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Sustainability Statement

Chapel House Estate: Our Green Journey

At Chapel House Estate, sustainability is at the heart of everything we do. When transforming the 1290 Chapel House Estate into a beautiful, eco-conscious wedding venue, we began by collaborating with an ecologist to ensure we approached every aspect of construction and landscaping with nature in mind.

Our mission has always been to preserve the Estate’s rich heritage, protect local wildlife, and create a venue that actively contributes to the environment.

Our Green Achievements So Far

Preserving Nature: We have carefully preserved as much of the Estate’s original planting as possible. In addition to maintaining the land’s natural beauty, we’ve planted over 500 meters of hedging and several ornamental trees, providing homes for a diverse range of local wildlife.

Lighting with Care: We designed our lighting to minimise pollution and avoid disturbing the Estate’s native inhabitants. Low-level lighting guides guests safely around the grounds while preserving the tranquillity of the landscape for both wildlife and people.

Our Commitment to Sustainability

At Chapel House Estate, we take a holistic approach to sustainability in our gardens and throughout the estate. We are committed to making environmentally responsible decisions that benefit both our guests and the planet. Our key sustainability goals include:

  • Reducing Waste
  • Minimising Chemical Use
  • Supporting Wildlife
  • Lowering Our Carbon Footprint

To achieve these goals, we’ve implemented several green initiatives:

Sustainable Gardening Practices

• Reuse & Reduce: We reuse plastic plant pots to reduce single-use plastic waste and make our compost, avoiding plastic bags and reducing our need for delivery.

• Water Conservation: By installing water butts and planting drought-tolerant species, we minimise water usage. We also mulch our gardens to retain moisture and do not water the lawns.

• Eco-Friendly Materials: We use biodegradable plant labels, wool or jute twine, and metal plant supports. We even create our plant supports using natural materials like hazel branches.

• Wildlife Habitats: Our landscaping includes planting hedges rather than fences to create natural habitats, planting flowers that attract pollinators, and letting wild areas grow naturally. We’ve also installed bird and bat boxes, bug hotels, and log/twig/leaf piles to support biodiversity.

Waste Minimisation and Responsible Consumption

  • Recycling & Reuse: We compost vegetable peelings and ensure that drinks and fridges are turned off between events. We also utilise a high-tech lighting control system to ensure that energy is used only where needed, keeping unused areas dark and unheated.
  • Refillable & Natural Products: All our on-site washrooms feature refillable glass bottles containing natural products delivered in recyclable packaging. We also ensure that all confetti used at weddings is biodegradable or made of natural, dry petals.

Supporting Our Local Community

We are proud to be a part of the Minster, Kent community and are committed to supporting local businesses and suppliers. Here’s how we do that:

• Local Sourcing: Our team, who live in the surrounding villages and towns, works closely with our chef to source as much produce locally as possible. We are working on a farm-to-fork menu within a 20-mile radius to reduce food miles and support local agriculture.

• Collaboration with Local Businesses: During the renovation of Chapel House Estate, we consciously decided to source furniture, artwork, and other materials from local suppliers. This not only supports the local economy but also reduces our carbon footprint. Our bar features a curated selection of local spirits, ciders, and wines, further helping to sustain nearby businesses.

Economic Sustainability: A Future-Focused Approach

To preserve this beautiful historic Estate, we’ve transformed the former farm into a unique wedding venue that attracts couples from across the country. This sustainable approach ensures that Chapel House Estate remains financially viable while maintaining its natural beauty.

To support the Estate’s long-term sustainability, we’ve also diversified our income streams by hosting corporate events and opening a number nine restaurant serving locally sourced food in an eco-friendly setting.

Looking Ahead: Our Commitment to Continuous Improvement

Chapel House Estate is dedicated to constantly improving our sustainability practices as we move forward. Our commitment to reducing our environmental impact is ongoing, and we continuously seek new ways to minimise waste, energy consumption, and CO2 emissions.

We are committed to acting responsibly and considering the long-term impact of our actions on the flora, fauna, and natural resources that make Chapel House Estate so unique.

Last Updated: December 10, 2024