – electricity, gas and water – to try to make savings.
  • We reuse or recycle all our plastic containers, cardboard, tins, bottles, paper and old fabrics.
  • We use spring water and collected rain water for the animals and for watering the garden.
  • We compost our kitchen and garden waste.
  • We buy as much of our food and products from local suppliers as we can, to support their businesses and cut down on food and product miles.
  • We use low energy light bulbs.
  • We are members of the Ramblers Association, we lead walks in the local community and encourage walking and cycling as alternatives to car travel.
  • We are members of Cornwall Wildlife Trust and encourage our guests to enjoy the flora and fauna Cornwall has to offer.
  • We drive an electric car to reduce our carbon emissions.
  • We create different habitats around Tregathenan to encourage diversity of wildlife.
  • We have installed solar panels to generate some of our own power – naturally.

And here are some of the things you can do to help:

  • Try to Reduce, Reuse and Recycle wherever possible. Use recycling facilities, for papers, bottles, plastics, cans and cardboard. Use reusable shopping bags Avoid single-use plastics. Re-fill your water bottle from the tap – its free!
  • Buy your food, gifts and souvenirs from local producers, artists and craftsmen to help to keep the local economy alive.
  • When you are out and about, be sure to take all rubbish away with you as litter is a danger to wildlife and habitats, and spoils the beautiful scenery
  • Try walking/cycling or using public transport for some of your days out while you’re here – if you want to visit somewhere close by, we might be able to help! We can provide Information on ferry, bus and train times
  • Turn off all the lights when you leave your cottage.

The population of Cornwall is around half a million – yet every year this number swells to around five and a half million! These are small things – but if five and a half million of us do them every year… just think…!

Tregathenan

Away from it all; in the middle of it all

Tregathenan House and Cottages - beautifully presented, well-appointed self-catering accommodation with a wealth of character and charm, set in peaceful Cornish countryside near Helston.