Sustainability & Conservation

Sustainable Tourist Attraction

At Attwell Farm Park, sustainability, conservation, and ethical practices are at the heart of our values. As a three-generation family farm based in Beoley, Worcestershire since 1963, we deeply understand the importance of preserving the environment for future generations.

We believe that true sustainability encompasses not only environmental stewardship but also ethical conduct and social responsibility. By embracing these principles, we are committed to creating a brighter and more sustainable future for generations to come.

Our unwavering dedication to sustainability drives us to make a positive impact. We are determined to achieve net-zero emissions for our livestock farm, with a growing focus on this goal in the months and years ahead.

Beyond environmental conservation, we prioritize the fair and ethical treatment of our employees, suppliers, and partners. We foster a safe and inclusive work environment that values diversity and promotes equal opportunities for all.

Our commitment also extends to actively engaging with the local community. We support initiatives that enhance the social fabric and contribute to the well-being of our neighbours. Through collaboration with local organizations, participation in community events, and support for charitable causes, we aim to extend our positive impact beyond the boundaries of our farm and make a meaningful difference in the lives of those around us.

Below are some of the measures we have implemented to ensure our organisation operates sustainably while fostering ethical conduct and making a positive social impact

Sustainable travel to the farm

Since 2020, we implemented several initiatives to promote sustainable travel and reduce our carbon footprint:

To encourage more sustainable transportation options, we installed six EV charging points for cars. This infrastructure enables visitors and staff to conveniently charge their electric vehicles while they enjoy their time at Attwell Farm Park.

In addition to the EV charging points, we have introduced a company EV car program for long-term full-time team members. This initiative not only benefits individuals by providing them with access to electric vehicles but also contributes to reducing emissions and protecting the environment.

We actively participate in the Mode shift Stars sustainable travel plan program, and we are proud to have achieved the GREEN level recognition. Through this program, we encourage our team members and visitors to consider alternative transportation methods such as carpooling, walking, or cycling when commuting to work or visiting the farm park.

We have recently installed bicycle parking facilities at the farm park, catering to those who wish to enjoy a bike ride to our location. There are numerous public paths available to reach us, which can be found on the local council website. As an incentive, we offer a complimentary hot drink to cyclists. Simply approach a member of our ticket office team to redeem this reward.

These initiatives not only reflect our commitment to sustainability but also aim to create a positive and eco-conscious experience for our visitors and team members.

Waste Disposal & Recycling

At Attwell Farm, we prioritize waste management and sustainability through various initiatives:

Our commitment to recycling extends to all waste generated on the farm, including packaging and food waste. Leftover food from our coffee shop is carefully sorted and utilized in multiple ways. In addition to offering team members the opportunity to take home items that won't be used the next day, we also feed some of the safe-to-consume leftovers to our animals. This practice significantly reduces our food waste while simultaneously providing nourishment for our animals. The waste produced by these animals is then converted into valuable manure, which we spread across our land to replenish nutrient levels and enhance organic matter in the soil.

In May 2022, we made a conscious decision to transition to using biodegradable food packaging provided by a local Worcestershire producer, BioPak, as well as a Biodegradable packaging supplier called Envior. By choosing biodegradable products, we ensure that our packaging breaks down naturally and decomposes, eventually becoming part of the soil and other natural components. This choice aligns with our commitment to reducing waste and minimizing our environmental impact.

As part of our commitment to education and waste reduction, we have established a wormery on our farm. This wormery efficiently processes 100% of our raw food waste, transforming it into nutrient-rich compost that we use to enrich our farm's soil. This initiative not only minimizes waste but also serves as a valuable teaching tool during educational visits. To further support this effort, dedicated bins have been placed in our education rooms to collect the students' raw food waste. This provides children with the opportunity to observe and learn about the natural breakdown process of waste using worms. Worm farms play a crucial role in environmental conservation by helping to reduce the methane emissions associated with the natural decomposition of food waste.

Through these initiatives, we actively promote waste reduction, responsible recycling, and environmental education to foster a sustainable future.

A Day On the Farm

At Attwell Farm, we are deeply committed to supporting local businesses and reducing our carbon footprint through a variety of sustainable practices:

We proudly produce and utilise our own products within the park and believe in fostering local partnerships with independent businesses. Currently, we collaborate with local producers such as Bennetts Ice Cream, Worcestershire Produce for fresh fruits and vegetables, a Bromsgrove coffee supplier, Bread from Bromyard, and a local baker just 500 yards away.

Our 'support local' ethos extends to working with local actors, suppliers, schools, charities, and tradespeople. To further support local suppliers and reduce our carbon footprint, we’ve hired a catering manager dedicated to increasing our use of local produce.

As a working farm, we specialise in producing free-range eggs, beef, turkey, and pork. Our commitment to quality and sustainability is reflected in the products we offer for sale in our farm shop and coffee shop. By focusing on raising livestock and producing high-quality items on-site, we minimize the need for transportation and packaging, promoting a more sustainable and locally sourced food system.

We have invested in large solar PV panels to power our entire farm, demonstrating our commitment to renewable energy and reducing our environmental impact. By transitioning all our business operations to electric, we are working towards running the entire farm on clean, renewable energy sources, thereby minimizing our carbon footprint and contributing to a greener future.

To enhance our recycling efforts, we have implemented a Dry Mix Recycling program. This program ensures proper separation and recycling of cans, tin, and plastic packaging, diverting them from landfills and promoting a circular economy.

To further reduce our carbon emissions during off-farm travel, we utilize electric vehicles (EVs) for meetings and other non-livestock transportation needs. Our latest addition is a new EV 4x4, which we use for our daily farm checks.

Tree Planting & Land Management

Situated on over 200 acres of land in Beoley, Worcestershire, our farm encompasses a diverse range of landscapes, including lush pasturelands, thriving woodlands, enchanting wildflowers, and serene natural ponds. At the core of our vision lies a deep commitment to preserving and nurturing wildlife.

Since May 2022, we have embarked on an ambitious tree-planting initiative, which has seen over 5000 trees and other plants take root across our farm park. These new plantings serve to enrich existing hedgerows, breathing new life into aging boundaries that have undergone coppicing. By creating wildlife corridors and expanding our farm's boundaries, we not only bolster biosecurity but also provide vital habitats for a myriad of species.

In our ongoing dedication to sustainable practices, we continue to prioritize tree planting, aiming to further enhance our farm park grounds during the upcoming planting season. The additional trees will offer shade for our livestock and contribute to the flourishing biodiversity within our farm.

A crucial aspect of our farming practices involves the responsible management of manure. Through the process of muck spreading, we ensure that all the nutrient-rich manure is returned to the land, replenishing the soil's essential nutrients and organic matter. This sustainable approach enables us to provide nourishing food for our animals throughout the seasons, while simultaneously enriching the overall health of our farm's ecosystem.

By harmoniously blending sustainable farming techniques, wildlife conservation, and the well-being of our livestock, we strive to create a thriving environment where nature thrives, animals flourish, and our visitors can experience the beauty of a harmonious coexistence with the land.