Staying green at The Old Granary
There’s no escaping the need for green credentials in today’s climate. For us, it has never been more important, and we are striving to do more than our fair share when it comes to keeping The Old Granary, and the working farm surrounding it, very much in the green.
From the get-go, everything we have done here has been considered. It has had to be given the nature of the old farm buildings. The bricks and mortar our accommodation sits in were repurposed, as part of our farm diversification project, back in 2018. The very foundation of the business we have created here at The Old Granary was built upon environmental consciousness and conservation.
We’ve never really seen ourselves as owners of the land, more its custodians – we just happen to live and work here every day. Taking care of it while it’s under our watch, we’re making sure every effort is being made to protect the landscape so that there is something here for future generations.
It’s a responsibility, an honour and sometimes a labour of love. But we wouldn’t have it any other way. Combing heritage and tradition with diversification and innovation, for us, renewables have formed a huge part of our journey here. Both the farm and The Old Granary run very much more economically thanks to the installation of solar panels and air source heat pumps.
The newest green addition
After years of dedicating the fields surrounding The Old Granary to the production of potatoes and cereals, this year the land will look a little different as we ‘moo-ve’ in a different direction.
Replacing crops, guests will see livestock grazing the fields; new additions that will be helping us create a more sustainable landscape from the ground up. With grazing carefully overseen, the cows naturally return nutrients to the fields, while encouraging the grass to regrow stronger and deeper-rooted.
Over time, that extra root growth and the organic matter left behind help feed the life in the soil - improving its structure, boosting biodiversity beneath the surface, and building richer, more resilient ground for the future.
Solar power
Here on Manor Farm, we have 50kW of ground-based solar panels, the energy from which feeds into the farm – serving the storage of potatoes through the winter and spring seasons – as well as all the electrical needs of The Old Granary accommodation.
While it’s hard to put exact numbers to this investment, a typical 50kW solar system will yield approximately 42,887kWh per annum – that’s around about enough energy to power four homes for a year. Not to be sneezed at!
Air sourced power
Air source heat pumps live very happily on the Farm too. They supply the office and accommodation with hot water and heating as well as cater to all of the barn’s needs.
Combining solar and air-sourced power, we know we are saving energy as well as driving revenue – so in our eyes it’s a win-win. It makes our life easier, eases our conscience, and gives our guests a greener, more environmentally friendly experience. Something we know people are now actively looking for in such a competitive market.
Protecting pollinators and wildlife
But even that isn’t quite enough for us. Biodiversity has to come into it, after all, we are farmers. And, sometimes, the traditional methods are the best – with a little modern technology thrown in for good measure, of course.
On the farm, we sow wildflower mixes, not only to make the rolling hills and grassy knolls pretty as a picture but to actively increase the biodiversity here so that pollinators such as bees, hoverflies and ladybirds can be as productive and protected as possible.
Spot the native species…
Green living
Move inside the accommodation itself, and as guests you’ll benefit from considered purchasing and the environmentally-minded folk living close-by, in the way of fantastic local producers.
No matter which hamper you opt for, be it the Welcome Hamper (containing local bread, butter, milk and jam) enjoyed by everyone, or the ‘on request’ Breakfast Hamper and Taste of Lincolnshire Hamper, local produce and all of the green credentials that come with it take centre stage. Fruit bowls too take pride of place on each kitchen table, brimming with local and seasonal produce.
Keeping everything as local as possible, we always make considered purchases. By buying local we reduce food miles, increase traceability and accountability as well as offer support to other small businesses across the county. That even goes for maintenance – from cleaning to repairs and decorating, the more local, the better.
For more information about our one and two bedroom apartments please see our Frequently Asked Questions page. Or we’re happy to answer any further queries you may have over the phone or via email.