The Environment

Environmental Policy

Churchdale Holidays has been awarded a Gold Award by Green Business Tourism and has accreditation from Quality in Tourism for Walkers Welcome and Cyclists Welcome.

Churchdale Farm, a small working sheep farm, is beautifully situated in the heart of the Peak District National Park. It offers a peaceful rural location next to the newly extended Monsal Trail. Our guests enjoy leaving their cars at the farm, walking in all directions and enjoying the countryside, the flowers, the fauna and the huge variety of birds. John and Sarah were both born and brought up on farms and love the countryside. Their aim is to help to keep this glorious part of England intact for future generations to live in and enjoy.

UTILITIES

Waste and Refuse - a re-cycling station is sited near the car park and food composters are provided in each cottage.

Energy - Solar panels have been installed on a farm building.  These help to reduce our electricity consumption, 

LED lighting is extensively used in the cottages. All windows are draught free and double glazed. A new, more efficient electric heating system has been installed in Derwent and Wye Cottages. All replacement purchases are made as far as possible with reduced energy consumption in mind. We therefore would be grateful if our guests would help us protect the environment by switching off lights and switching off the TV when going out.

Water - Aerated shower heads are used to reduce water consumption. New walk-in showers have been built in Derwent and Wye Cottages. Newly replaced toilets are dual flush and a water butt gathers rain water for watering plants.

Cleaning and Laundry - Ecover washing and cleaning products are provided for our guests. All laundry is done on site using non-biological powder and line drying is done when possible.

Purchasing Policy - we like to support local businesses and as far as possible products are sourced locally. Cleaning products are bought in bulk twice a year.

PLANTING AND WILDLIFE

The farm has a policy of permanent pasture for the sheep. We have owned the farm for over thirty years and over this time have planted specimen trees in the fields. We have two plantations of mixed woodland. This is an ideal habitat for wildlife, birds and animals. Badgers, owls and woodpeckers are just some of the wildlife living at Churchdale. We keep rare breed hens free range . We are particularly interested in our bird life and have counted over 24 species on our land over the last 12 months.

WALKS

Walks suitable for all abilities are accessible directly from the front door of each cottage.

Guests are encouraged to walk to the village to buy their supplies. The Monsal Trail at the bottom of the drive gives numerous walking and cycling possibilities and is particularly safe for children and the disabled. Local Maps are provided in the cottages.

Local Transport

Trains

The nearest main line train station is Chesterfield , 14 miles away.

A train from St Pancras, London takes just over 2 hours. (Midland Mainline). www.thetrainline.com

The nearest local station is Grindleford, 7 miles away and from here you can travel into Sheffield and to Manchester. Buxton Station on the Manchester line is 14 miles away. There are no buses from any of these stations which would bring you directly to Churchdale. However, should you wish to arrive by train we will be happy to give you details of local taxi firms, or contact the Tourist Information on 01629 816558 or on the web at www.peakdistrict.gov.uk

Bus Stops

The nearest bus stop is at Ashford-in-the-Water, about a mile away. There are also bus stops in Bakewell. www.derbysbus.info or www.derbyshire.gov.uk/buses

Bicycles

There is a bicycle shed with secure attachments at Churchdale Farm for clients use. Should you wish to hire bikes they are available to hire from Monsal Trail Cycle Hire Shop at Hassop Station. (a 20 minute walk from your cottage) The bikes, including electric bikes, can either be hired by the day or for a week and stored at Churchdale Farm. Further details can be found at www.hassopstation.co.uk Under our Premier Cottages Privilege Scheme a discount is available on the bike hire.

Electric Cars

There is an electric car charging point for the use of our guests.

DO ENJOY OUR WONDERFUL PEAK DISTRICT