When we dreamed up Redwood Valley, we envisioned a sanctuary that would coexist harmoniously with the wildlife and natural landscape around us. Every decision has been guided by this vision: here ‘low-impact’ and ‘sustainable’ aren’t just buzzwords, but the very foundation of all that we do. We’re proud to say we’ve created a site that’s not only low-impact and sustainable but also a place where you can relax, reconnect, and experience the beauty of the natural world in comfort. Let us take you behind the scenes to see how we’ve brought this vision to life.
A vision for small-scale, big ideals
When it came to planning Redwood Valley, we thought small – and we mean that in the best possible way. Right from the beginning, we knew we wanted to keep things intimate and natural so we chose to keep our footprint minimal. The idea was simple: design a space large enough for families and friends to come together, yet small enough to avoid overwhelming the surrounding woodland or disrupting the wildlife that calls it home. We hope you’ll agree that we’ve found the perfect balance.
Thoughtful design with nature in mind
From the moment we began planning, our commitment to sustainability shaped every decision. We’ve carefully curated the layout of the site to avoid disrupting the woodland and its wildlife, placing buildings in areas that were already disturbed or home to non-native species. We’ve also minimised our impact on the land and wildlife by utilising existing paths, allowing us to keep disturbance to a minimum.
Building with nature, for nature
We’ve also put a lot of thought into the materials we use. For years before construction, we gathered and seasoned timber from our own woodland, mainly from conifers that we had cleared and replaced with native species. This meant we could craft our site’s decking, cladding, railings, and furniture from local wood – dramatically cutting down on the carbon emissions associated with transportation.
We’ve also chosen eco-friendly materials for other aspects of the build. Our roofs are made from eco-slate, made from recycled car tyres – a durable, lightweight option that’s easy to transport. Our yurt, Seren was handcrafted less than an hour away, while the Mongolian ger, Eilian was rescued from another glamping site, reducing waste. The cabin was a labour of love, constructed by hand using mainly our own timber, reclaimed double-glazed panels and insulated with sheep’s wool. Low-impact? We think so!
Running on renewable resources
Building a sustainable site goes far beyond construction—it’s about the ongoing care and management of the space. Luckily, we were off to a great start with our own spring-fed water system, UV treated for the purest drinking water you can imagine – no need for harsh chemicals here. For wastewater, we turned to the experts at the Centre for Alternative Technology (CAT), who helped us design a solution that’s both eco-friendly and effective. Greywater from sinks and showers is managed through a soak-away system, while compost loos handle our brown waste – luxuriously designed, of course, for maximum comfort and minimal environmental impact.
Electricity and hot water are the final pieces of the puzzle (because let’s face it, no one wants to go glamping without a decent shower!). While solar panels weren’t viable because of the woodland setting, we have a green electricity tariff and offset emissions from our gas-heated shower in another way: with a dedicated tree-planting scheme. Each year, we plant at least 100 trees, bringing our total to well over 2,000 since we opened, contributing to increased biodiversity and a healthier environment for all.
Growing a thriving ecosystem
Redwood Valley isn’t just about minimising our impact; it’s also about increasing the positive impact we have on local wildlife. Our goal has always been to enhance biodiversity. We’ve planted not just trees but also shrubs and bushes – hazel, hawthorn and more – to create a thriving understory for wildlife. Our traditional meadow management helps wildflowers flourish and attracts a variety of pollinators, while our beautiful wildlife pond provides a home to frogs, newts, dragonflies, and water beetles. The best part? Our trail cameras have captured rare nocturnal visitors like otters and polecats!
Birdlife is flourishing too thanks to the nestboxes we’ve installed throughout the site. Year on year, we’ve seen an increase in birds, most notably pied flycatchers, once a rare visitor but now frequently spotted in spring. More recently we’ve even had several goshawk sightings!
Every detail counts
It’s the small things that add up to make a big difference. Here’s a snapshot of the everyday practices that make Redwood Valley a truly sustainable getaway:
A Journey of Discovery
Creating Redwood Valley has been a labour of love, a journey of discovery, and a testament to what can be achieved when sustainability is at the heart of everything you do. From building to day-to-day operations, we’ve worked hard to create a place where you can unwind in comfort – and feel good knowing you’re supporting a site that’s as dedicated to protecting the environment as it is to providing you with a memorable glamping experience.a
Coppiced wood
Male pied flycatcher
A magical weekend
'From the compelling poster to the last wave goodbye, my experience of Redwood Valley was altogether delightful. In beautiful old woodland, with congenial hosts and a generous teacher, I had the greatest fun being there; and I made a greenwood table from start to finish – a magical weekend.'
A taste of paradise
'That wasn't camping. That was a taste of paradise. Beautiful and luxurious facilities blending into a mature, natural woodland habitat teeming with wildlife. I cannot wait to get back there.'
A place to reflect and rest
'This amazing retreat is the most idyllic and peaceful place around. Whether sat by the yurt or enjoying dinner; the only sounds are those of the birds singing and the river flowing. The beautiful surroundings are romantic and inspiring; a place to reflect and rest.'
