Cornwall is a beautiful place to come on holiday, which is why so many businesses are proud to be green. Here’s a few things you can do while on holiday to help us too.
Green Travel
If you can, arrive by public transport. This isn’t always feasilble, but once on holiday try to go by train, bus, bike or foot as much as possible.
For train information visit www.greatscenicrailways.co.uk; here you will find suggestions for day trips and information on rover passes. For buses visit www.firstbus.co.uk
Go on a real ale trail on the Tamar Valley Line
Visit pubs, collect stamps, win a T-shirt when you’ve collected ten stamps.
Get active
Download a walking app or borrow an OS map and explore on foot or bike. This will help you to really appreciate the rich ecology and history of where you are. A good place to start is the Tamara Coast to Coast, a new long distance footpath that slices through the heart of the Tamar Valley. Alternatively combine the Real Ale Trail with walks centred around railway stations. If you’re feeling brave, a sea dip can be very refreshing. In South East Cornwall Cawsands is always popular, as the sea is flat in all but the strongest easterly winds. In Hayle Little Yoga Wanderer (wellness.with.Siobahn) offers yoga on the beach on Thursday mornings, followed by a sea dip and drinks at Cove Cafe.
Day-trip locally
Cornwall is full of rich pockets of interest; there’s no need to travel far. Rather than thinking of Cornwall as being the destination, focus on what’s on your doorstep; in South East Cornwall we’d substitute Cawsands and Kingsands for Padstow, Looe for Newquay and Mount Edgecumbe for the Eden Project. If you are driving, set yourself a fifteen mile circumference and try and discover as much as you can.
Hire a green guide
There’s nothing quite like local gen. Local tour guide Lucy Daniel will show you all the hidden gems you might not otherwise discover. Lucy specialises in Poldark, Beyond Paradise and Fowey walking tours, but can tailor a bespoke day out according to your interests. Lucy offers a discount for anyone arriving by public transport.
Stay for longer
A longer stay will mean the impact of your journey to and from your holiday becomes more worthwhile.
Buy local
Cornwall is crammed full of local crafts-people, galleries and local food shops. Rather than buying from a supermarket, why not buy your provisions at a local farm shop or deli? Buy meaningful gifts from local crafts-people, or second-hand shops. A great place to start is Tavistock Pannier market, which is crammed full of local micro business traders, many selling locally produced products and food and drink. Eat out at pubs and restaurants that offer a locally sourced menu.
Support local events
Enjoy the plethora of live music and theatre that can be found in abundance in Cornwall. Many local pubs hold open mic nights and jam sessions, so if you are a musician, do bring an instrument on holiday with you. In the heart of the Tamar Valley, Calstock Arts is a hub for great entertainment, and hosts a lively programme of events all year round.
Get crafty and learn traditional skills
There are so many amazing craftspeople in Cornwall, ready to share skills. I have to confess when it comes to skills classes we do also look over the water to Plymouth. I’ve really enjoyed making a stool and learning to weld for a day at The Weld Space. Also a great hub is Real Ideas Ocean Studios at Royal William Yard.
Save energy
Turn down the heating when you go out for the day and turn off any lights or electrical appliances you are not needing. This can make a big difference in the energy your holiday expends, and save your holiday provider money too, potentially leading to better value holidays in the future.
Use water wisely
Opt for a shower, and turn off the tap when brushing your teeth. If you are staying in a hotel, reuse your towels to reduce the washing load.
Go for a #2minutebeachclean
Plastic always makes its way to the sea. If you go to the beach, take a bag and fill it with plastic jetsam. You can help keep landscapes tidy by picking up any loose litter to prevent it from reaching water courses. I keep a bag on me for this purpose.
Carry a reusable cup and water bottle
Many stalls and cafes now give discount for bringing your own cup; particularly useful when frequenting places such as stalls that would otherwise use disposable cups.
Holiday outside the peak periods
If you are not restricted by school holidays, then holidaying out of season helps to support local businesses and keep them viable. There are advantages too; there is magic on empty beaches or open moorland on a crisp winters day. Few things beat glorious autumn colour, or springtime gardens. Some of the best time-out can be enjoyed in a cosy space, curled up by a fire playing games or reading a book.
Immerse yourself in nature
Enjoy and celebrate wild spaces. Bring some binoculars; take time to sit and observe. The Tamar Valley is a great place to see nature; if you are lucky you might even spot a rare bird, water voles, or beaver activity on the river catchment.
Love the weather, no matter how cold, wet or windy
Invest in a decent raincoat and a wild walk across a windy beach to see the waves becomes an invigorating and life-enhancing experience.
Get active and try something new
Tamar Trails, between Gunnislake and Tavistock, is a fabulous network of paths through a fascinating mining landscape. Apart from the lovely woodland trails, there are also a whole range of low environmental impact activities, including archery, tree surfing and canoeing, all of which come highly recommended.
Take home tips
While on holiday look for green ideas you can take home. You may decide to make a pledge to change your bank (this is one of the most powerful things you can do.) You could be inspired to make a wild patch in your garden, or get involved volunteering in a local project. Being on holiday is a great time to recharge and think about the world you would like to be part of.
