Environmental awareness

Gurnard Pines has a strong environmental and community sustainability policy which we hope all of our visitors share in.


We are commited to playing our part in the major new initiative for the Isle of Wight to become the world's first Eco Island by 2020.

Eco Island is a broad based strategy for improving the social, economic and environmental sustainability of the Island. The strategy will build stronger, healthier communities with more opportunities for people to be involved in local life.

The primary goals of the strategy include:

> The Isle of Wight having the lowest carbon footprint in England by 2020
> A reduction in preventable deaths from tobacco by 20%, through the uptake of healthy active lifestyles
> Renewal of the Isle of Wight's infrastructure will be carried out to the highest ecological standards
> Better than average school results placing the Isle of Wight in the top 10& nationally
> A dynamic policy to increase inward investment, employment and sustainable development.

For more information about Eco Island please visit www.eco-island.org.uk


Enviromental policy

Gurnard Pines has been providing holidays on the Isle of Wight for many years. An appreciation and enjoyment of the natural environment are central to our holiday experience and we continue to contribute to this experience for all our customers.

We seek to go beyond mere compliance with the law, which we willingly embrace, to achieve in particular, savings of energy and resources, and the reduction of waste in all its forms.

Gurnard Pines wishes to be a good neighbour in our community and encourage our employees to be active ambassadors of good environmental practice.

Particular elements of our policy will:

> Be alert to those areas where the interests of the environment can be upheld (eg in advice to customers) and to those areas where such interests may be compromised by the holidays themselves and to take action to redress such conflicts where possible.

> In our membership of organisations and institutions and in its particular joint initiatives, maintain up-to-date information on environmental issues and take action where required eg British Home and Holiday Parks Accociation.

> Support the conservation of non-renewable resources and actively encourage reuse, recycling and waste minimisation.

> Paper use wherever practicable and to use paper derived from renewable resources.

> Promote awareness and encourage active commitment among management and staff of ecological and environmental issues related to both the products on sale and to the workplace; such policies to be reinforced in training and in offical staff guidelines.


Working practices

> All computers and photocopiers use recycled paper, where appropriate.

> Used inkjet and laser cartridges are passed for recycling.

> All waste paper (including brochures) is recycled, wherever possible.

> Use of recycled paper in the brochures is not consistent with the requirements for paper weight and quality - but all brochure papers are sourced from commercially managed and renewed forests.

> Heating systems in the leisure club incorporates a heat exchanger utilising waste heat.

> Staff notices, training programmes and manuals include guidance on environmental policies and issues.


Our environment

Gurnard Pines as a member of the British Home and Holiday Parks Association has been playing our part in making holiday parks increasingly attractive within our natural setting in particular to respect tidiness and sensitivity towards the environment.

Our membership of the association encourages holiday parks to gain recognition of their environment by promotion of awards such as the David Bellamy Conservation Award and the inclusion of these details in our own marketing and that of our partners. We currently hold the Gold award for our contribution to sustaining and enhancing the natural world - from protection of plant and animal habitats to the efficient use of energy and recycling.

We do actively make a feature of our products the enjoyment and appreciation of the environment with examples including marked nature trails within our grounds as part of our woodland walk. This includes nature interpretation signage to encourage visitors to become more environmentally aware.


Customers

Gurnard Pines' holiday brochures include details of environmental attractions and details of David Bellamy and other environmental awards.

Holiday customers have visitors' information folders in all Holiday Homes which includes guidance about respecting wildlife, especially in respect of litter, open water, speed limits and recycling. This is further reinforced by more comprehensive information contained about the use of specific equipment and facilities.

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT OUR ENVIRONMENT HERE