Our Green Story

Sustainability at the Heart of Tranwell Farm Holidays

Tranwell Farm Holidays is a small family-run business set within our working farm and woodlands just outside Morpeth, Northumberland. Sustainability is not something we added to the business – it is part of who we are and influences every decision we make.

Our journey began over 20 years ago when we purchased and restored a neglected bed and breakfast on the Northumberland coast. Even then, we were seeking ways to reduce our environmental impact through energy conservation, waste reduction, refillable toiletries, eco-friendly cleaning products and the reuse of furniture and materials wherever possible.

In 2011 we returned to the family farm when Sarah's parents retired. Since then, we have focused on creating a tourism business that works alongside nature, supports local communities and helps guests reconnect with the countryside.

Creating a Low-Impact Destination

When we established Tranwell Farm Campsite in 2019, we were quoted around £40,000 to connect the site to the electricity grid. Rather than seeing this as a problem, we saw it as an opportunity to create something different. We developed an off-grid campsite powered by renewable energy and designed around low-impact tourism principles.

Today our eco lodges, camping pods and glamping accommodation are powered by solar energy. The farm cottage now benefits from solar panels and battery storage, enabling it to operate on 100% renewable electricity for much of the year. We continually monitor our energy use and seek ways to reduce consumption through efficient lighting, insulation, A-rated appliances and responsible purchasing.

Our family team all drive electric vehicles which are largely charged using electricity generated from our own solar panels, further reducing the carbon footprint of our business operations.

Regenerative Farming and Biodiversity

Tranwell Farm has been cared for by our family for more than 60 years. During that time we have planted approximately 10,000 trees, established around 30 miles of hedgerows and created a network of habitats that support a wide range of wildlife.

We manage woodland, grassland and conservation areas to encourage biodiversity and have developed our own nature reserve on the farm. Guests regularly spot hares, roe deer, owls, bats, woodpeckers, butterflies and a wide variety of farmland birds during their stay.

Our farming practices increasingly focus on regenerative principles, including planting herbal leys, legumes, clover and other soil-improving crops to capture carbon, improve soil health and support pollinators. Green waste, compost and organic matter are returned to the land wherever possible as part of a circular approach to farming and land management.

Supporting Sustainable Travel

We encourage guests to explore Northumberland without relying solely on their cars. Information on public transport, walking routes and cycling opportunities is provided through our website, welcome packs and pre-arrival communications.

The Arriva 777 bus service operates close to the farm, providing connections to Morpeth, Newcastle and Newcastle Airport. Guests can also access rail services from Morpeth Station, opening up sustainable travel opportunities across Northumberland and the North East.

We provide suggested public transport itineraries to destinations including Newcastle, Alnwick and Amble and actively promote car sharing, group travel and electric vehicle use.

Reducing Waste and Supporting a Circular Economy

Reducing waste remains a key priority throughout the business. We provide extensive recycling facilities for guests and encourage responsible consumption through clear information and signage.

We use refillable cleaning and housekeeping products through Splosh, reducing packaging waste and supporting a circular economy model. Compostable food waste is returned to the farm composting system and used to improve soil health. Materials are reused wherever possible and we seek suppliers who share our environmental values.

Many products used within our accommodation are refillable, reusable or locally sourced. We prioritise quality and longevity over disposable alternatives and continually review opportunities to reduce waste further.

Supporting Health and Wellbeing

We believe that spending time in nature can have a powerful positive impact on physical and mental wellbeing.

Guests can enjoy woodland walks, wildlife watching, stargazing, campfires and peaceful outdoor spaces designed to help them relax and reconnect with nature. We also run a range of nature-based experiences and creative workshops including willow weaving, green woodworking, sheep experiences, farm tours and countryside activities.

Our blogs and social media channels regularly explore the benefits of nature, outdoor recreation and mindful travel, encouraging visitors to slow down and enjoy the simple pleasures of the countryside.

Accessibility and Inclusion

We are committed to creating a welcoming environment for everyone. We recognise that accessibility extends beyond physical mobility and includes people with visible and non-visible disabilities, sensory impairments, neurodiversity, long-term health conditions and differing communication needs.

Detailed accessibility information is provided for all accommodation types to help guests make informed choices before booking. We are always happy to discuss individual requirements and make reasonable adjustments wherever possible.

We are committed to ensuring equality of service and care for all guests regardless of age, disability, race, religion, gender, sexual orientation or socio-economic background.

Supporting Our Community

As a family business we believe in supporting the communities around us. We prioritise local suppliers wherever possible, helping to support jobs and reduce food miles.

We have supported local schools through tree donations, contributed to Northumberland Forest planting projects, worked with conservation organisations including Living Woods and participated in beach cleans and environmental initiatives. We also support local charities and community fundraising through donations, raffle prizes and community events.

Looking Forward

Sustainability is a journey rather than a destination. We continue to learn, attend training, review our environmental performance and seek new ways to improve.

We are proud to have been recognised for our efforts through Green Tourism accreditation, The Greener Camping Club and by winning Gold at the North East England Tourism Awards for two consecutive years.

By choosing to stay at Tranwell Farm Holidays, our guests become part of that journey – helping to support nature, local communities and a more sustainable future for tourism in Northumberland.