Go Green and Serene With Ullswater ‘Steamers’ |
The Lake District attraction is entering the 2009 tourism season with some impressive awards in its trophy cabinet. At a national level, it has the kudos of being a Responsible Tourism Awards runner-up, having scooped a Highly Commended in the Virgin Holidays-sponsored awards in November 2008.
Locally, it also boasts a Gold CBEN (Cumbria Business Environment Network) award. Both major accolades reflect the company’s commitment to sustainable practices, which are at the heart of its tourism strategies.
Allowing 196,000 passengers a year to enjoy the natural environment in a sensitive and sympathetic manner is something Ullswater ‘Steamers’ has worked at for the last ten years. Ahead of its time, the company introduced a visitor donation scheme a decade ago, with proceeds going to Cumbria’s Tourism and Conservation Partnership, for projects in the Ullswater Valley.
Passengers also receive tips on how to enjoy the Lake District’s environment in a sustainable manner and can spot a wide variety of wildlife whilst on board the vessel – from birds and Barnacle Geese, to red squirrels and deer gathered near the shore.
This year we will be organising a week of charters with Lady Dorothy, the idea being to turn her during the summer months into a floating classroom focusing on environmental science and geography key stage material. This summer we will work with Eden Rivers Trust. If you would like to be involved in this project in 2010, we will be looking to work with the RSPB, Save our Squirrels, Tourism & Conservation Partnership amongst others.
The red squirrel’s plight is something Ullswater ‘Steamers’ is passionate about. It organises special ‘Save Our Squirrels’ cruises, to raise money for vital conservation work that might just save this native British species. Its mascot, Sammy the Squirrel, also delivers conservation messages in a format that younger passengers can appreciate and apply.
Remember teachers travel free on our standard sailings with their school parties and there is host of Key Stage Material available to download from our new look website.
More information about the heritage boats and excursions operated by the environmentally-friendly team at Ullswater ‘Steamers’ is available at www.ullswater-steamers.co.uk or from 017684 82229.
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