Ecotourism in the Burren

“To offer tourism experiences which allow interaction with  the natural environment, resources and culture of the area and immerse visitors in a model of sustainable living.”

Environmentally sustainable practices
The Boghill Partnership is working towards a minimal environmental impact approach to the running of the Centre, the estate and all its activities.

• Our mantra is “Reduce, Reuse, Repair, Recycle”.
• We buy in bulk wherever possible, glass jars, paper, cardboard and plastic containers are reused and kitchen waste is composted or fed to the chickens and pigs.
• Energy consumption is monitored and reduction is strived.
• We use a green energy supplier, have cavity wall insulation, and wood burning stoves.
• All light bulbs are low energy.
• All meals are vegetarian and many vegetables come from our organic garden.
• We make jams from our own fruit and freeze/preserve other garden produce to last the year.
• Water consumption is monitored and strategies for reduction encouraged.
• Rainwater is harvested for the garden. Plans are afoot for further harvesting and reduction.
• Minimising adverse environmental impacts affects all spending decisions.
• All our cleaning products are environmentally friendly and where possible food is organic and sourced locally.

Natural Area Focus

•  The Boghill Eco packages focus on various sustainable projects on the 50 acre unspoilt Boghill estate and encourage visits to local eco tourism destinations, natural areas and culture.
• All Eco activities take place in nature, next to nature or use natural resources.

Interpretation and Education
A key component of the Boghill Eco Experiences –

• Personally provided to groups of no more than 15 visitors, by instruction, demonstration and guides.
• Our Eco library, range of information files – “Clare Walks”, “Local attractions”, “Recommended  tours” (Walking, cycling and car routes) – our website, information boards, room posters, leaflet dispensers, handouts and paper guides provide additional non personal interpretation.

Contributing to Conservation
Conservation is paramount to our mission.

• We are seeking to provide a range of protected wetland and rough land habitats, encourage wildlife, introduce indigenous trees and remove invasive species.
• Our 50 acres of land are undergoing a new Eco-diversification plan as part of the Boghill MIST project (Minimum Impact Sustainable Techniques). This will include nature reserve areas, paths, sustainable building workshops, biodiversity surveying, and educational activities.
• We also contribute to local conservation projects.

Benefiting local communities

• Active promotion of local pubs, shops and attractions plays a large role in our programme, especially our summer activity weeks when each day we recommend a different local tour – walking, cycling or car share – and every evening a minibus is organised to local traditional entertainment.

Visitor feedback 

• An evaluation system is in place in which all guests complete a Feedback Sheet including comments on eco practices and adverse environmental impacts.
• Feedback is collated, evaluated and action taken to modify programmes, activities or services as necessary.

Responsible marketing

• At Boghill we are mindful of creating honest marketing campaigns which avoid “greenwashing”
• We have a policy of using predominately internet and email promotion activities e.g. advertising, links, message boards and forums.
• Our marketing is highly targeted to our client group and our website has an Eco information section, a Carbon offsetting scheme and displays our Eco policies.
• The website is tightly monitored to help adjust our targeting practices.
• We now use recycled paper for leaflets, flyers and posters and are mindful of using the minimum of materials.

Cultural respect and awareness

• Irish music and dancing is a key part of our eco Experience weeks.
• Traditional Irish music workshops which are a long time feature of Boghill are planned to coincide with eco activities.
• Each evening visitors are encouraged to join a group trip to local entertainment.

Responsible Marketing and Communication Plan 31.10.17  (reviewed annually)

The Boghill Centre – Environmental Policy Statement 11.10.2019 (reviewed annually)

The Boghill Partnership is working towards a minimal environmental impact approach to the running of the Centre, the estate and all its activities including its impact on the local community and the Burren. A process of monitoring and measuring our impacts is in place with a view to continual improvement when economics allow. We already implement many eco-practices and are committed to raise awareness of these amongst our staff, guests and suppliers. 

Working Together

As members of the Burren Ecotourism Network, we are committed to working together to respect the Burren and Cliffs of Moher Geopark Sustainable Code of Practice for Tourism by building the environmental capacity of our business through training and playing a full part in collaborative Network committees and ventures.

A Cared for Landscape

We actively participate in conserving our natural and cultural heritage by observing and promoting the Geopark Leave No Trace principles to staff and guests and engaging in conservation activities which preserve the biodiversity and cultural heritage of the region.

Interpretation of The Boghill Centre’s own commitment to natural resources and sustainability is provided to visitors through a specially designed “Interaction with Nature” guide.

A Well-understood Heritage

We offer quality information and interpretation to communicate the unique character of our place and our stories to guests by educating our team with a view to promoting aspects of our local heritage to guests and where relevant integrating heritage into our visitors experience. At Boghill we have maps, brochures, leaflets, posters etc of Geopark activities/initiatives and the associated activities of the Burren Ecotourism Network are displayed in our entrance foyer, links made to these from our website and guests are informed of events taking place during their stay.

Vibrant Communities

We work to ensure that tourism makes a positive social contribution so that it benefits our community as well as our guests by taking part in and promoting local community events, festivals, produce and attractions as part of our visitor’s experience.

Strengthening Livelihoods

We contribute to the local economy by maintaining and supporting local employment, by sourcing services and produce locally wherever possible and by engaging with other businesses in promoting our region as a sustainable tourism destination – see our Ecotourism Network area, our local Interest information section and local amenities file. In particular we focus on supporting local musicians and dance tutors and traditional Irish Music/Dance sessions and events.

Sustainable Tourism Management

We work to an environmental Action Plan which includes targets for improvement that are reviewed annually and we have effective systems for monitoring and managing our waste, water, waste water and energy. See our Environmental Action Plan for improvement objectives.

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 a leader in the field of EcoTourism.

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Sustainable Practices at Boghill

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 who convert it to eggs. Harvest overproduction is managed by food preserving and freezing. Our rubbish disposal is measured and monitored with the aim of reducing weight.

Energy

Boghill is heated by a wood gasification boiler system thus eliminating over dependence on fossil fuels. The new system consisting of a 5000 litre buffer tank, a 80Kw wood gasification boiler and all associated pumps, motors and connections provides heating and water for the entire Boghill complex. This system also includes thermostatic radiators valves on all radiators and zoned heating controls. The sustainable building the boiler house is situated within includes a wood store with a passive solar energy drying system. Communal areas have supplementary wood burning stoves.
All lighting is now provided by low energy bulbs and we have a policy of stringent management of timers and thermostats. Cavity wall insulation has 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.

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. Waste water and sewage are treated in a bio-digester tank according to regulations. Consumption is monitored and economies are reviewed. Ecological cleaning products are used in most circumstances.

Food

All meals are vegetarian where possible organic and much food is sourced from our organic vegetable garden, fruit beds and orchard. All these areas are fertilised with our own compost and horse manure and managed without the use of pesticides or other chemicals.

Guiding and Interpretation of the Geopark region

Maps, brochures, leaflets, posters etc of Geopark activities/initiatives and the associated activities of the Burren Ecotourism Network are displayed in our entrance foyer, links made to these from our website and guests are informed of events taking place during their stay. Interpretation of The Boghill Centre’s own commitment to natural resources and sustainability is provided to visitors through a specially designed “Interaction with Nature” guide.

Sustainable transport

Sustainable travel is promoted through website information on slow travel, transport share and our own Carbon Payback scheme plus our e-car point. We too take what steps we can to reduce travelling energy waste by combining car journeys, car sharing and walking/cycling/scooter trips.

Contribution to Conservation and 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 which 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.

Leave No Trace

As a Leave No Trace Partner 2014, The Boghill Centre is committed to promoting the Leave No Trace message to guests on our website and Centre displays as well as doing our own bit to manage our land sustainably.

Green purchasing and support of local businesses

Our aim is to integrate and work with the local community as much as possible and support the local hostelries, restaurants, food producers, activity providers and attractions. The Boghill Centre cooperates closely with the Burren Ecotourism Network to develop sustainability efforts in the region. It offers a range of holiday packages and breaks which include local activities, attractions and food providers. We have an up-to-date display of local activities, guides, attractions and food providers and help guests to plan their itinerary and make use of local services. Local hostelries are well supported by arranging evening trips to traditional music sessions and ceilis. We liaise closely with local eco tourism providers with a view to offering specially discounted packages for our guests.

While much of our vegetables, bread and preserves are home grown/made, additional supplies are sourced from local market gardens and producers where possible. We are continually researching economic ways to source more food and cleaning products from local suppliers.

Local crafts are displayed within our buildings, local people are involved in our conservation initiatives and we support local campaigns, fund raising and conservation projects.

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 a leader in the field of Eco-Tourism.

The Boghill Centre Environmental Impact Plan in Practice 11.11.2016 (reviewed annually)

The Boghill  Partnership is an active Ecotourism business and is working towards a minimal environmental impact approach to the running of the Centre, the estate and all its activities.

Listed below is what we do..

Working Together

What we do

• Our Business is a fully paid up member of the Burren Ecotourism Network (B.E.N.).
• We have adopted and implemented the Burren and Cliffs of Moher Geopark Code of Practice for sustainable tourism.
• We attend Network training and capacity building events.
• We actively network with and make referrals to other businesses and attend networking events.
• We are active members of the Conservation and advocacy group.
  

A Cared for Landscape

What we do

• Two of our staff have recently completed Leave no Trace Training.
• Leave no trace principles are promoted on our website, displays and documents.
• We participate in all the B.E.N. conservation events and activities each year in particular the Adopt a Hedgerow where we clean 4 miles of local road sides at least twice a year.
• We have created a nature reserve with paths through protected wetland and rough land habitats and we take steps to encourage wildlife.
• We arrange the planting of indigenous trees each year.
• We monitor and remove invasive species.
• Have set up the Boghill Woodland Project – a Carbon offsetting scheme.
• Host Country side Management student field trips for wetland habitat management.
• Are the proud possessors of a mature pond habitat with newts and other indigenous species.
• Are members of Seed Savers and maintain a large organic fruit/vegetable garden and orchard.
• We have created an “Interaction with Nature” guide to interpret our commitment to natural resources and sustainability to our visitors.

A Well-understood Heritage

What we do

• We keep up to date with culture and heritage information and developments in the region.
• We educate our team with a view to promoting aspects of our local heritage to guests and where relevant integrating heritage into our visitors experience.
• On booking guests are made aware of Burren heritage information on burrengeopark.ie burren.ie and our own website.
• Maps, brochures, leaflets, posters etc of Geopark activities/initiatives and the associated activities of the Burren Ecotourism Network are displayed in our entrance foyer, links made to these from our website and guests are informed of events taking place during their stay.
• A series of local Heritage trails and publications are available for sale.
• We have a large Green Library for guests to peruse.
• We have designed a series of Burren Heritage trails to offer to individual visitors or as an optional add on to group programmes.
• Have created a map of features within the immediate locality including turf cutting, lime kilns, wells, walks, etc.
  

Vibrant Communities

What we do

• We support and contribute to the two key relevant community events – The Slow Food Festival and Burren Food Fayre and are active supporters of other local festival events particularly through providing music.
• We promote local community events, festivals, produce and attractions as part of our visitor’s experience.
• We offer our help with local conservation events/biodiversity surveying – e.g. litter pick up, invasive species removal, bat surveying.
• We review our verbal and written communications to ensure ease of understanding to all groups ensuring universal access.
• We review our premises with the aim of making it accessible and safe to as many diverse groups as possible.
• We have attended Universal Access Training and communicate the principles to our team members.
• Our estate including trail and natural attractions are open to all – local residents as well as visitors and guests.

Strengthening Livelihoods

What we do

• We engage local musicians as instructors for traditional Irish Music Workshops, local dancers for traditional dance workshops, local trainers and holistic practitioners for holistic workshops and local cooks for our kitchen.
• We source services, supplies and produce locally where possible and economical viable.
• We support and enhance local pubs/hotels/guest houses, restaurants and actively promote local attractions.
• We feature local artists, therapists and crafts people in displays and workshops.
• We offer our help with local conservation events/biodiversity surveying – e.g. litter pick up, invasive species removal, bat surveying.

Sustainable Tourism Management

Transport sustainability in practice

We are committed to taking what steps we can to reduce travelling energy waste and create guest awareness bearing in mind that transport in the West of Ireland is not the most eco friendly.

Good practices

• Guests are given information on sustainable transport options on our website.
• Information on sustainable transport options are displayed for guests during their visit.
• Guests are made aware of opportunities to offset their carbon footprint.
• Combine car trips for shopping, pick-ups and other business.
• Walk/cycle /scooter between Boghill buildings rather than use car and encourage guest cycle hire.
• Encourage car sharing amongst guests when taking local tours.
• Have and promote an ecar plug in point for guests.
• Offer guests an opportunity to transport share– car share, car/taxi hire.
  

Energy conservation in practice

Our aim is to reduce our energy requirements by monitoring and taking steps to stop energy waste.

Good practices

• Electricity is supplied by Airtricity (79% sustainable sources).
• Low energy bulbs.
• Timer and heating management – Have thermostats on all radiators.
• Heating for the entire complex is by a wood gasification heating unit.
• Insulation – have double glazed windows throughout and cavity wall insulation.
• Staff housing has ground source heat pump, solar water panels, wood burning stoves and thick insulation.
• Hot water management – laundry washes at minimum effective temperatures.
• Wood burning stove in living room.
• Carbon offset programme – Boghill Woodland Project https://www.boghill.com/eco-stuff/carbon-offsetting/
• Guest awareness – Environmental Policy on website and in the entrance hall, reminders to close doors and turn off lights, Visitor Code of Practice in all rooms, energy waste statistics displayed on walls.
• Staff awareness of switching off electrical equipment at source when not in use.
• Provide extra blankets and hot water bottles rather than extra heating overnight.
• Have thermal curtains installed in the hall.
• Have a policy of keeping artificial light to a minimum.
• Energy use is monitored and usage displayed as graphs on noticeboard. Each year targets are set for reduction.
• Have an SEAI Energy Mentor and have had an energy audit.
• Keep up-to-date with sustainable energy sources and energy conservation developments.

Working towards

Further increases in insulation and heat conservation – draft and heat loss management.

Replacing all bulbs with LED equivalent. 

Waste practices

Our mantra is “Reduce, Reuse, Repair, Recycle” and we are working towards creating minimum waste.

Good practices

• Buying in bulk where possible and practical – so reducing packaging.
• Reusing glass jars for jam making, paper by making scrap paper pads and double sided printing, cardboard for garden mulch, plastic containers for growing seedlings, broken crockery for slug defence.
• Recycling paper/cardboard, plastic, glass, cans/tins, printer cartridges.
• Recycled toilet paper with awareness signs.
• Making jam from surplus fruit, freezing/preserving surplus vegetable produce, drying surplus herbs.
• Our raw kitchen waste is converted into compost and cooked kitchen waste into a wormery to provide worms for the garden and compost heap.
• Responsible disposal of batteries.
• Responsible disposal of low energy bulbs.
• Encourage guests to separate rubbish and use our recycle hut.
• Monitor refuse and recycled waste weight and set targets for reduction each year.
• We are a member of Freecycle and Smile.

Working towards

Reuse, reduce and recycle all possible waste.

Water conservation practice (inc Sewage/grey water treatment)

Water is mains service. Our aim is reduce our water usage by monitoring, taking steps to stop waste and increasing our use of grey water.

Good practices

• Guest awareness of water conservation – signs in all bathrooms.
• Monitor use on a monthly basis and display results as a graph on noticeboard. Each year targets are set for reduction.
• Have a bio-digester septic tank which is monitored (visual inspection), serviced and emptied once or twice a year depending on demand. This is recorded in the Maintenance/ Service book.
• Use rainwater butts for garden.
• Have redirected roof water runoff to garden storage butts and are researching a grey water tank installation.
• Guests are made aware of use of waste water in the kitchen.
• Have installed eco flushing systems in our main building.

Working towards

Investing in more rainwater harvesting.

Upgrading all our toilets to eco flushing systems when economics allow.

Use of Detergents and disinfectants

Our policy is to minimize the chemicals which enter the waste water system. This enables our sewage digester system to work optimally and will allow us to work towards recycling more grey water.

Good practices

• Use environmentally friendly washing and cleaning products throughout.
• Our Visitor Code of Practice advises guests to bring along and use environmentally friendly toiletries.
• Provide environmentally friendly hand soap in all washrooms.
• Produce our own air freshening products from essential oils.
• No ozone depleting compounds are used.
• We make our own non polluting weed killer.
  Working towards
• Supplying more environmentally friendly personal washing products to guests.
• Making our own cleaning products.

Green Purchasing in practice

Minimising adverse environmental impacts affects all spending decisions. All our cleaning products are environmentally friendly and where possible food is organic and sourced locally.

Good practices

1. Grow organic produce, make own organic bread and jam.
2. 60% of food products purchased are organic/locally grown.
3. Where economical we purchase locally and use local organic market gardens.
4. Cheese supplied by a local producer.
5. Bulk purchasing – most purchases are delivered in bulk – cuts down on packaging and delivery
6. Use recycled office products – paper, envelopes, ink cartridges.
7. Use Irish/UK suppliers of ecological cleaning products.
8. Promotional materials printed on recycled paper.
9. Use where practical draft and double sided print setting.
10. Buy energy efficient electrical items when purchasing new products.

Working towards

More local purchasing where economical.

Responsible Marketing

Good practices

1. We are aware of green washing practices and are mindful of creating honest marketing campaigns.
2. We have a policy of using predominately internet and email promotion activities i.e. website, facebook, Linkedin, web advertising, links, message boards and forums.
3. We use recycled paper for leaflets, flyers and posters and recycle, reuse and reduce materials to a minimum.
4. Our marketing is highly targeted to our client group.
5. Our website has an Eco information section, a Carbon offsetting scheme and displays our Environment policy.
6. Our website is tightly monitored to help adjust our targeting practices.
   

Visitor Satisfaction, Feedback and Reporting

Good practices

1. We have Visitor Evaluation Records and a Visitors Book available for visitors to comment on their experience.
2. We receive a great deal of complementary “Thank You” letters and emails.
3. Have a review of eco practices included within our visitor feedback sheet.
4. Have a system where visitors are encouraged to report adverse environmental impacts.
5. Have introduced e- evaluation – Visitor Evaluation Records sent to all visitors.

Staff Training on Environmental Management

All staff and work guests are made aware of The Boghill  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.

Good practices

• Staff have had a series of Eco training days.
• All staff have been allocated responsibilities for carrying out research and investigative activities to help us work towards eco-tourism practices.
• An energy and water monitoring spreadsheet has been created. Graphs of use will be displayed in the office and updated on a monthly basis by an identified member of staff prompted by a diary system.
• Work guests are given an Eco Awareness handout on arrival and required to read our Eco Policies.
• We have a system where staff and work guests are encouraged to report adverse environmental impacts.