Orielton

Pembrokeshire Coast

Eco-Centre

Introduction

In September 2001 Orielton Field Centre was awarded ‘Eco Centres’ status.

Eco Centre status is awarded to centres that undertake a programme of environmental improvements throughout their work with a view to reducing the impact of our activities on the environment.

In February 2005 we were re-assessed and passed again with flying colours. The assessor congratulated all staff on the way in which the Eco Centres initiative is no longer a ‘separate’ part of the work we do but part of the day to day running of the centre and the fieldwork.

Staff at the centre are involved in a continuous action plan and work towards making improvements in all areas of work at the centre. Everything we do is communicated to all visitors to the centre through displays around the centre and all visitors are encouraged to play as big a part as possible during their stay at Orielton.

One of our main aims is to promote a GREENER way of working.

The following are some of the ways in which we are committed to protecting the environment:

• recycle and reuse (whenever possible) all waste produced at the centre
• compost organic waste
• use environmentally friendly products
• use energy efficient lighting
• heat only the spaces we need
• shut doors, windows and curtains to prevent heat loss
• turn off electrical equipment and lights when not in use

Some of the exciting new developments we have recently been working on include:

• the purchase of a solar panel to be installed in the Stable yard area
• new displays on food miles and energy use
• several beach cleans of our local ‘adopted’ beach West Angle Bay
• the emptying of our first compost bin resulting in 560kg of rich garden compost