Current News

Low Carbon Cottages - The Data Explained

Last month I highlighted the importance of collecting data and the Low Carbon Cottages has been collecting data from all 10 of cottages that are taking part in the project since December. But what can you do with the data and what does it all mean?

Firstly the data can be used to help calculate your carbon footprint and I have highlighted in a previous article the ways of doing this. Once you know your usage and carbon footprint, this can act as a baseline. You could even use the last 12 months of your utility bills. Once you have a baseline you can give yourself a target to help you reduce costs, usage or kilograms of CO2.

Read more: Low Carbon Cottages - The Data Explained

Time to send in your Visitor Giving money

Spring is (nearly) about to bloom and that means that it's time to collect in all the generous donations you've been collecting to pass onto the brilliant conservation projects you're supporting through Visitor Giving. We'd be hugely grateful (and so would our stunning upland paths, our gorgeous red squirrels, our magnificent ospreys – and the many other wonderful wildlife, landscape and community beneficiaries) if you could get your money in to us by the end of March. Here's how to do it.

Read more: Time to send in your Visitor Giving money

Final call for free energy audits!

Join the growing number of businesses making cost savings through energy efficiency. Current research shows that doing the right thing for the environment makes business sense.

• In the short term, you’ll save money on your bills.
• In the medium term, your visitors will have a better experience.
• In the long term, Cumbria will continue to be a beautiful destination that people want to visit.

We want our members to access these business benefits, so with funding from the Lake District National Park and Cumbria Rural Enterprise Agency we’ve been out and about doing cost saving audits for some of our members

And we’ve seen financial rewards for environmental businesses in action:
• a self-catering resort in Bowness is reducing costs for their guests with energy efficient appliances
• a B&B in Bowness is saving money on electricity bills and keeping guest happy with beautiful LED lights
• a hotel in Bowness is enhancing their reputation by working towards a green award to add to their extensive quality awards.

The funding continues until the end of March and we’d love to visit more members. Send me an email to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or give me a call on 01539822622 to sign up for an audit today.

Read more: Final call for free energy audits!