We are delighted to have achieved a Gold Award, under the prestigious Green Tourism Business Scheme. Gold is the highest possible accolade and demonstrates our commitment to ensuring that our EBike and walking holidays promote responsible tourism.
We are currently the only UK cycling holiday business to hold the Gold Award.
A Commitment to sustainable, responsible tourism
To qualify for the award, the business had to demonstrate a commitment to sustainability, reducing our carbon footprint, protecting the natural environment and supporting the local environment and community.
Sue Jerham, Managing Director of National Forest EBikes said, “having lived in the area for nearly 35 years, we are passionate about the creation of the National Forest and the ways it has transformed the local landscape and economy. We love sharing this undiscovered part of the UK with our guests, but feel it is importsnt thst we encourage them to explore in a sustainable and responsible manner. We keep mileage low and encourage guests to take the time to enjoy the journey and explore along the way. One of the things that makes our holidays special is that many of our attractions are small and community run, such as Ashby Museum, Elford Community Gardens or Grace Dieu Priory. Visitors will often be the only people there midweek. Even glorious gardens, such as Melbourne Hall (the namesake for Melbourne, Australia and former seat of Victorian Prime Minister William Lamb) remain blissfully undiscovered by crowds and large coach parties.
“The Green Tourism assessor looked at all of our initiatives to encourage responsible tourism. These include offering a 5% discount to guests arriving by train, favouring accommodation with a sustainable policy, donating towards the upkeep of the National Forest, ethical buying, such as tyres that can be recycled and encouraging guests to visit small, local businesses in the region. We even offer reusable picnic crockery so guests can enjoy a picnic, without using disposable plates and cutlery.”
Green Tourism Report
The report said:
National Forest Ebike Holidays have done an excellent job in achieving the Green Tourism Gold award following on from their first GreenCheck. The team have displayed an excellent understanding of sustainability and awareness of opportunities and challenges associated with running a responsible business. National Ebike Holidays have scored well across the board and have excelled in the Health & Wellbeing, Destination, Awareness, Food & Drink and Experiences goals. The team have shown a commitment to continual improvement and a willingness to implement change where required.
Our priorty areas to further improve will be additional ways we can impact and measure carbon footprint, energy and biodiversity. We will also continue to ask our guests for their suggestions and ideas.
About National Forest EBike Holidays
National Forest EBike Holidays offers luxury, self-guided EBike and walking holidays in and around the National Forest region of the UK. Guests can start their holiday any day of the week, all year. The holidays are designed to encourage slow travel. We keep mileage low, making our EBike and walking holidays perfect for gentle adventurers and leaving plenty of time to connect with nature and explore the many sights and experiences along the way. We love signposting some of the fabulous local woodland experiences, including bee keeping, Forest Bathing and woodland crafts. We move guests' luggage between hotels, leaving them free to explore the region at their own pace and in their own private group. Our guests can expect fabulous accommodation each night. We select the best possible small luxury B&Bs, delightful country inns and small boutique hotels. Often our accommodation providers have their own green tourism accreditations and awards. All have a love of locally-sourced, seasonal food – it will be home-grown, reared or baked in many cases. Unlike many cycling and walking holidays, our routes are circular to limit the need for additional transportation. In most instances, there is always a local pub or restaurant for guests to enjoy a delightful evening meal, without needing to take a taxi. As a small family company, we specialise in offering guests a very personal service, with holidays tailored to suit guest's specific needs or interests.
The National Forest region
Straddling Leicestershire, Derbyshire and Staffordshire, The National Forest is one of England's most exciting and ambitious regeneration projects. The area was once full of of coal mines, opencast and clay pits. The last 30 years has seen 200 square miles transformed from black to green, completely changing the landscape and lives of local people. Miners have become forest guardians and forest schools are common place for children. Some of the UK's most productive mines are now filled with trees and wildlife. The 9 millionth tree was planted in 2021 and the region has gone from less than 6% to over 20% tree coverage.
This is a region still undiscovered by mass tourism, yet full of fabulous treasures, such as Calke Abbey, The National Memorial Arboretum, National Brewery Museum, National Trust Stoneywell and Ashby Castle. It's perfect for people wanting to explore somewhere new, that's full of things to see and experience.
The region is surrounded by stations offering excellent access from across the country – most fitting for a region that was at the birth of rail travel!
Choose your perfect EBike or walking holiday
We would love to help find your perfect walking or EBike holiday. Contact us on info@ebikeholiday.co.uk or on 01530 417482 to discuss your requirements.
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