Caring for the environment is central to all we do at Tinhay Retreats and taking part in the Devon Bat Project, introducing bee hives, developing a two-acre wildflower meadow and rearing our own sheep are just some of the actions we have taken.
There are many aspects to being eco-friendly and heating our homes in this country is one of the major issues to address. Having checked our loft insulation, we had many discussions about how to improve our heating system. In the end we have replaced an old inefficient oil boiler with a gas fired boiler. The gas boiler will be more efficient but it does still run on a fossil fuel... in the future we will need to find an alternative, along with around 80% of people in the UK that heat their homes with gas.
To help offset our carbon consumption we are planning to plant an orchard of twenty or more trees... when we are able. We plan to use one of the fields in which we currently graze our sheep. Hopefully, the boiler will ensure that we are warm and cosy for Christmas this year and as we begin the Advent season on Sunday, we wish all our readers every blessing this Advent and during the Christmas celebrations. As we celebrate the arrival of a special baby, the light of the world, may the twinkling lights around us remind us of the light and hope that can be found in Jesus.