The Bivouac is founded on the firmest environmental principles, with an unwavering commitment to sustainable tourism. The ethos of The Bivouac extends way beyond the essentials in terms of the carbon footprint the site might generate, this is not a box ticking exercise. The landscape, the local community and the integration of the site within both of these - these are at the heart of what Bivouac is about.

In terms of what is in place on the ground, we have a carbon neutral wood chip boiler for all our heating and hot water requirements at the cafe, shower facilities, reception and camping barn. The wood burners in the yurts and woodland shacks supply heating (and in the case of the shacks hot water also) and the wood chip and logs are sourced from thinnings from the Swinton Estate forestry, a waste product. The larch cladding used in the building of the woodland shacks is also sourced exclusively from the Swinton Estate, and the insulation uses wool sourced from Cumbria.

We have a grey water system that is recycled throughout the site, and the hot tub at the woodland shacks is heated by a log burner. There is NO electricity at either the woodland shacks or the yurts, and the decor throughout combines an inventive streak of recycling and restoration with stylish “shabby chic”.

Our love of the great outdoors is something that cannot go unmissed, in a setting as incredible as ours. A visit to the site can never fail to impress, whatever the weather or season. Wherever you go there is a view to marvel at, and nature is all around in every setting.