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We are gradually bringing our soils "back
to life" with inter-planting of grass (and green composts from
this autumn), as well as adding compost from council collected
green wastes.
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We use native Sweet Chestnut posts for the
trellis which have a very low (or possibly negative) carbon
footprint and provide over-wintering homes for many of the
beneficial insects which live in the vineyard.
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Intelligent use of fungicides and
herbicides to minimize their use and any negative environmental
impact. No use of insecticides. Our wine has been tested for
chemcial residues and none at all have detected by an independent
laboratory, Corkwise.
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Biodiversity areas - our grassy areas are
planted with a mixture of native species. Over 400 native trees
have also been planted and old wood is left in the periphery for
invertebrates. In 2010 we sowed 2 acres of wildflower grass
mix in the vineyard, which is designed to assist bumblebees
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Electricity used on site is 100% from
renewable sources - some of which we generate on site
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95% of winery waste composted on site. The
rest is recycled whenever possible.
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We are reducing the use of plastic ties in
the vineyard
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We use only recycled paper (including for
our newsletters which are printed with environmentally friendly
inks), and encourage customers to bring their wine boxes to us.
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We use minimal chemical intervention in the
winery
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Bottles - these have been light-weighted,
with 60% recycled glass content. The bottles are sourced from a
British factory to reduce transport emissions
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Corks - We use high quality corks because
these have less embedded energy than other closures, but we minimise cork taint through exacting technology. Corks are
also 100% biodegradable and recyclable. We are supporters of
www.ilovenaturalcork.co.uk/
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We have stopped using capsules for our
still wines to reduce unnecessary packaging.
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We use only recycled boxes for our wines
(customers are encouraged to bring their own)
and promote the use of reusable bottle carriers.
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80% of our wine is sold directly to the
public, most of whom are local (we deliberately do not have a contract with
a courier). The other 20% of our sales is to local outlets. This
marketing strategy results in minimal transport impact.
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We involve the local community in most
aspects of the vineyard management and some of the winemaking
process. Where ever possible we source local foods for the meals
prepared for volunteers.
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We are working on improving our responsible
drinking messages in our shop and on the website.
