🌿 Sustainability at The Oaks

At The Oaks, sustainability is a way of life. As guardians of this land, we believe in regeneration, not just preservation. We aim to nurture the earth, enrich our community, and offer guests meaningful, restorative experiences that linger long after their stay.

In recognition of this commitment, we are proud to have received the Gold Award from Green Tourism UK — the highest honour for sustainable travel and eco-friendly stays.

We’re passionate about encouraging local tourism, supporting the regional economy, and demonstrating how private land can be shared for the common good.

Read more about steps we take for a more carbon neutral holiday. Our Climate Change Impact Plan can be read here.

In addition to reducing our carbon impact, and enhancing our biodiversity, we also calculate and offset our carbon footprint using Carbon Footprint Ltd:

Our carbon offset report here

We ask that all our guests adhere to our sustainability code.

🌱 Biodiversity & Woodland Stewardship

Our 12-acre woodland is a living, breathing ecosystem — and we’re helping it thrive.

Annual tree planting of native species to sequester carbon and support resilience
Log piles, deadwood, and wildflower zones to foster microhabitats
Minimal light pollution to protect nocturnal species like bats and owls
Mixed orchard & woodland zones attract butterflies, fungi, deer, and birds

We also host bat walks and other nature-based activities to help guests engage with the land.

🐝 Bees, Bonbons & Our Orchard

Pollinators are at the heart of The Oaks.

We keep six active hives and are proud members of the British Beekeepers Association
Our orchard of fruit and nut trees offers the ideal environment for bees and birds
Guests receive a jar of our honey and handmade honey infused chocolate bonbons — a sweet gift from the land

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🔄 Circular Economy & Sustainable Design

We design with stories — and sustainability — in mind.

Reclaimed wood, antique furniture, and salvaged stone feature across the estate
Even the beams were rescued from the church where C.S. Lewis is buried
Upcycling and reuse shape every decision, creating rustic beauty with minimal impact

⚡ Energy & Light

From heat pumps to fairy lights, every watt counts.

Air Source Heat Pumps use 3x less energy than traditional systems
Low-energy lighting and appliances across all properties
Eco-friendly heating options, including efficient log burners
Timers on external lights ensure nothing stays on unnecessarily
Smart insulation to minimise heat loss and maximise comfort

💧 Water & Waste

We care for every drop and every scrap.

Recycling bins and clear guidance in every space
Refillable cleaning and toiletry products
Reusable cloths, minimal disposables, and natural materials
Transitioning to well water to reduce mains usage
Composting on site for food and garden waste

🚲 Low-Impact Travel

We make it easy to arrive gently and explore slowly.

Free EV charging
Bicycles available to rent
Walks and cycle routes right from your doorstep
Our travel guide helps guests choose car-free experiences

🏡 Community & Place-Based Impact

Sustainability means sharing.

We open our land for refugees, volunteers, and community events
Hosts for Oxford Art Week and the Congenital Anaemia Network
Bat walks, orchard tours, and even a Spring Litter Pick Crepe Exchange!

We believe that private land can — and should — be used for the common good.

📊 Our Climate Commitment

We don’t just talk about impact — we track it.

We measure and offset our carbon footprint annually through Carbon Footprint Ltd
Read our full Climate Impact Plan
View our Carbon Offset Report

🧙‍♀️ A Magical Responsibility

Caring for the planet should feel like stepping into a fairytale. At The Oaks, it does.
We ask that all our guests kindly adhere to our Sustainability Code to help protect this special place.

Because when nature thrives, so do we.