our environment

Environmental & Sustainability Policy

We are blessed to live in such a beautiful part of the world; with the rolling hills that surround the barn, the trickling fresh water stream that runs close by, and an array of wildlife blooming here.

It is our desire and privilege to protect and encourage our local wildlife and their habitats, while minimising our impact on the environment - which is why we put so much love, thought and care into land management.

Car-free Adventures in Derbyshire

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Eco-friendly Advice for Guests

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Preserving and encouraging

2026: Wildlife Count

What a year it has been! We have noticed a HUGE increase in bumble bees and butterflies around Tissington Ford Barn and we have received ongoing praise and compliments from our guests with how we protect and encourage our local wildlife.

New residents around Bradbourne Mill: Peregrine Falcons, Buzzards, and further up stream Wild Eurasian Otters! What a true blessing it is to be surrounded by a large array of wildlife.

2025: Wildlife Count

With more years of preserving and encouraging the local landscape and habitats to thrive, we are honoured to add to our 2022 wildlife count: a family of herons, mr and mrs barn owl, an ever-growing family of stouts, king fishers, and more butterflies, bumblebees and insects than we have ever seen before! What a privilege to live and work in such a beautiful corner of the world.

2022: Wildflowers, Peace & Wildlife Count

In the The Water Mill's designated land we have created a path through the woodland to reach the picnic area. Either side of the path, we leave the land unmown and untouched, to encourage wild flowers and long grass; allowing a whole new habitat to develop and house different species. We additionally planted wild flower seeds along the bank and left fallen trees to remain on the side of the path.

We are proud that the land we provide has accommodated and encouraged wildlife to thrive. We have now spotted: a family of red kites, a family of stouts, badgers and foxes, the protected water vole, woodpeckers, bats, owls, an array of butterflies, bumblebees and insects, and an increase in the bird population as a whole.

2021: New Hedgerows

Quick thorn hedges were planted. We hope that this will create new habitats for our local birds and wildlife as they continue to grow!

2020: Woodland Walk

During national lock down, the Owners decided to create a second picnic area for our guests at The Water Mill.

The Owners carefully created a path through a piece of woodland - unbeknown to them they had unearthed a significant historic find - the old wall that diverted the water from the Havenhill brook directly to the Mill, most likely built 100s of years ago!

The wall provided a lovely aspect for visitors to admire as well as act as a border for the woodland walk! Fallen trees either side were left to encourage development of new habitats, and bark laid on the ground to create a haven for an array of species.