Environmental Policy - Focus Training

Environmental Policy

Contributing positively rather than just minimising the negatives

Harry Backhouse, the Farmer and co-owner of Focus Training has farmed Clough Bottom, where Focus is based, in a 'green' way - long before it was popular or fashionable to do so. His (and his family's) values and beliefs are committed and longstanding. The sustainable nature of all other Clough Bottom Businesses (Holiday Cottages & Focus Training) is simply an extension of this.

It may not be surprising to learn that at Focus Training we strive to minimise the harmful effects we have on our beautiful environment.  But the far more important part of the equation is whether we are positively improving the environment.  We ask ‘what are we doing to be sure we leave our surroundings in a better state than we found them?’

Minimising our impact – making the bad not so bad!

• Returning cardboard and paper, glass, tin and metals, plastics, food and green waste for recycling
• Replacing bulbs with energy efficient alternatives
• Using recyclable/biodegradable stationery and packaging wherever possible
• Using chlorine-free and phosphate-free products
• Being alert to wasteful practices and correcting quickly
• Supporting the local community and economy by buying local food, drink and other products and by using local services and tradespeople
• Growing our own organic fruit and vegetables to use here on site reducing unnecessary air and road miles

Having a positive impact – improving the environment, making it better for future generations

• Planting acres of woodland and miles of hedgerows to provide for wildlife, act as shelter belts and, most importantly, to reduce the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere
• Operating as an organic farm using natural fertilizers and green manure
• Creating new ponds and cleaning up existing ponds to encourage pondlife which add to the eco-system
• Joining like-minded organisations to promote an eco-friendly message, sharing best practice and constantly raise awareness
• Welcoming guests to Clough Bottom and making them aware of their potential impact on the environment and the positive contributions which can be made to improve our surroundings
• Providing filtered, mineral water throughout the site from our bore hole
• Investigating alternative energy sources, green tariff electricity, hydropower and sharing learnings with others

The whole site is covered by this Clough Bottom Environmental policy and so the offices and training barns have improved recycling provision. We need to insure that all areas of the site comply because:

The holiday cottages are participating in a pilot scheme with the AONB for a Green Tourism Award and are keen to pick up the gold award

We could well be charged by the Ribbble Valley Borough Council to pick up the training barn/office waste. We want to demonstrate that the level of waste from the office is negliable.

We want to save our planet!!

Please see Clough Bottom's CSR (Corporate & Social Responsibility) Policy