Explore features in a house that can help minimize environmental impact.
Dave and Sally have recently completed a project to build a new home that is in keeping with the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and has a low environmental impact.
By choosing to use some of the abundant timber available in the area, they have helped to conserve the area's ancient woodlands, maintained traditional woodland management skills and supported local businesses.
Ancient woodland is one of the features that makes the High Weald special. For centuries the area's woodlands have been managed, through a technique known as coppicing, to produce timber. The timber has been used for construction, fuel (wood and charcoal for domestic and industrial use) and a range of other products e.g. fencing. Sadly demand for these woodlands products has fallen, many woodlands are no longer managed, the wildlife that was dependent on their regular management is in decline and traditional woodland management skills are being lost.
The webclip explores how David and Sally have used/use local timber as part of the following features of their home.
- Wood burning stove
- Heating system
- Building fabric
- Property boundaries
It also explores other features which help minimise the environmental impact of a home.
- Insulation
- Lighting
- Rainwater harvesting
Share this article
