From the beginning, River Cottage HQ has been founded on sustainable design principles. Our goal was to create a low-carbon, low-energy hub that addresses the challenges of climate change and achieves net-zero well ahead of the UK government’s target dates. This commitment extends to our website, where we continuously strive to improve our environmental practices. If you’re interested in understanding the carbon impact of websites, pop a URL into this tool to assess their environmental footprint.
On our 100-acre organic farm, we embrace a holistic approach to ensure nothing goes to waste. Every aspect of energy creation, infrastructure, and building design prioritises sustainability, from the materials we source to the systems we implement.
Sustainability is at the heart of our operations, reflected in systems like our artesian well for drinking water, our biomass boiler for heating, and our reed beds that naturally process effluent. We also collect rainwater from our roofs, and our wind turbine on the hill generates some of the electricity we use.
Our River Cottage Kitchen & Store, certified organic by the Soil Association, was previously our HQ office. We’ve made a conscious effort to upcycle or recycle materials, fixtures, and fittings from the original building. When sourcing new materials, we prioritise high environmental standards and local suppliers within the UK. The furniture in our farmhouse is crafted by skilled UK makers, including Another Country in Dorset, Morgan in Hampshire, and Naturalmat in Devon.
We take pride in our organic certification from the Soil Association, managed under Countryside and Environmental Stewardship schemes run by Natural England. These initiatives help land managers preserve natural habitats and promote biodiversity while supporting food production. Notable habitats on our farm include species-rich hay meadows and traditional hedgerows. On two acres, we grow high-quality organic fruits and vegetables, providing a diverse range of produce for our kitchen year-round.
As ambassadors for the East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, we are dedicated to preserving and enhancing the natural environment around us.
