Clough Bottom Farm shortlisted for two Lancashire and Blackpool Tourism Awards 2009 |
|
By: Cloughbottom Posted: 2009-06-02 04:12:31 |
|
Clough Bottom Farm Holiday Cottages has been shortlisted for two awards at the prestigious Lancashire and Blackpool Tourism Awards 2009/10.
The three, four-star holiday cottages situated on an organic working farm in the heart of the Ribble Valley have been shortlisted for the Self Catering/Serviced Apartments Award and the Sustainable Tourism Award, competing against some of the other top tourism businesses and attractions in the North West. The sixth annual awards have seen some remarkably high level entries which have been narrowed down to four shortlist entries per category. Mike Wilkinson, Chief Executive of Lancashire and Blackpool Tourist Board said, "This year the applications have been impressive particularly as they reflect heightened levels of creativity and quality of service, setting inspiring benchmarks for tourism businesses across Lancashire." The winner of each of the thirteen awards will be decided by public vote, where approximately 25,000 known visitors to the region will be invited to vote on the shortlist compiled by district tourism officers. The winner of each award will progress to the Northwest regional finals, with the chance to go on to the Enjoy England national finals. The awards ceremony will take place at Ribby Hall Village, Wrea Green on 10th June, where the winners of the hotly-contested awards will be announced. Presenting the awards will be Radio Two broadcaster Stuart Maconie, who visited Clough Bottom organic farm cottages for his travel guide 'Short Stories for Short Breaks - Hidden Gems in England's Northwest'. Clough Bottom - who are holders of the Green Tourism Business Scheme: Gold Award -has a strong commitment to promoting sustainable tourism from the recycling bins supplied in each cottage and the use of 'no-phosphate/chlorine' cleaning products, to using low energy light bulbs, and the installation in 2006 of a borehole which provides water for irrigation and livestock. Upon arrival, guests a welcomed with a complimentary hamper filled with a selection of homemade and locally-sourced produce, and guests can even purchase a range of Food from the Farm ready meals, made with the farm's own organic beef, fruit and vegetables. New for 2009 is a poly tunnel allowing guests at the luxury holiday cottages to pick their own complimentary organic vegetables all year round. Herbs, salads and fruit are also available in the organic veg patch and orchard. Guests are encouraged to support local businesses and reduce car usage as part of the 'Stay Local, Eat Local, Buy Local, See Local' scheme, and both the website and the welcome folders in each of the cottages - Woodcutter's Cottage, Saddle Barn and The Coach House feature 'What's On' guides and a wealth of local visitor information including walks, places of interest and things to do in the area. Wildlife diaries are also included in each cottage for guests to record their sightings of birds and wildlife. In terms of the natural environment, Clough Bottom Farm has been part of the Countryside Stewardship Scheme for 20 years as well as the English Woodland Grant Scheme, and in addition to planting well over 100,000 trees creates wildlife corridors and ditches, creates and restores ponds and maintains ancient woodland. Owner Jane Backhouse said, "We are thrilled to have been shortlisted in these two categories as we feel it is great recognition for what we do here at Clough Bottom. "We are dedicated to ensuring our guests thoroughly enjoy their time here and pride ourselves on giving them a real taste of rural Lancashire whilst being socially responsible and ever mindful of the environment." Notes to Editors Situated in The Forest of Bowland - an AONB (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) in rural Lancashire, Clough Bottom Farm is a 360 acre organic working farm that has successfully blended traditional diversification with a conservation-minded, more sustainable approach to life and business. Owners Harry and Jane Backhouse ensure each of their varying ventures is underpinned by a strong environmental conscience. From the rearing of their organic beef herd, thriving tree nursery business and award-winning holiday cottages, to the production of 10kg organic beef boxes and the provision of high-tech management training courses, everything they do is driven by a desire to safeguard the environment for future generations. To book one of the four star holiday cottages at Clough Bottom, or to find out more about their trees and shrubs or organic beef. |
| Trackback url: https://press.abc-directory.com/press/4694 |