Small steps, big changes

I had planned this current blog before Covid-19 was even a reality but it seems fitting at this time.

Whilst the globe battles with the pandemic, our planet is benefiting hugely. With flights grounded, cities and towns without rush hours, more people choosing to walk, cycle or run, local to home, so less traffic on the roads. Shopping conscientiously by most and using up what is in our larders and freezers. Many reinstating the vegetable patch, as more time at home due to lockdown. With less traffic everywhere nature and wildlife are enjoying a freedom they haven’t had in centuries. So in these difficult times, it’s nice to know that some good is being felt around the world.

We hope you enjoy the read.

As I walked along the beach this morning, I was fascinated by the footprints in my path. From dog paws of varying sizes to gull prints, to trainer treads and welly boots and even yes, in March, barefoot prints!

This got me thinking about the environment and if you watch the news at the moment, not a day goes by, when we are being asked to think and change our way of everyday living. I am very aware of how lucky I am to be able to walk on my beach daily (Camber Sands) and to not have travelled to enjoy the pleasure.

But small changes we make today can have a big impact. This is why I carry a bag and collect plastics and rubbish I see on my beach walks or take part in Rye Harbour Nature Reserve beach cleans as and when I can. If everyone did this while out on their walk, whether on a beach, in the countryside or just your local neighbourhood, we would see huge changes quickly.

I am actively encouraging my owners of the holiday cottages we market to think about reducing packaging, plastics and environmental products throughout our holiday homes.

Some of our properties now provide soap from the Sussex Soap Company, reducing packaging and travel miles, a local company using local materials to produce lovely products.

This ties in nicely with ‘staycations’ here in East Sussex. We are only 1.5 hours from London yet feel much further away and a weekend or weeks stay in one of our holiday properties can feel like you have travelled far. We have beautiful beaches, stately homes, stunning gardens, castles and lots of fun attractions for all the family. Come and walk the coastal path, hire bicycles from one of the many hire companies and explore our quiet country lanes on national cycle routes. Harness the wind and learn to kitesurf at Jury’s Gap Kite Centre or learn to sail a Topper at Rye Water-sports or paddleboard around Hastings Pier. So many ways we can reduce our impact on the environment and have fun all at once.

We’d love to know what you are doing to reduce your carbon footprint or little life hacks that maybe we could incorporate into our holiday cottages here in East Sussex.