River Cottage HQ, was from its inception, a place founded on the principles of sustainable design. Our intention was to create a site that was low carbon, low energy and one that would embrace the climate change challenge and become net-zero far ahead of the UK governments target dates
On our 100 acre farm, we started by developing a holistic approach that would assure nothing went to waste and that all aspects of the energy creation, infrastructure and physical build were realised with maximum sustainability in mind. Everything from the materials sourced to the systems used, strives to have minimal impact on the environment.
Through numerous systems like our artesian well that provides our potable water, our bio-mass boiler that provides our hot water and space heating to the reed beds that naturally process effluent on the site; sustainability has been the primary purpose on our site. We also harvest rainwater from our roofs and our wind turbine at the top of our hill supplies some of the electricity we use on the site.
Our new River Cottage Kitchen & Store, which is certified organic by the Soil Association, was previously our HQ office and we have, wherever possible, upcycled/recycled all the materials, fixtures and fittings from the original building. Where we have used new materials, these have been chosen for their high environmental standards and sourced in the UK. All the furniture in our farmhouse has been made by UK makers, Another Country in Dorset, Morgan in Hampshire and the Naturalmat bed company in Devon.
We are proud that our farm carries organic certification as accredited by the Soil Association and is managed under Countryside and Environmental Stewardship; schemes run by Natural England. These schemes help land managers look after natural habitats and bio-diversity, in co-operation with food production. Particular habitats of note are our species-rich hay meadows and the management of traditional hedgerows. We grow high quality organic fruit and vegetables on 2 acres of the farm providing a wide variety of produce for our kitchen, all year round.
We are ambassadors for the East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.