We are trying our best at being committed to ethical, responsible and sustainable tourism.
Our principles are “Go Greener” and can be summarised using the following points:
- Reduce & Recycle
- Conserve energy
- Be water wise
- Walk or use public transport
- Reduce our carbon footprint where we can
- Buy locally and ethically
- Eliminate single use packaging
- Respect nature
- Support green business
- Be good neighbours and have a positive impact on the local community
These principles have been pursued and implemented by the following:
WASTE
Minimising waste going to landfill
- We recycle all our waste. Recycling includes clothing, glass, metal, paper, card, soft and hard plastic
- General waste is taken away by Radical Waste for sorting and recycling.
- Our online booking system saves huge amounts of paper and in conjunction with all booking information being relayed by email saves paper, we have discontinued plastic and automatically printed receipts, offering recipets by text or email as well
- We have moved to recyclable take away cups and recycled products in our shop
ENERGY
Minimising energy use
- We minimise our electricity usage through metering and the selection of appropriate power sources
- All our buildings are thermally insulated to high levels
- All in-house lighting uses low energy
- 95% of our lighting is LED low energy usage
- We have sensory lighting in our toilet/shower blocks
- We have hand dryers instead of hand towels in toilet blocks
- The lighting around our site is kept to a minimum to enjoy the night sky.
WATER
Minimising water consumption
- All facilities taps are push button operated to prevent water wastage
- Toilets are low water usage
ENVIRONMENT
Maximising environmental benefits
- A large variety of wildlife exists on the park including kingfishers, otters, squirrels, insects, fish, song birds, muntjac & chinese water deer, badgers, foxes, frogs and rabbits, mink and occasionally a seal!
- We have placed bird and animal boxes around the park as well as bird feeders and insect boxes.
- We have planted 2,300 native trees and plants to date
- We have an extensive tree planting and felling program
- We use only eco-friendly cleaning products on site
- We have drinking water points throughout or park so that customers can bring their own bottle and fill up, rather than buying plastic ones
- We have planted wild flower seeds and created areas of uncut grass to create wildlife corridors to give nature a helping hand
LOCAL
Keeping it local
- If there is a local source, then we endeavour to use it
- We source and promote a product range which supports local farms and food producers and minimises our environmental impact
- Eggs, meat and milk and local food gifts are sold in our on-site shop and are sourced locally
- Local beer and wine is sold in our shop
- We use local contractors and suppliers for all goods and services
- For products not available locally, we stock as ethically as possible
TRANSPORT
Promoting sustainable transport
- We promote the local bus service which runs to Beccles and Harleston/Diss and also the bus service which runs to other parts of the District. ‘Hop on, Hop off’ which is a great way to see the area. Beccles also has a well served train line from Lowestoft to Ipswich, London and beyond.
- We promote the use of The Big Dog Ferry, which is a great way to visit different parts of the local area.
- We have paddlesport hire on-site which is a great way to see the local area
- Being good neighbours and helping the local community
- We raise money each year for Love The Broads, having a collection at our shop
- We support Geldeston Parish council
- Each year we give out charitable dontaion/auction prizes
- We have supported Break charity
- Our staff, are whenever possible sourced locally. They feel included in our Go Greener way and often have the best suggestions for our family owned business
- We support local projects
Increase use of sustainable transport
The most sustainable ‘transport’ of all, namely walking and cycling and canoeing is exceptionally well catered for. Maps of walks and rides are available on our website and at Reception.
Thoughtful Purchasing
We use recycled paper or paper from sustainable sources. We use local producers and suppliers whenever possible.
We ask our guests to think of the environment before making any purchases and to re-use shopping bags.
What we plan to do ….
We also intend to continue to increase the number of native plants and hedges around the site and replace non-native species. The Norfolk hedges will not be cut right back as these are important wildlife habitats and the walk area has some uncut grass areas.
We request our guests to respect the plants and wildlife and instruct their families and friends not to harm them.
Three Rivers is surrounded by Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and by following these simple suggestions we can help to keep it that way. We are not perfect but are trying hard to reduce our impact on the environment. We welcome your feedback in ways we could improve and would appreciate your help.
