Sustainability & Ethos

Our Commitment to Environmental & Social Responsibility

Hawkwood is a charity with a strong ethical commitment, and we strive to operate responsibly, ensuring we have a positive impact on our guests, our team, and our planet.

We are committed to making a positive impact on our environment and upholding strong ethical standards in all our work. We aim to create a nurturing and inspiring environment that supports personal growth, creativity, and community engagement. Our focus on sustainability and ethical living is reflected in every aspect of our operations, from the way we manage our grounds to the food we serve and the partnerships we cultivate.

We believe in transparency and accountability, and you can view our impact report online via the Charity Commission (Reg. Charity No. 31767) or request a copy in the office. We welcome feedback from visitors on how we can enhance our environmental and social responsibility efforts, ensuring that we continue to improve and make a meaningful difference.

Discover more below about how we work to make a difference…

Our Programme

Personal Development Courses

We offer courses that provide a nourishing space for personal self-development in art, music, transformative leadership, sustainability, climate change, and wellbeing. These programmes are designed to inspire and empower individuals to make a positive impact on their communities and the environment.

Venue Hire

Hawkwood offers a variety of venue hire options for groups or businesses. Our spaces are ideal for retreats, conferences, and workshops, providing an inspiring setting for any event.

Festivals and Residencies

We run festivals such as the May Day Festival and Seed Festival, which celebrate creativity and sustainability. Additionally, we host funded artist residencies and changemaker residencies, supporting innovative work and social entrepreneurship.

Our Social Responsibilities & Culture

Bursaries and Inclusivity

We offer bursaries to ensure that those who cannot afford to come to Hawkwood can still benefit from our programmes. Inclusivity and respect are core to our culture, and we are committed to treating colleagues, guests, visitors, tradespeople, and suppliers with the utmost respect.

Community Engagement

Our garden volunteers, including individuals with special needs or those in recovery, contribute significantly to our community. Their efforts help maintain our beautiful grounds and foster a sense of belonging and purpose.

Our Buildings

Ethical Practices

We source our electricity from ethical suppliers and use compostable or recycled plastic bin liners. Single-use plastic shower and shampoo bottles have been removed, and we opt for bulk refillable products wherever possible.

Eco-Friendly Operations

We use environmentally friendly cleaning products, minimise the use of tumble dryers by utilising fresh air and sunshine, and reduce food waste by sharing extra food with staff and composting remains for our garden.

Our Kitchen

Sustainable Sourcing

Our kitchen uses locally sourced, free-range meat and organic produce; we prioritise biodynamic ingredients grown on Hawkwood’s land. We are committed to home composting and recycling waste, and we source organic wine, beer, and soft drinks from ethical and local suppliers.

Our Grounds

Biodynamic Management

Our estate is managed organically and biodynamically to foster biodiversity and grow nutritious food, including vegetables, herbs, pork, lamb, and beef. We do not use pesticides or herbicides on our land, ensuring a healthy ecosystem.

Community Agriculture

We host Stroud Community Agriculture, a Community Supported Agriculture scheme that shares vegetables and meat through its membership. Our eco-ponds water filtration system manages all household output sustainably.

Public Access and Volunteer Days

Our beautiful gardens are open to the public year-round, and we host public volunteer days to engage the community in our environmental initiatives. Our Woodland Sanctuary provides a tranquil space for reflection and connection with nature.

Our Finances

Ethical Banking

We work with Triodos Bank, an ethical bank based in Bristol, ensuring that our financial practices align with our values. Our goal is to generate enough income to cover direct costs and reinvest any surplus back into our programmes, place, and team.