Sustainability at Forse of Nature

When we chose Forse House to set up our business, a key element for us was the chance to create a sustainable business. We aim to work in harmony with our 275 year old building and utilise the grounds and woodland as much as we can. It can be challenging at times making a Grade 2 listed building more sustainable, but we are working on it! You may be interested in some of the things we have done and some of the things we hope to do in the future.

Heating
In 2019 the existing oil fired central heating system was replaced with a 100KW log biomass system located in an outbuilding to the rear of the property. The Resource Efficient Scotland report advising on the installation estimated a CO2 saving of 110 tonnes per year through use of the system. An improved pump and thermostatic controls were also added, meaning that heat is provided almost instantly around the building. Approximately 100 tonnes of logs are used per annum, sourced from sustainable peatland restoration projects.
Several fireplaces have been re-opened and serviced to allow use of open fire when those rooms are in use. Two log burners have been installed to optimise fuel use in those fireplaces.

Ventilation, draught proofing and insulation
Sash windows, frames and glazing have been repaired. Roof light and velux windows have been repaired and made watertight.
Most windows in the property have secondary glazing on the sash window, some replacement windows are double glazed. Where possible the window shutters have also been repaired and reinstated in the oldest part of the house. Thermal blinds or curtains have been provided at most windows.
External doors have been fitted with draught proofing strips where possible.
Extractor fans have been replaced to ensure all have well-fitting covers etc
Shower rooms without an opening external window have had extractor fans installed.
Where possible roof spaces have been insulated. This is an on going project with solutions appropriate for buildings of this age being investigated to further enhance coverage in the attic spaces.
Blocked up chimney stacks have had ventilation panels opened to ensure good ventilation and air circulation.
Damaged/holes in lath and plaster surfaces have been repaired.
Some uncarpeted rooms have been carpeted.
We have installed two heat recovery vents in the café to allow good ventilation for Covid whilst keeping the heat in.

Energy use
The majority of lightbulbs and strip lights have been replaced with LED bulbs. Some movement sensor lights have been installed in infrequently used spaces.
We have installed indoor drying lines and also dry outside whenever possible, minimising the use of tumble dryers
All new appliances are AA or AAA
Inefficient gas fires and gas cooker have been replaced with modern, energy efficient models.

Water usage
Cisterns have been adjusted to reduce water consumption. Most toilets have a dual flush mechanism
All guest rooms have a shower as well as a bath in some.

Improving sustainability and environmental impact
Polytunnels and vegetable plots, fruit bushes and trees in the walled garden allow us to grow most of our own vegetables and salads. Our chickens provide most of our eggs.
All of our baking is homemade
Produce is sourced locally where possible.
We bulk buy to minimise packaging waste
All waste is segregated for recycling, food waste is composted in a Green Johanna system
We have planted 1300 saplings in the woodlands and will continue to replant
We have created a wild flower meadow in the walled garden
We take part in ‘No mow May’ allowing the first pollinating grasses and wild flowers to grow providing food for early bees and other insects
Each year we host moth trapping and two bird ringing events, in particular tracking Siskin migration. We also take part in the RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch
We compost garden waste and food waste
We have hosted three rescue hedgehogs released back to the woodlands, Vale, Vidar and Gwyddion
We source and utilise preloved furniture wherever we can
Ellie our qualified Countryside Ranger hosts several school and youth groups throughout the year sharing with them the woodland and outdoor spaces and passing on her knowledge of the plants and wildlife of the area.
Our retreats focus on mental wellbeing and mindfulness, a huge part of which is getting outdoors and finding peace in nature.
We have created a secure covered bicycle store to encourage groups travelling without cars

Future Plans
We hope to create a wildlife pond which we can also use for teaching activities
We plan to install an EV charger for electric vehicles
We are considering solar PV for a reduction in electrical consumption and to enable hot water heating allowing a move away from the remaining oil fired boiler.
We are reviewing the possibility of utilising micro hydro in the burn
We continue to work on draught proofing, insulation, and energy use reduction.
We will continue to work on adding secondary glazing to the remaining sash windows