Caring for the Biosphere
We try to uphold the principles of living in a UNESCO Biosphere in the way we run the retreat.
What we do
There are recycling facilities at the cottage for glass, paper & card, soft plastic, foil & tin, and compost.
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Where possible we do not use cleaning products that are harmful to the environment or aquatic life – We get our washing up liquid, dishwasher tablets, and surface cleaners from Homethings so that everything is as environmentally friendly as it can be. Our loo roll comes from Who Gives a Crap and is plastic-free.
We use bamboo washing up cloths and loofah scourers that don’t drop micro-plastics into the water supply (washed at high temperatures between guests) and plastic-free sponges from Homethings.​
The main boiler currently runs on gas but is hydrogen-ready.
We can accommodate bicycles if you’d like to bring them – and the area provides stunning and safe cycling (be prepared for a few, ahem, gentle slopes).
Places to see
Our UNESCO Biosphere and Dark Sky Park are a little-known and under-visited area - there is a list of some of the extraordinary places to visit in your downtime here:
Other Attractions
Galloway and Southern Ayrshire
From the wilderness of the open hills to the Dark Skies of the Galloway Forest or windswept coastline, the Galloway and Southern Ayrshire Biosphere has many places to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
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The Biosphere’s geography of remote open moorland, serene lochs, quiet ancient oak woodlands, waterfalls and deep gorges, and picturesque villages all contribute to its peaceful character, providing opportunities for contemplation and awe.
Galloway Red Kite Trail
We are perfectly placed for the ‘Galloway Red Kite Trail’ that the area is famous for and their website gives you an idea of just some of the other wildlife that we have, both all year round and visiting. For me, it’s the thousands of pink-footed geese who arrive around November who are the most jaw-dropping of all the sights.
Kirkcudbright
The Artists’ town of Kirkcudbright is 6 miles from the retreat and buses there run regularly from outside the front door. There are numerous galleries there if you are looking for artistic inspiration and the fabulous Gallovidia Books is a must-visit (& great local source of advice for food stops). Wigtown, with its second-hand bookshops and iconic Wigtown Book Festival is 45 minutes’ drive away.