Green award for local Brockenhurst business

Nov. 28, 2011 - PRLog -- Cottage Lodge in Brockenhurst won the ‘Green Leaf’ Sustainable Business Award sponsored by the New Forest National Park Authority for its innovative approach to sustainability.
As part of their everyday commitment to reduce energy all rooms have low-energy light bulbs, water meters and low tap flow.
A number of new rooms have solar panels, a wood burning stove and a water boiler. From January 2012 there will also be bike-powered televisions.
Guests are also encouraged to do their bit during their stay. Those who arrive by train receive a free afternoon tea and Cottage Lodge provides walks packs and local information on where to eat. Breakfast is made up of local New Forest Marque produce and furniture is made by local craftsmen.
Winners of this year’s Brilliance in Business awards were announced at Careys Manor Hotel in Brockenhurst on 23 November. The awards were presented by the New Forest Business Partnership President The Hon Ralph Montagu.
Christina Simons, owner of Cottage Lodge, said:  ‘We are delighted to be winners of the Brilliance in Business Green Leaf award. It is a great reward for the team to be recognised in such a prestigious way for all their efforts in reducing their impact on the environment.
John Pemberton, Lead Member for sustainable energy at the New Forest National Park, said: ‘The Green Leaf Scheme is part of a national pilot scheme for sustainable tourism in the UK. We are pleased to support an award that encourages car-free tourism, energy and recycling initiatives and supports local producers and farmers.
‘Cottage Lodge has shown a strong commitment to sustainable tourism and I’m pleased they have won this award.’
New Forest Business Partnership Chairman, Rob Dewing said: ‘This year has seen the highest standard of entries since the award scheme begun. We are delighted that despite the difficult trading conditions, many businesses in the New Forest are not only surviving but thriving; a point demonstrated by the truly excellent calibre of businesses selected as our category winners.’
For more information about Cottage Lodge visit http://www.cottagehotel.org.
Notes to Photo Editor:
Left to right: Vicky Myers, Deputy Chairman of the New Forest National Park Authority, Christina Simons owner of Cottage Lodge, Katy Mascord from Cottage Lodge and New Forest Business Partnership President The Hon Ralph Montagu.
Notes to Editors:
Green Leaf Scheme http://www.thenewforest.co.uk/accommodation/green-leaf-ac...
New Forest Business Partnership http://www.nfbp.org.uk
New Forest Marque http://www.newforestproduce.co.uk
Protect - Enjoy - Prosper
The New Forest National Park Authority’s statutory purposes are to:
   Conserve and enhance the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage of the Park - Protect
   Promote opportunities for understanding and enjoyment of its special qualities – Enjoy.

We also have a duty to:
•   Seek to foster the social and economic well-being of local communities within the Park – Prosper.

The New Forest National Park was designated in March 2005. Its unique landscape has been shaped over the centuries by grazing ponies, cattle and pigs which roam free. Majestic woodlands, rare heathland and a spectacular coastline provide fabulous opportunities for quiet recreation, enjoyment and discovery.
Visit www.newforestnpa.gov.uk to find out more.

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The New Forest National Park lies mainly in south-west Hampshire; it is famous for its stunning landscapes,wildlife,coastline & picturesque villages. It is the eighth national park in England and the first in the south-east to be created for nearly 50yrs.