Sustainability Spotlight: Calcot & Spa

Across the portfolio of properties, many generations of family hotel owners have shaped their communities and environment, incorporating locally supportive practices into their hospitality experience, and proving that luxury is compatible with sustainability.

PoB Hotels explores some of the properties leading the way in sustainable and responsible travel, starting with Calcot & Spa.

Set in its own 220-acre estate, Calcot & Spa presents a wonderfully devised combination of serene style and outstanding hotel facilities.

Sustainability is a key motivator for Calcot & Spa, and to this end various rewilding initiatives have been implemented to focus on preserving its heritage rooted in the land.

Calcot’s rewilding story began 25 years ago, when the local fauna and nature was given the space to “rewild” through wildflower planting and organic farming practices. The plans were implemented to support nature’s recovery and enhance biodiversity, while bringing benefits to locals and guests and addressing the climate and ecological emergency.

The rewilding measures include:

• The planting of 20,000 trees under the guidance of the Woodland Trust. Excitingly, this encouraged an increasing number of rare and endangered farmland birds spotted within the grounds, as well as an abundance of butterflies, moths and wildflowers
• The introduction of habitat boxes across Calcot’s green spaces
• Annual bird surveys by ornithologist Gordon Kirk. Reports found to have achieved a record amount of birds nesting and rare bird sightings to this day
• The introduction of two hives of Chew Valley Bees

Fast forward to 2022, and the Calcot team along with their Groundsman Steve are on a mission to enhance the project by introducing further rewilding initiatives and encouraging guests to explore and enjoy the wild spaces. Plans for this year – which are already well underway – include a playbarn teepee for wildlife themed outdoor play and activities for kids; the introduction of treehouses with a heavy focus on rewilding; walking tours of the grounds with Steve; a tree planted for each room night sold; a bird hide for guests; working with a local illustrator on illustrated maps of the hotel and grounds to highlight rewilding; serving the Chew Valley honey to guests at breakfast as well as creating products such as candles and balms, and much more.

And it doesn’t stop there, from using eco-friendly products and sustainable food practices, Calcot & Spa’s efforts touch all aspects of hotel operations.