Our Ethos

As a family we are committed to making a difference, and encouraging others to join that journey. Since moving to Alfriston in 2018 we have already begun replacing diseased trees and replanting and continue to do so.

We encourage wildlife and will be creating more bird boxes, we also have an owl box to install. Our next steps are to have a wildflower meadow in the apple orchard, as we have now installed solar for our woodland cabins.

We continue to work with and promote local businesses, and support local charities such as WOLO, our opportunity to give a little back to enhance the great work they do supporting families impacted by cancer.

The woodland cabins themselves are built with minimal disturbance to nature and alongside ecologists to ensure both ourselves and our guests can live in harmony with nature.

We also won the Prestige Award for cabin accommodation of the year 2021!

Reducing our Carbon Footprint

We are committed to play our part in preventing climate change. As part of this we are able to collect and drop off guests during their stays with us in our fully electric 8-seater vehicle. Many of our guests arrive by other means of transport, or once here they want to use their car very little. We can also assist guests in visiting local attractions such as Rathfinny Wine Estate and Cuckmere Haven.

Together, we hope to significantly reduce our carbon footprint and improve the air quality here in Sussex with the help of planting carbon-reducing trees.

South Downs National Park

We are lucky enough to be located in the South Downs National Park.

The park has rolling hills, glorious heathland, river valleys, ancient woodland, thriving villages and market towns, and the iconic white cliffs of the Heritage Coast. Covering over 1600 square kilometres of England’s most valued lowland landscapes, it has been shaped by the activities of its farmers and foresters, its large estates and communities, its charities and local businesses. It includes inspirational landscapes, internationally important wildlife, cultural heritage and lively market towns and villages.

Guests to the park are inspired by what it has to offer and agreed these were their favourite special qualities:

  1. Diverse, inspirational landscapes and breathtaking views;
  2. A rich variety of wildlife and habitats including rare and internationally important species;
  3. Tranquil and unspoilt places;
  4. An environment shaped by centuries of farming and embracing new enterprise;
  5. Great opportunities for recreational activities and learning experiences;
  6. Well-conserved historical features and a rich cultural heritage;
  7. Distinctive towns and villages, and communities with real pride in their area.

In May 2016 the South Downs National Park became an International Dark Sky Reserve (IDSR). We think our star-studded skies overhead are as valuable as our beautiful rolling landscapes and we have evolved our business with this in mind.

Green Tourism

During our sustainability journey, we have in May 2024 managed to attain our Gold Green South Downs Sustainability Award

Endorsed by the South Downs National Park Authority (SDNPA), the Green South Downs award plaque certifies that we have passed a rigorous assessment on our sustainability practices against People, Place & Planet.

As part of this we have our Responsible Visitor Charter

Eight things you can do to help save the planet.

Here at Alfriston Cabins we are working hard to be as green and sustainable as possible, but we need your help.  We can all reduce our impact on the environment by making choices.  As a visitor you have a very important role to play in helping the South Downs National Park conserve its natural assets and become a more sustainable destination.

We include in our welcome information ideas on how you can help while you are with us:

  • Conserve Energy
  • Give the car a rest
  • Shop Local
  • Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
  • Be Water Wise
  • Respect nature
  • Green Tourism

And finally, if you feel there is anything else we could be doing to reduce our environmental impact please let us know in person or via our feedback form.

Solar Power

We are pleased to announce that our woodland cabins are now solar powered.

As a renewable source of power, solar energy has an important role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating climate change, which is critical to protecting humans, wildlife, and ecosystems. Solar energy can also improve air quality and reduce water use from energy production.

A great investment for the future!

Collaborations

Our aspiration is to continue to support other local businesses and work alongside them to make a difference.
Poco