Living in the Biosphere

Caring for the Biosphere

We try to uphold the principles of living in a UNESCO Biosphere in the way we run the retreat.
There are recycling facilities at the cottage for glass, paper & card, soft plastic, foil & tin, and compost.
Where possible we do not use cleaning products that are harmful to the environment or aquatic life – Ecover washing up liquid and plastic-free loo roll are provided.

We use bamboo washing up cloths and loofah scourers that don’t drop micro-plastics into the water supply. These are washed at high temperatures between guests. Should you need a sponge/traditional scourers, these can be found under the sink.

There is a lot of debate about wood-burning stoves: for us, it makes sense to use a heating source that is produced and harvested locally. The main boiler currently runs on gas but we are constantly looking for a way to move the retreat to renewable energy sources.

We can accommodate bicycles if you’d like to bring them – and the area provides stunning and safe cycling (be prepared for a few, ahem, gentle slopes).

We’re now on the cool list!

Galloway and Southern Ayrshire on National Geographic ‘cool list’