Kokova Magazine

Set in the beautiful location of Ashdown Forest (the inspiration for A.A. Milne's Winnie the Pooh stories), Ashdown Park Hotel & Country Club offers a slice of luxury in the heart of East Sussex.

And now the hotel, owned by independent UK based hotel group, Elite Hotels, has gained silver accreditation from The Green Tourism Business Scheme (GTBS).

GTBS is the leading sustainable tourism certification scheme in the UK. Green Tourism businesses are focused on being sustainable, responsible and green. This is demonstrated through three grading levels (Bronze, Silver and Gold) and businesses are assessed every two years to ensure standards are maintained.

Businesses which take part in the GTBS are assessed by a qualified grading advisor against a rigorous set of criteria, covering a range of areas, like energy and water efficiency, waste management and biodiversity.

To qualify for the scheme Ashdown Park needed to show it used a significant amount of recycled products, as well as operating a recycling scheme. The hotel also needed to be able to demonstrate that they are working extensively to source supplies both locally and ethically as well as maintaining standards, minimising damage to the environment and meeting good standards of practice while providing a high quality of service.

"We are delighted to have been awarded this accreditation. At Ashdown Park we are committed to sustainable tourism and minimising damage to the environment. We take pride in being a green tourist destination whilst retaining great customer service."

Ben Booker, General Manager at Ashdown Park Hotel & Country Club

A small, independent UK based hotel group, Elite Hotels has been investing in some of the UK's most beautiful historic houses since 1986. The first of which was Tylney Hall Hotel, Hampshire, followed by Ashdown Park Hotel & Country Club, East Sussex, The Grand Hotel, Eastbourne and Luton Hoo Hotel, Golf & Spa, Bedfordshire.

For more information visit www.ashdownpark.com