Boghill Centre  Eco Stuff  

to check out our new Eco Experience holidays!

for information on our Eco Schools Programmes...

MIST project                Our Environmental Policy              Visitors Code of Practice

The Boghill MIST Project
Minimum Impact Sustainable Techniques

The Boghill centre is proud to announce the launch of an exciting program of events!

We're planning to build an Ecological Living Centre made out of cob. This will be used as a base for environmental learning, with the building itself offering learning experiences.
There will also be fun interactive and educational displays including an 'energy gym' with a pedal powered generator for converting calories into kilowats!
Here's a sketch of what it might look like...

How cute is that!
And being made from our own clay it'll blend in with the landscape, tucked in all snugly
with a turf roof on top.
Here's where we're thinking it's going to live...

Also, we are creating paths and recreational areas on the Boghill land including a Nature Trail, Natural Sculpture Trail, an Ogham Wood Trail, Grass Labyrinth, Sensory Willow Maze and a Barefoot Walk with Cob and Cordwood shelters.
Click here for info on what a Barefoot walk is... Ours will be the first in Ireland!
Click here to find out about our Eco Experience Weeks
Click here to find out what Cob is

The new plans also include a small semi mechanised clay processing unit within a cordwood shelter to help us process natural clay deposits from our land more efficiently, meaning there'll be a consistent supply of lovely clay for the Boghill pottery.

This project focuses on sustainable and harmonious living, forging a deeper connection to the natural environment.

We're in the planning phase at the moment, but keep an eye out for more news SOON!!!!
In the meantime have a look at our New Environmental Policy  and our Visitors Code of Practice below.
 

The Boghill Centre – Environmental Policy Statement The Boghill Partnership is working towards a minimal environmental impact approach to the running of the Centre, the estate and all its activities. We have already have a number of eco-measures in place as listed below and are committed to a process of continual improvement when economics allow.  Staff and visitor awareness All staff and visitors are made aware of The Boghill Centre eco-practices and encouraged to play a part in our minimum impact approach. Eco-management is built into our staff training and we have a continual Eco-review system in place.  We have a Guest Code of Practice displayed, an Eco awareness section on our website and have introduced a Carbon offsetting programme  enabling visitors to sponsor tree planting on the estate. Waste For some time we have operated a reduce, reuse and recycle policy and we are continually reviewing this to ensure a minimum impact approach. Where possible food and cleaning items are purchased in bulk and stored in reusable containers. Glass jars are reused for jam making and preserves and in the garden we reuse plastic containers for seed pots and cardboard for mulch. Plastic, glass, paper/cardboard, tins/cans, batteries and printer cartridges are sorted and recycled. Food waste is either composted or fed to our chickens. We are working towards increased management of harvest waste through food preserving and freezing (soon to have 2 pigs for waste recycling and manure production). Energy Communal areas are heated by wood burning stoves burning firewood from the estate. All lighting is now provided by low energy bulbs and we have a policy of stringent management of timers and thermostats. In the short term we will look towards adding more thermostats to rooms and radiators and in the long term we plan to introduce sustainable energy sources.  Cavity wall insulation has recently been installed in our 1960s hostel building and energy consumption is a factor in the purchase of all new equipment.  Our electricity is purchased from Airtricity who capture 79% of their power from sustainable energy sources. We monitor our power and strive to make consumption economies where practical. Food All meals are vegetarian and as much food as possible is sourced from our organic vegetable garden, fruit beds and orchard. All these areas are fertilized with our own compost and horse manure and managed without the use of pesticides or other chemicals. Water Rain water is harvested for garden use and we aim to make more use of our abundant supply of rain by installing water butts under the drain pipes. Water is conserved by using water conservation gadgets in toilet cisterns. Consumption is monitored and economies are reviewed. Ecological cleaning products are used in most circumstances. Estate Management The 50 acre Boghill estate is surrounded by forestry commission plantations and we have always resisted the encroachment onto our land and engaged in the planting of indigenous trees. We have recently created a 10 Point Eco-diversification plan for the estate and are working on a new development enterprise - The Boghill MIST project (Minimum Impact Sustainable Development). This involves the development of the Boghill land in an innovative and environmentally friendly manner using sustainable building techniques and at the same time creating a nature reserve and a series of educative and experiential activities which can be accessed by visitors and locals. See 10 point Eco-diversification plan. Green purchasing and support of local businesses We actively promote other attractions in the vicinity and support the local hostelries by arranging minibuses to traditional music sessions in the evenings. We already grow our own vegetables and make bread and jam and we are researching economic ways to source more food and cleaning products from local suppliers The Boghill Partnership is proud of our progress so far in the implementation of sustainable earth practices and our plans for Eco-development. We aim to become one of leaders in the field of Eco-Tourism in the future.

The Boghill Centre Visitors Code Of Practice

      Please help to achieve minimal impact on the environment by leaving as little trace of         your visit as possible.  We have a carbon offsetting scheme in place which we
        encourage you to participate in.

   Help us to be an Eco Host:

Switch off lights when you leave a room

Reduce heat loss by closing doors and windows when not required to be open

Switch off radiators when not required or request thermostat reduction.

Be aware of the water you use when washing and showering.

Try to use organic/natural washing products or minimal amounts of non-organic  products.

Sort your rubbish and use our recycling bins.

Place compostables in compost bins or compost heap

Be mindful of your litter-use bins and ashtrays.

     Help us to encourage and appreciate the natural flora and fauna on the Boghill estate         feel free to use the Boghill estate map and our nature spotting resources to explore         and document what you see.

     Take an interest in our local heritage - use our map to explore the heritage features         existing in and around the Boghill estate.

     Please respect the Boghill estate and local farmland - please close gates and leave the         land as you found it.

     Support the local community and tourism - take advantage of the range of information         we provide on local shops and attractions.
                   Thank you for your participation       

 

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