by sarah • September 27, 2024 • Wedding Planning Guides
Surrounded by beautiful scenery and rolling hills, we never take the incredible countryside we live in for granted and strive to be as environmentally friendly as possible.
We understand that anyone looking for a countryside wedding venue likely shares the same sentiment. That’s why we do everything we can to take care of the environment we live in, and why we’re proud to be one of the most eco-friendly, greenest wedding venues in the region. We’re transforming our energy uses every day, and striving to eliminate our carbon footprint for future generations and beyond.
At Heaton House Farm, recycling has been a priority for decades. We were among the first in the area to establish our own on-site recycling station and partner with dedicated companies to ensure full skips are collected—minimising unnecessary fuel use on half-full bins! We meticulously separate all waste and work with external specialists like ReFood to recycle food waste, which is sent to an anaerobic digester to generate methane gas, powering generators and contributing electricity to the National Grid. Additionally, we now have a new oil supplier, Lifecycle Oils, who collect our used oil and transform it into plant-based fuel, further enhancing our commitment to sustainability.
Our barn roofs were also one of the first places in the region to host solar panels, with 125 installed by 2011, and 250 generating up to 60kwh of energy each day. To take advantage of this green energy, we have low-energy LED lights. In 2022 we installed two large ground source heat pumps to supply heat to the whole farm with a large array of underground pipes collecting heat from the ground.
Our changes to to our operations virtually eliminate our use of overseas fossil fuels like oil, and cuts our carbon footprint dramatically. Our goal at Heaton House Farm is to eliminate it. With all our facilities in one location, from ceremony options to overnight accommodation, our wedding guests can enjoy everything without needing to travel around the area. Not only does that make for a much more seamless wedding day, but it also minimises exhaust emissions. Our other commitments include:
With such large grounds, wildlife is in abundance at Heaton House Farm, and we’re doing everything we can to protect it now for future generations. From bird feeders in the water gardens to cordoned-off fields to protect nesting chicks, all the staff here love the wildlife. We’re often watching out for owls at night time, helping out with the sheep during lambing season and rescuing hedgehogs. If you want to see our beautiful countryside and the local wildlife, we would love to welcome you for viewing.
