Climate change

As a part of the Hampshire Countryside Service, our aim is to be a part of the solution to climate change. Working in collaboration with many teams and partners, we’re committed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, increase biodiversity, and improve sustainability across our park.

Find out more about the ways we're tackling climate change:

Reduce, reuse, recycle

We aim to inspire our visitors to make lifestyle changes to reduce waste, reuse and recycle where possible.

At The Barn, we:

  • Only use reusable cutlery and cups
  • Compost rubbish
  • Have a plant-based focus on our café menu
  • Source produce locally
  • Minimise food packaging and use sustainable materials where we can

Nature recovery

The natural environment can offer solutions to many of our emerging problems. However, nature-based solutions can be impacted by interference, limiting their ability to function effectively. Working together, we can restore their proper function by:

  • Restoring plant species diversity in grassland to sequester more carbon
  • Removing drainage from a wetland to reduce flooding
  • Planting woodland to link existing habitats, restoring  species' ability to move naturally across the landscape
  • Restoring hedgerows and headlands to provide pollinators for farm crops
  • Restoring soil health by increasing diversity will allow more rainfall to be absorbed, reducing the impact of  drought

Connections and reflections woodland

The connections and reflections woodland aims to create an accessible woodland for both our staff and visitors in the River Hamble Country Park. 

The newly created woodland will:

  • Create spaces to connect with friends and family to reflect on the Covid-19 pandemic
  • Increase biodiversity
  • Create a green corridor across the country park
  • Introduce experimental planting with climate change resilient tree species

Eco barn project

The Barn is not just a welcoming hub for visitors to enjoy, but a showcase of climate-friendly facilities and innovation – all with the aim of protecting the environment and preserving nature.

The Barn has a number of environmental considerations in its design to be as climate resilient as possible, including:

  • Renewable energy - harnessing and storing solar energy to heat and power the building
  • Locally sourced materials - choosing local building materials such as the chestnut cladding sourced on site. Using local contractors to reduce the carbon miles
  • Reusing - wool insulation left over from another project has been used in the roof

Looking for ways you can reduce your impact on the environment? Here are our top tips:

  • Invest in a reusable water bottle and coffee cup (you can buy them onsite at The Barn during your visit)
  • Reuse shopping bags
  • Avoid single use items like cutlery where possible
  • Swap to reusable and refillable items in the home

For more information, resources and advice, check out Smart Living to find out more.