We Pledge; Twelve Months On

2022; a year of growth, partnership and community. As we look back over the last 12-months, we can’t help but reflect upon the incredible journey we, along with the rest of the world, have been on. With Covid-19 recovery plans still very much impacting ‘business as usual’ for many sectors and increasing energy prices accelerating, the value of sustained efforts to Nurture our Foundation, build Sustainable Relationships and Love the Forest are more pivotal than ever. So, as we prepare to close chapter 2022, ready to welcome the next, we must appreciate all we have achieved by enriching lives with our New Forest hospitality.

Nurture our Foundations

In early January, just shy of 12-months ago, we set out three clear pledges, with the first reinforcing the preservation of our surroundings. We are incredibly lucky to call the New Forest our home, its unique and uncompromised charm is what has continued to encourage guests to visit from near and far for hundreds of years. With climate change an ever-growing concern, we are passionate about investing in forest focussed initiatives to nurture our foundations. That’s why this year we’ve installed EV charge points across our Collection and invested in an electric maintenance van to harness eco-travel, welcomed two beehives at Bartley Lodge to ensure our garden meadows remain brightly bloomed throughout the year, planted several trees in honour of the Queen’s Green Canopy and recycled palettes to build compost bins across the Collection.

As well as this, new branded doormats made from recycled fishing nets now welcome guests at each hotel and 100% recycled and plant-based in-room toiletries are available to all enjoying an overnight stay. Noting the benefits of continued development and business reflection, chemical-based cleaning products were replaced with concentrated enzyme-based materials, reducing the need for water transportation and Burley Manor introduced their wellness pool, embracing the cold and removing the need for heating systems.

Sustainable Relationships

As valued members of the New Forest community, supporting those who live, operate, work and visit the area is extremely important to us. Through collaborative efforts, this year we have actively promoted 18 New Forest businesses, with partnering campaigns including Forest to Fork, a video series which explore the unique and distinguishable relationship between New Forest Marque accredited suppliers, and those experiencing, first-hand, the authenticity of New Forest taste. As well as Shop Small Saturday, a monthly spotlighting of quality local businesses within the New Forest, which honours the variety of independents operating within the National Park. From commoning to baking and even photography, we have reached upward of 10,000 individuals across our social channels and website content.

However, our desire to support local goes much further than digital campaigns, with team members from Central Office and Bartley Lodge taking in a recent volunteering day alongside 20+ volunteers and New Forest rangers, where connecting with the community and their surroundings provided educational insights and first-hand encounters. We have also donated afternoon tea gift vouchers to 10 organisations and non-profit organisation to champion local events and fundraisers. Sponsoring the Local Produce Area and Countryside Kitchen at the New Forest and Hampshire County Show was another amazing high-point from 2022, where we engaged with our neighbours through chef demonstrations and distributing the New Forest Marque’s Local Produce Guide.

Love the Forest

As announced just a short while ago, throughout our eleven-year partnership with the New Forest Trust and Love the Forest, we have raised a staggering £90,000 in guest donations. Contributing to visitor awareness and community projects, this year our donation totalled £6,023.91, ensuring the production of the New Forest Code and community volunteering days would maximise awareness and conversation success.

What’s Next?

We are incredibly proud of all we have achieved in 2022 and continue to dedicate our efforts towards a greener future. Through education and continuous reflection, we seek to advance our sustainable and environmental contributions. Keep your eyes peeled for our new initiative launching in January, which will not only encompass the amazing work achieved to date but also continue driving greater forest focussed initiatives.