Code of Practice for Sustainable Tourism
Wild Kitchen
Environmental Policy Statement
We live, work and play with an emphasis on a low carbon, sustainable way of life. We are close to the sea, and I use my horticultural knowledge to guide Wild Food Walks, on land and on the seashore, and care of these precious resources is at the heart of my work. We as a family and small eco-tourism business strive to minimize our impact on the environment, and monitor these impacts with a view to continual improvement, continually learning new ways to live in harmony with the place we call home, The Earth. Re-wilding our garden, gardening for wild life and pollinators and striving to live a circular life, and towards zero waste and hopefully one day to have our base off grid.
Working Together
We collaborate with all stakeholders to collectively develop the Geopark as a sustainable tourism destination.
Actively involved in 3 sub groups within BEN and engage in many events with other members and other stakeholders to educate, collaborate and learn how best to develop the Burren in a sustainable, eco sensitive way.
A cared-for landscape
We actively participate in conserving our natural and cultural heritage.
I see interpretation of the whole experience I offer on my walks as the core of my business. One of my greatest pleasures is to share the knowledge I have learned from studying my subject for many years. Blessed with the call of the wild, I immerse myself in it as often as I can, sometimes to just watch and listen, take photographs and mental notes of the forever changing landscape I live in.
In keeping with ecotourism principles, I endeavor to promote what I do,
In the most sustainable way, i.e.
keeping group numbers small, 10 to 14 max.
by communicating with walkers about local areas of historical interest
and special conservation. One of our designated walks has an archeological site, turlough and holy well all in the same small area.
by pointing out and identifying plants flowers, and seaweeds, noting any that should not be eaten and that are endangered. Teaching walkers how to sustainably forage, while having fun and interacting with nature.
A well-understood heritage
We offer quality information and interpretation to communicate our stories and the unique character of our place to guests.
We send out newsletters and updates on relevant happenings in the area and collaborate with
Other members to impart important news and create events that interpret this unique place which is unique in the world.
Delivered two Educational webinars for Failte Ireland recently, to cpmpanies who were interested in my sustainable endeavours, an American and Dutch tour operator.
Vibrant Communities
We work to ensure that tourism makes a positive social contribution so that it benefits our community as well as our guests.
Involved in community gardens and educational workshops in Biodiversity and nature to locals and schools near us.
Strengthened 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.
Always purchase from our local farmers market and farm shop in Moy, and as many local producers as possible. Avail of services and other products like printing and labels in our local town and also had my self -published book printed locally.
Sustainable tourism management
We work to an Environmental Action Plan, which includes actions and targets for improvement that are reviewed annually.
We have effective systems for monitoring and adequately managing our waste, water, wastewater, energy, travel impact and purchases.
As we are primarily an activity provider we put an emphasis on sustainable use of the natural resources around us, we educate and advise about the bigger picture of the climate crisis we are in and are passionate about teaching others how to tread lightly when they visit and all the incredible environmental endeavours locally they can donate/support while here.
I am developing training in Biodiversity, re-wilding, pollinator planting and native hedgerow protection and enhancement with a view to sharing this training with other members and far beyond. If we do not put the future of Life at the core of all we do, then why are we here?
