Environment

At Spekes House, the aim is to recycle as much as possible. There are recycling bins for bottles, cans and paper and a separate bin for vegetable waste. This goes onto the compost heap with grass-mowings, weeds and shredded prunings. All this is eventually used on the garden, in place of peat.

The house has the benefit of a natural spring which supplies wonderful pure drinking water. The supply, however, is not unlimited and can be affected in unseasonably warm periods. Effective water conservation is therefore essential. To this end a complete rainwater harvesting system has been installed including an underground storage tank to catch and store all that valuable rainwater. A shower has been installed over the bath in the downstairs bathroom and other water saving devices such as 'save a flush' in the toilet cisterns are used throughout.

The house is south facing and enjoys wonderful natural light and heat. It is kept warm as toast without waste, with curtains double-lined, roofs, walls and floors insulated, doors and windows draught-stripped and most radiators have a thermostatic control. Wherever possible A-rated energy saving utility appliances have been installed and low energy lightbulbs used. Plans are afoot to introduce both solar and wind energy systems in the future.

Guests are encouraged to try the excellent variety of local produce on offer and, in doing so, support the local community and save on those petrol miles. Details of local producers including dates and venues of the local Farmers Markets are available in the Guest Manual at the house.

There are some wonderful walking and cycling routes accessible directly from the house and bicycles can be hired and delivered to you. All of which means less time in the car.

The Spekes valley is a haven for wildlife - badgers, foxes, rabbits, hares, deer and birds of prey including the mighty buzzard. The wildflowers will delight and interest botanical enthusiasts being located within the the UK's first new-style UNESCO designated Biosphere Reserve, namely the North Devon Biosphere Reserve; a designation which reflects the international importance of the area's diversity and abundance of rare plants and its continuous human use from ancient times. Across the water, Lundy Island is home to the only statutory Marine Nature Reserve in England. Information and field guides are available at the house.

Ecover cleaning and other environmentally sensitive products are used around the house wherever possible.