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Celebrating Recycle Week

16th October 2023

Here at Tapnell Farm, sustainability is not an afterthought; it's ingrained in everything we do.

Located on the picturesque Isle of Wight, Tapnell Farm has been run by the Turney family since 1982. From 2012, the family started transformation from dairy farm into the Isle of Wight's leading eco-tourism destination it is today.

As we celebrate Recycle Week, we take pride in showcasing some examples of our dedication to sustainable practices and our unwavering commitment to reducing our carbon footprint.

Full details of our green credentials can be viewed here

Our Farm: The Turney Family

The story of Tapnell Farm is one of evolution and dedication. Over the years, the farm has transitioned from a bustling dairy operation to an eco-friendly haven that offers something for everyone. Run by brothers-in-law Tom Turney and Tom Honeyman-Brown, Tapnell Farm is home to award-winning Tom's Eco Lodge, Tapnell Farm Park, The Cow Restaurant, Isle of Wight Aqua Park, Isle of Wight Football Golf, and Archery & Axe Throwing.

Sustainability is a core principle that guides decision making at Tapnell. This ethos is rooted in the belief that each generation should pass on the farm, land, property, and business in better environmental and productive health than when they began their tenure. The goal is not just to maintain the farm but to enhance it for the benefit of future generations.

Tapnell Farm Park

Where conservation meets fun

One of the standout features of Tapnell is the Farm Park—a place where conservation and fun coexist harmoniously.

The Farm Park embodies the commitment to sustainability in several key ways, including:

Repurposing and Recycling: Instead of building on greenfield land, Tapnell Farm has repurposed former farm buildings, reducing its environmental footprint. Waste materials such as plastics are recycled, and products are upcycled to minimise unnecessary purchases.
Renewable Energy: Tapnell Farm is electric-positive, thanks to 500kw of renewable solar generation installed across the farm. The excess green power generated is fed back into the grid, contributing to clean energy production.
Biodigester: Food waste is converted into valuable resources through a biodigester, promoting sustainability and reducing landfill waste.
Biodiversity Initiatives: Tapnell Farm has created new lakes, planted miles of hedgerows and thousands of trees, and installed bug hotels and wildlife boxes to enhance biodiversity on the farm.
Countryside Stewardship: The farm is Red Tractor-certified and actively participates in countryside stewardship schemes.

Farm Park Keepers: Environmental Champions

The Farm Park Keepers play an important role in advancing sustainability efforts, for example:

Animal Enrichment: Recycled materials, such as cardboard boxes, are repurposed for animal enrichment, providing mental and physical stimulation.
Pumpkin Recycling: After Halloween, pumpkins are given a new purpose as animal treats, preventing food waste.
Reduced Paper Waste: Shredded paper from the office is used as animal bedding, reducing paper waste.
Sustainable Partnerships: Fruit and veg supplier Hunts generously provides free produce to prevent food waste.
Recycling Practices: Waste paper and other recyclable items are recycled whenever possible.

Full details of our Conservation practice can be viewed here

The Coffee House: Sustainably brewed fresh

Sustainability at the Farm Park Coffee House is a daily commitment:

Compostable Vegware: The Coffee House uses compostable Vegware products for cups, lids, plates, cutlery, boxes, and more. This eco-conscious choice ensures that the majority of products used are compostable.
Recyclable Packaging: Bags and around 70% of snack packaging are recyclable, demonstrating a commitment to environmentally responsible purchasing decisions.
Plastic-Free Chilled Drinks: The chilled drinks cabinet is 99% plastic-free, with minimal plastic use limited to straw packaging on carton drinks.
Recycling Station: A new recycling station is in the works, making it easier for customers to recycle.
Eco-Friendly Decor: During special events like Christmas, the Coffee House opts for hand-made, eco-friendly, or compostable decorations, minimising waste.
Coffee Grounds for Gardening: Coffee grounds are stored separately and donated to on-site gardeners and off-site gardening companies, reducing waste and benefiting the environment.
Minimal Food Waste: The Coffee House takes pride in minimal daily food waste, with the majority of any food waste given to the keeper team for animal consumption.

Tom's Eco Lodge

A haven of sustainable accommodation

While sustainability permeates every corner of Tapnell Farm, a shining example of our dedication to eco-friendliness can be found in Tom's Eco Lodge—a unique and charming haven for glamping - where diversification first started, with the installation of 5 Safari Tents.

Here, the concept of sustainability blends comfort with conscientiousness.

Upcycled and Repurposed Furniture: The accommodation at Tom's Eco Lodge is furnished with unique pieces crafted through upcycling and repurposing.
Natural Materials: We prioritise the use of natural and environmentally friendly materials in the construction and decor of our lodges and farm cottages.
Low-Energy Sources: We rely on low-energy sources to power our accommodation. We understand the importance of minimising energy consumption and its impact on the environment.
Market-Leading Sewage Treatment: Our accommodation are supported by a market-leading sewage treatment system that adheres to the highest environmental standards. This system ensures that wastewater is treated responsibly and safely, minimising our ecological footprint.
Recycling Station: To encourage responsible waste management among our guests, we provide recycling stations for every accommodation. Separating recyclables from general waste helps reduce landfill contributions and promotes recycling awareness.
The Tapnell Trail: This network of footpaths and bridleways promotes responsible land access and encourages visitors to engage with the natural environment. It's a testament to Tapnell Farm's dedication to conservation and community engagement.

At Tapnell, visitors can immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the Isle of Wight while knowing that their stay aligns with our commitment to preserving and enhancing the environment.

The Cow

Savouring sustainability

The Cow Restaurant exemplifies how a commitment to sustainability can be woven into the fabric of a restaurant:

Solar Panels: Solar panels on the restaurant's roof generate green energy, contributing to Tapnell Farm being electric-positive and sending excess green power back to the National Grid.
Food Waste Transformation: A bio-digester transforms food waste into compost, enriching the gardens and reducing landfill contributions.
Biomass Boiler: The Cow Restaurant utilises a biomass boiler fuelled by biomass pellets to provide hot water and heating, reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
Local Produce: The restaurant prioritises fresh produce from our allotment and local suppliers, reducing food miles and supporting the community.

Isle of Wight Aqua Park & Football Golf

Sustainable fun!

From the start, the family ethos has been to 'create maximum enjoyment with minimum impact on the environment'. Our commitment to sustainability at our activities includes:

Embracing the beauty of our natural lake system: We maintain our Aqua Park's water quality, minimising the need for harmful chemicals and machinery, all while promoting a healthy ecosystem.
Reducing waste and saving energy: We’ve creatively used second-hand wetsuits as insulation for some of our ceilings, preventing them from ending up in landfills. Furthermore, we encourage the recycling of our Aqua Park wetsuits to give them a second life.
Repurposing: We've repurposed discarded tires, old gates, and troughs, transforming them into exciting elements for our Football Golf course.

East Afton Farmhouse

A sustainable venue

The sustainability ethos extends to our neighbouring sister farm and weddings venue, East Afton Farmhouse:

- Renewable Energy: Solar panels power the Events Barn and kitchen, reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
- Efficient Heating: An air source heat pump efficiently heats the main events barn.
- Repurposing: Materials are repurposed whenever possible, such as the bar, made from original barn beams and crittall windows crafted from the original workshop windows.
- Eco-Friendly Practices: LED light bulbs, eco-friendly cleaning products, and discouragement of single-use plastics are integral to sustainability efforts.
- Supporting Local Businesses: A commitment to supporting local businesses wherever possible contributes to the local economy.

Thinking of the future

Sustainability isn't just a goal at Tapnell Farm; it's a way of life.

From renewable energy sources to waste reduction and community support, Tapnell Farm is dedicated to making a positive impact on the environment.

As Recycle Week is celebrated, Tapnell Farm encourages everyone to work towards a greener, more sustainable future. Together, we can make a difference for the planet and for future generations.