East Somerset Railway
Key 'green' issues facing the business
- Building heating (all electric and inefficient)
- Water use - especially running steam engines, workshops and kitchen
- Perception of 'green' - especially since main activity involves burning coal
- Wildlife enhancement, as counterbalance to above
- Communication of industrial, social and history of the line
What has business the done so far?
- Re-used Wells Station's stone and timbers to build Cranmore Station
- Established a walk continuing the track into Shepton Mallet
- Set up wildlife rich havens at line end (Mendip Vale) and Maryfield Lane
- Installed some low-energy lights
Future 'green' developments
- Communication of the very strong historical story embedded in the line
- Establish a 'green' lead person, draft a Green Policy and set up a Green File (or box) to bring all useful 'green' information into one place
- Reassess room heating
- Upgrade/check all draught proofing eg. draught proof strips on doors, windows and door brushes
- Check roof insulation and upgrade if necessary
- Investigate rainwater harvesting for kitchen and steam engines
- Look into fitting solar thermal water heating - roof offers ideal slope
- Assess latest available low-energy lighting
- Publicise use of local meat, cakes, and strawberries, Cheddar Chocolate etc
- Consider planting native trees and shrubs and contact Somerset Wildlife Trust regarding support with conservation projects
Top Green Tip
- Constructing whole building from bits of Wells Station
For more information contact, Frank Barrett, East Somerset Railway, Cranmore Railway Station, Shepton Mallet, Somerset BA4 4QP, 01749 880417, e-mail info@eastsomersetrailway.com, www.eastsomersetrailway.com
