Weekend treats make sustainability fun

Westley Farm (www.westleyfarm.co.uk) is nestled in 75 acres of Cotswold countryside close to Stroud in Gloucestershire and, whilst no longer a working farm, offers award-winning self-catering cottages and yurts for hire. The farm's appeal of stunning views, abundant wildlife, cosy and homely accommodation, and ideal walking terrain draws guests back time and time again to stay on the farm during spring and summer. The owners are passionate about sustainability, and every possible means are explored to make operations on the farm as environmentally-friendly as possible. 

The Context
​The full occupancy enjoyed during the picturesque seasons of spring and summer isn't replicated during winter, despite there still being plenty to do both on the farm and in the surrounding district. This obviously has serious repercussions on the farm's income, and Green Spark was asked to devise ways of tempting people out of their homes and persuading them that a short break during the winter is a good idea. However, the ideas had to still honour the sustainability principles which the owners hold very dear. 

Green Spark...
​took a step back to analyse what the whole county, not just the farm or the local district, had to offer - in effect, it was a marketing review of Gloucestershire. There are wildlife spectaculars only seen during winter, it's a hotspot for antiques, Stroud is well-known as the birthplace of the Arts & Crafts movement, and its award-winning farmers' market and numerous other food establishments + cookery schools give it potential as heaven for foodies. 

The Result
​'Westley Farm's Winter Treats' was the resulting programme of themed short-breaks, with all preparation done so the breaks could be implemented as soon as the owners were ready. Capitalising on the regional specialities, each break focused upon a particular subject giving visitors' the opportunity to pursue personal hobbies and interests. Plus sustainability was incorporated into the framework of each one - the antique weekend fits into recycling; the region's internationally important populations of wildfowl and birdlife give focus to a wildlife-watching weekend; the food weekend featured local food producers and organic farming; and the clothes' upcycling weekend would breath new life into old outfits. The Winter Treats also created partnerships with other local businesses, charities, restaurants and crafts-people, so contributing to the local economy and promoting the best of Gloucestershire at the same time. 

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