The new building and its services have been designed to minimise their impact on the environment. "Caring for the environment is at the forefront of the way we manage the garden," said Louise Rout, Garden Manager, "so it is important for the new project to be as environmentally friendly as possible. We will also achieve a large reduction in our water and heating bills due to our recycling and energy efficient systems."
Visitor Centre Green Features
- Ground source heat pump, gathers geothermic heat from under the car park and provides all heating and hot water
- Low energy water boiler
- Rainwater harvesting from the roof to provide water for the plant centre and to flush toilets in the visitor centre
- Sewage plant that breaks down all waste and sends treated water down the waterfall in the Sensory Garden into the main water system (consent from Environment Agency).
- Long life light bulbs and units.
- Ceiling, floors and walls insulated
- Low flush water efficient toilets
- Lighting sensors in the toilets
- Windows double glazed
- Composter recycling kitchen waste, shredded paper and plant sales waste to produce compost for the plant sales.
The building is timber-framed and timber-clad with a steel roof and steel pantiles. The anticipated carbon emissions per year are 24.4 kg of C02. Building regulation allowed for 58.3 kg of C02.
The new Visitor Centre houses a 60-seat tearoom, with kitchen and public toilets, including facilities for baby changing and visitors with disabilities. A covered veranda overlooking the garden seats a further 20 customers. The new building is linked to the existing tearoom, which now becomes the gift shop and visitor reception.
Most of the food in the tearoom comes from local suppliers including cakes, which feature diabetic and gluten free options. Tomatoes are being grown on site. Fair Trade tea and coffee is sold. The shop is an official Produced in Norfolk outlet.
Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden is at South Walsham, nine miles east of Norwich, signposted off A47 at B1140 junction, tel. 01603 270449/270683,
www.fairhavengarden.co.uk, open daily all year, 10am to 5pm (closed Christmas Day). Facilities include tearoom, gift shop, plant sales area and a children’s nature trail. There is wheelchair access to most of the garden. Visitors requiring special facilities are advised to telephone in advance. Dogs are welcome on leads; small admission charge includes poop scoop.
Silver Award Green Tourism Business Scheme.