Grants aid tourism in forest
SUSTAINABILITY
GRANTS have been awarded to businesses developing sustainable tourism.
The National Forest Company (NFC) said it wanted to “support businesses with their continued recovery from the pandemic and encourage them to invest wisely now to create a greener future for the sector”.
Projects had to meet one or more of the principles of the fund:
■ Improve and promote access for all visitors to surrounding woodlands and habitats;
■ Strengthen visitor connections with the Forest;
■ Protect and enhance nature to improve the visitor experience;
■ Raise visitor awareness of the National Forest story and future vision.
The four successful applicants were: The Outwoods, Loughborough; Cattows Farm, in Heather; piloting a National Forest activity short break for families, developed by Leicestershire Promotions and North West Leicestershire District Council; and, Charnwood Forest Wigwams.
Richard Drakeley, tourism development manager for the NFC, said: “With more families and individuals interested in reconnecting to nature and having gentle outdoor adventures, it is a perfect time for tourism businesses to look at how they can make their business and the activities they offer more sustainable and less carbon heavy.
“We want to help businesses diversify, and be able to meet the needs of their customers, many of whom are expecting sustainable options to be on offer.”
At the Outwoods, the money will support Charnwood Borough Council to invest in an electric Tramper vehicle, making the woodlands and activities throughout the Outwoods more accessible.
Cattows Farm needed secure bike racks so riders could enjoy a tea break without anxiety about security.
The National Forest will soon be featured in a Bradt Guidebook to Slow
Family Travel Breaks: Perfect Escapes in Britain’s Special Places.
Families will be invited to book a slow family short break featuring a number of the outdoors, hands-on activities and experiences described within the chapter in the guidebook dedicated to the National Forest.
Charnwood Forest Wigwams was granted funding towards providing an onsite compost toilet for day visitors.
Currently established as a self-catering timber cabin accommodation provider, it is looking to extend the range of activities offered and needed facilities to make day experiences available to more people.
The funding has also enabled it to install secure cycle racks for staying guests, encouraging them to leave the car on site and explore the wider forest by bike.
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