SUSTAINABILITY
Barefoot Retreats Environmental Policy
At Barefoot Retreats, we are committed to delivering exceptional holiday experiences while preserving the natural beauty and unique heritage of North Norfolk. Whilst our portfolio of luxury properties are all privately and individually owned, as a responsible business, we recognise the impact our operations can have on the environment and are dedicated to minimising this wherever possible. Our environmental policy outlines the actions we take and our ongoing commitment to sustainable tourism.
1. Our Commitments
1.1 Reducing Environmental Impact
– We aim to reduce our carbon footprint by improving energy efficiency across all properties, including the use of LED lighting, smart heating systems, and insulation upgrades where appropriate.
– We encourage property owners to use renewable energy sources and consider environmentally friendly appliances and systems in their homes.
– We encourage our property owners to install EV chargers.
– Properties not occupied are secured by the Barefoot housekeeping team, ensuring lighting, heating and facilities are closed down when not in use.
1.2 Waste Management
– We promote recycling and waste reduction in all properties by providing clearly labelled recycling bins and information for guests.
– We minimise single-use plastics and where possible use refillable products for toiletries and cleaning supplies. For example washing up liquid is sourced in large drums and small bottles in the properties re-filled from this.
– We provide Noble Isle toiletries (shampoo, conditioner, shower gel and hand soap in each bathroom) – https://www.nobleisle.com/. These are made in the UK using sustainable ingredients and natural extracts, are paraben, vegan, and cruelty free, and use recyclable packaging. We re-fill the hand soaps and are currently looking into joining their Clean Conscience recycling scheme.
– Properties offer refillable coffee; tea and sugar stock to reduce waste.
– Guests are provided with complimentary milk as part of their welcome hamper, the glass milk bottles are sent back to Milk & More for re use.
– All guest correspondence is paperless, from confirmations and access and directions to information from our concierge team, this is sent via e-mail.
– Any wastepaper collected from properties or offices is shredded and used to line a staff members chicken coop. Empty printer ink cartridges are returned and recycled.
– Lost property found in houses is kept for 3 months and if it is not claimed then it gets donated to charities within the area.
– Waste is separated and recycled wherever possible at the housekeeping unit.
– Packaging from deliveries is re-used, for example claimed lost property is returned in packing saved from deliveries. Delivery pallets are given to a local restoration company to use.
1.3 Sustainable Water Use
– We promote water-saving practices, including low-flow showerheads and dual-flush toilets where possible.
– We ask guests and cleaners to use water mindfully and report leaks or maintenance issues promptly.
1.4 Supporting Local & Sustainable Products
– We prioritise partnerships with local suppliers and service providers who share our sustainability values.
– We have forged strong relationships with local suppliers and producers to create a bespoke Norfolk welcome hamper which is placed into all Barefoot properties for arrival. This hamper is packed with local goodies including Sandringham apple juice, Redgate crusty loaf, handmade biscuits, Tyrrells crisps, local milk, and a bottle of pink fizz . Glass milk bottles are returned to the milkman and a member of staff collects the bread order on their way into work to reduce unnecessary travel.
– We provide a Barefoot branded recycled shoulder bag produced by a local Norwich based company Paws Print, to encourage guests to spend in the local area.
– We provide a collection of bespoke vouchers for some of our favourite local food venues and attractions, along with a selection of local magazines packed with articles and information on the area.
– We sponsor local events within the village of Burnham Market and wider North Norfolk community including annual events; The Burnham Market International Horse Trials, Burnham Market Flower Show, Burnham Market Christmas light switch on and Dog Show.
– We donate prizes to local schools, chosen charities and events close to our teams hearts.
-We are proud to be part of Visit North Norfolk.
1.5 Wildlife & Habitat Protection
– We encourage wildlife-friendly practices in gardens and outdoor spaces, such as planting native species, avoiding harmful pesticides, and installing bird or bee-friendly features.
– Guests are provided with information on dog friendly beaches and locations via the website and guest property guides highlighting conservation areas and breeding times to protect the local landscape and wildlife.
– We support and promote local conservation initiatives and coastal clean-up events, including beach cleans along the North Norfolk coast.
2. Stakeholder Engagement
2.1 Guest engagement
– Guests are encouraged to make environmentally responsible choices during their stay through welcome materials, our digital guides, and signage promoting energy-saving tips, local recycling schemes, and eco-friendly activities.
– We highlight local attractions, places to eat, and experiences that support sustainability and the North Norfolk community. These are highlighted on our website and via our guest welcome hampers.
– We encourage guests to walk, jog, cycle or bus their way around! Website blogs provide routes and useful information alongside the welcome guide which is packed with suggestions and QR codes to tide times and blogs.
2.2 Staff & Contractor Awareness
– All staff, housekeepers, and contractors receive training on our environmental standards and are encouraged to suggest improvements.
– Barefoot Retreats employs 34 local staff as well as local cleaning teams.
– Contractors working on properties in the portfolio are local, such as gardeners, decorators and other services.
– Staff will share journeys and plan workloads efficiently to minimize carbon footprint.
– Staff will collect deliveries on their way to work to reduce packing and journeys, for example a housekeeper living in Hunstanton collects the weekly bread order.
– We work with our property owners to align their homes with our sustainability goals, offering advice and resources where needed.
4. Continuous Improvement
– We regularly review our environmental practices and set goals to improve sustainability across our operations.
– We recognise the difficulties associated with having privately owned holiday lets and creating one standard for all however we are committed to developing and improving.
– We monitor feedback from guests, staff, and partners to ensure we continue to uphold and evolve our environmental responsibilities.
Conclusion
Barefoot Retreats is proud to play a role in protecting the landscape, wildlife, and communities that make North Norfolk so special. We understand that small actions collectively lead to meaningful change and we are committed to being part of a greener future for tourism.
For more information or to provide feedback on our policy, please contact enquiries@barefootretreats.co.uk
Last Updated: May 2025