Trying to get Greener at Farncombe Estate!

"Financial crises and the dramatic election have taken climate change and biodiversity off the front pages, but they will go on being huge issues long after this financial crisis has come and gone, whether that is two years or five years. So we are working steadily to make a greener Farncombe and reduce our impact on the environment.

Our current aim is to achieve the Silver Award in the Green Business Tourism scheme. We already hold the Bronze Award. This award looks at social responsibility, energy usage, water usage, purchasing practice, waste, public transport, natural and cultural heritage, and innovation. There are up to a dozen different measures in each section and each level of the Award calls for action over more of them.

We have a Green Team made up of staff from each of the businesses or activities here to look for improvement and to champion ideas. Our member is Mandy Morrison. Anything and everything can be looked at. I had had no idea that by changing to an ecofont you can use 25 percent less ink when printing documents!

And to encourage use of the train, we have decided for 2011 to reduce the round trip taxi charge Moreton-in-Marsh Station to Farncombe to £15, regardless of what happens to the fuel price, the VAT rate or the price we are charged by the taxi firms.

Everyone who has been here knows what a wonderful site it is for wildlife, but if you have not yet come to Farncombe, do take a look at our new Nature Diary. Whether you come by car or by public transport, bring field glasses and a camera and let us post your sightings on the Diary!"

William Reddaway, Head of Lifelong Learning

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