One of the latest businesses to join responsible tourism organisation Nurture Eden, has seen its trajectory on the ‘all-things-green’ scale soar this week thanks to both the installation of a new state-of-the-art wood pellet bio mass boiler and the implementation of a Visitor Giving scheme which will raise funds to put money back into conservation and communities in Eden.

Award-winning bed and breakfast/hostel, New Ing Lodge in Shap, which is situated directly on Wainwright’s famous Coast-to-Coast route, is run by two dynamic and forward-thinking brothers Scott and Jamie Newburn, who see the latest additions to their business as an obvious next step, having already achieved numerous green awards including a silver accreditation with the Green Toursim Business Scheme and a gold award from Cumbria Business Environment Network

Scott Newburn commented, “We recognise our environmental responsibility and are committed to working towards a sustainable future. The majority of our guests come here to appreciate the outstanding landscapes on our doorstep and it makes complete sense to give them the opportunity to make a voluntary contribution to help look after the places they love to visit.  When it comes to thinking about the sustainable option, we really believe that it’s just as easy to do it as not.”

The brothers have decided that money raised through a voluntary addition of £1 per booking will be used this year to support an inspiring example of a local community project – the Orton Community Woodland. Land saved from grazing is being transformed through the hard work of local volunteers, into a beautiful woodland site interspersed with nature trails, providing a wonderful resource for educational visits.

Nurture Eden Fundraising Development Officer, Ruth Kirk added, “Scott and Jamie are a terrific example of sustainable tourism in action. They have embraced the ethos which recognises that tourism and conservation can, and indeed need to be mutually supportive. I’m delighted to be able to support them in setting up Visitor Giving in their business and welcome them on board as members of Nurture Eden.”

Businesses who feel inspired to follow the brothers’ route to responsible tourism can find out more about Nurture Eden’s ‘Green Eden’ project and Visitor Giving at agreeneden.org