How Your Garden Lighting Could Be Harming Wildlife. And What You Can Do About It

Is Your Garden Lighting Harming Wildlife? Why Dark Nights Matter More Than You Think.

Leaving garden lights on overnight can disrupt bats, hedgehogs, moths and other wildlife. Discover how to create a wildlife-friendly garden after dark.

Many of us love a well-lit garden. Solar path lights, decorative lanterns, security floodlights and illuminated patios can make outdoor spaces feel welcoming and safe after dark.

But while garden lighting may look attractive to us, it can create significant problems for some of the wildlife that visits our gardens every night.

As awareness grows about biodiversity loss and declining wildlife populations, experts are increasingly encouraging homeowners to think carefully about how much artificial light they use outdoors.

Why Darkness Matters

For millions of years, wildlife evolved around natural cycles of daylight and darkness. Many animals rely on darkness to hunt, forage, navigate, breed and avoid predators.

When gardens remain brightly lit throughout the night, these natural behaviours can be disrupted.

Artificial light can affect:

Bats searching for insects

Hedgehogs moving between feeding areas

Moths and other pollinating insects

Owls and other nocturnal birds

Amphibians such as frogs and newts

Even relatively small amounts of light can alter how these animals use a habitat.

The Impact on Insects

One of the most visible effects of garden lighting is on insects.

Moths, beetles and other flying insects are naturally attracted to artificial light sources. Instead of feeding, pollinating plants or finding mates, they can spend hours circling lights until they become exhausted or fall victim to predators.

This not only affects the insects themselves but also the many animals that depend on them for food.

With insect populations already under pressure across the UK, reducing unnecessary lighting can provide valuable support.

Bats and Hedgehogs Need Darkness Too

Many bat species avoid brightly lit areas altogether. A floodlit garden may effectively create a barrier that prevents bats from accessing feeding routes.

Hedgehogs can also become reluctant to cross illuminated spaces, making it harder for them to travel between gardens in search of food and shelter.

As gardens become increasingly important wildlife corridors, maintaining dark areas can help these animals move more freely.

Simple Ways to Make Your Garden Wildlife-Friendly

The good news is that you do not need to sit in complete darkness to help wildlife.

Consider:

Using motion sensors instead of lights that stay on all night

Switching lights off when they are not needed

Choosing warmer-coloured bulbs rather than bright white LEDs

Directing light downwards instead of allowing it to spread widely

Creating "dark zones" where wildlife can move undisturbed

Using timers to limit lighting during late-night hours

Even small changes can make a significant difference.

A Better Balance

Garden lighting certainly has its place, particularly for safety and security. However, by using it thoughtfully, we can enjoy our outdoor spaces while also supporting the wildlife that shares them.

Sometimes one of the most environmentally friendly things we can do is surprisingly simple: switch off the lights and let nature enjoy the night.

And you'll be doing your bit for your nocturnal visitors. 

From Plantation Waste to Wardrobe: How Banana Farming Is Inspiring Sustainable Materials

Every year, millions of tonnes of bananas are harvested around the world. Yet few people realise that the fruit we eat represents only a tiny portion of the banana plant. 

Once a bunch of bananas is harvested, the rest of the plant, including the thick trunk-like pseudostem, leaves, and fibres, is often discarded. 

Traditionally, this agricultural waste has been left to rot in fields or burned, contributing little value and sometimes adding to environmental problems.

Today, however, a growing number of innovators, designers, and agricultural researchers are transforming this waste into something remarkable: sustainable materials that can be used for clothing, textiles, packaging, and even construction.

Turning Banana Waste into Fibre

Banana plants are rich in strong natural fibres. These fibres can be extracted from the plant’s pseudostem, the thick stalk that supports the fruit, after harvesting. 

Instead of being discarded, the stalk can be processed using mechanical decorticators that separate the fibres from the plant pulp.

The resulting banana fibre is surprisingly versatile. It is naturally biodegradable, strong, and breathable, making it suitable for a wide range of textile applications. 

In some regions, particularly in parts of Asia, banana fibre has been used traditionally for centuries to produce fabrics, ropes, and mats.

Modern technology is now taking this age-old material to a new level. Innovative start-ups are refining the fibre to create soft yarns that can be blended with cotton, hemp, or recycled textiles. 

The result is a durable and environmentally friendly fabric that requires far fewer resources than many conventional materials.

Fashion Meets Sustainability

Several sustainable fashion brands have begun experimenting with banana-based textiles. Designers are using banana fibre to produce clothing such as jackets, shirts, and accessories that combine durability with a low environmental footprint.

Unlike synthetic fabrics derived from petroleum, banana fibre is entirely plant-based and biodegradable. Using agricultural by-products rather than newly grown crops also reduces pressure on land and water resources.

Some textile innovators are even developing leather-like materials made from banana plant waste. These alternatives to animal leather are gaining attention from environmentally conscious designers who want cruelty-free, low-impact materials.

Benefits for Farmers and the Environment

Beyond sustainability, banana fibre production offers an important economic opportunity for farmers. Instead of throwing away plant residues, growers can sell banana stems to fibre processors or operate small-scale fibre extraction units themselves.

This additional income stream can help support rural farming communities while reducing agricultural waste.

From an environmental perspective, utilising banana plant waste helps reduce methane emissions that can occur when organic material decomposes in large quantities. It also cuts down on the need for synthetic fibres, which often release microplastics into waterways.

A Circular Future for Agriculture

The banana industry is beginning to embrace a circular economy approach, one where nothing is wasted and every part of the crop has value. Fruit feeds the world, while stems and fibres can clothe it.

As consumers become more aware of the environmental impact of fast fashion and wasteful production systems, innovative materials like banana fibre offer a glimpse of a more sustainable future.

In the years ahead, the humble banana plant may not just be known for the fruit in your lunchbox — but also for the shirt on your back. 

NFU Energy: Supporting the Farming Community Toward a More Sustainable, Cost-Effective Future

In a time when energy costs are rising, regulations are tightening, and pressures to decarbonise are increasing, UK farmers need more than general advice — they need tailored, practical support. 

That’s where NFU Energy steps in.

What is NFU Energy?

NFU Energy is an energy consultancy service under the National Farmers’ Union (NFU) that’s specifically geared towards agriculture and horticulture. 

It does several things:

Helps farmers buy and sell energy — securing competitive energy contracts, handling the paperwork, managing supplier issues. 

Offers support to generate their own energy — through renewables like solar PV, wind, anaerobic digestion, etc., and helping with subsidies and feasibility. 

Helps with using energy more efficiently — audits, feasibility studies, advice on saving methods. 

Helps farmers stay compliant with regulations and make the most of schemes/discounts like the Climate Change Levy (CCL), RHI, etc. 

Key Ways It Helps Farmers

Here are some of the concrete benefits that NFU Energy brings to farms and growers:

Cost savings

NFU Energy helps members secure better energy deals, often with less effort on the farmer’s part. This includes negotiating contracts and acting as part of buying groups. 

For many farms, energy is a significant fixed cost. Even marginal savings on electricity, gas or fuel can make a real difference to profitability.

Access to renewable generation and diversification

Farmers are increasingly looking to generate their own energy — solar panels, wind turbines, battery storage — both to reduce their bills and potentially earn income from selling back to the grid. NFU Energy helps assess feasibility, find installers, understand the returns. 

Also, by partnering with accredited renewable installers (e.g. YLEM Energy, Infinite Renewables) NFU Energy reduces some of the risk and complexity. 

Regulatory compliance and financial incentives

Staying on top of energy regulation is tricky. For certain sectors (pig, poultry, protected horticulture), there are specific schemes like CCL (Climate Change Levy) discounts, Climate Change Agreements, etc. NFU Energy helps members manage their compliance, returns, data reporting. 

Practical help with efficiency

On-site energy audits, renewables feasibility studies, recommendations such as switching to LED lighting, variable speed drives for pumps/fans, electric vehicle alternatives — these are real, tangible actions that farms can take. 

Decarbonisation & long-term resilience

With net zero goals looming, farmers are under pressure to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. NFU Energy works with local authorities & schemes (for example the North Yorkshire fully-funded decarbonisation initiative) to give farmers the tools to reduce emissions and become more sustainable. 

Reducing administrative burden

Much of the complexity of energy contracts, regulatory reporting, subsidy applications, etc., is offloaded from farmers to NFU Energy. That frees up time and reduces risk of costly mistakes. 

Challenges & Considerations

While NFU Energy offers a lot, it's not a magic wand. Here are some challenges/limitations:

Upfront costs: Even when feasibility and subsidy help is available, installing renewable technologies or making major efficiency upgrades can require significant capital.

Complexity & bureaucracy: Regulations, schemes, compliance can still be confusing, and not all farms have the capacity to act quickly.

Suitability: Not all farms will have the right geography, scale or infrastructure for certain technologies (solar, wind, battery storage).

Long payoff periods: Some investments only pay off after many years; farmers under financial pressure may struggle to wait.

Why It Matters Now

A few reasons NFU Energy is especially relevant in the current climate:

Energy prices remain volatile. Farmers face rising costs for electricity, gas, fuel, and are exposed to global energy markets.

Environmental regulations are tightening, plus there is increasing pressure (from policy, from consumers) to reduce carbon emissions.

Government grants and “green” schemes are more available now, but navigating them effectively is tricky; having specialist support gives an advantage.

Diversification is increasingly important for farm income resilience. Generating energy or selling back to the grid can provide an alternative revenue stream.

Success Stories & Examples

Here are a few examples of what NFU Energy has already done:

A pilot scheme in the North of England where 16 farms received free energy audits and renewable feasibility assessments. The recommendations included standard measures (LED lighting, variable speed drives) and options for renewables. 

The North Yorkshire decarbonisation initiative: 30 farms will be chosen to receive fully funded assessments (energy audits, renewables feasibility, soil carbon testing etc.) to help them reduce greenhouse gas emissions while improving efficiency. 

What Could Be Improved / What to Watch For

To maximise the benefit of NFU Energy, here are some areas that might be looked at:

Ensuring that assistance reaches smaller farms, which may have less capacity or fewer resources.

Continuing to reduce paperwork, simplify applications, speed up decision-making for grants/subsidies.

More accessible financing options (loans, grants) so that farms don’t need to front large sums.

More regionally tailored advice, since what works (climate, grid access, planning permission etc.) can vary a lot.

Clear guidance and transparency around the payback times, risks, maintenance for renewable installations etc.

In Conclusion

NFU Energy represents a powerful resource for UK farmers and growers: helping reduce energy costs, improve efficiency, comply with regulations, and move toward more sustainable, resilient farming. Especially in times of rising costs and climate concern, having such specialist support is vital.

For those working in agriculture, keeping an eye on what NFU Energy offers — audits, renewable feasibility, compliance help — is more than just “nice to have”. It can make a material difference to the bottom line, to farm sustainability, and to future proofing operations.

To learn more visit https://nfuenergy.co.uk

Would you like to live in an eco-friendly ModPod?

My wife pointed out the following story about Modpod living:-

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-12868241/sold-two-bed-semi-detached-house-prefabricated-pod-cheaper-bills.html

There are pros and cons. For example although designed for the elderly some switches are positioned in such a way that many people can't reach them.

The rent is £500 a month, but bills are lower, although there's no room for a tumble-drier. 

 A spokesperson for ModPods said: "ModPods International Ltd’ have started to establish  a show village at their new Coventry Manufacturing Hub to offer potential buyers the opportunity to indulge in the quality of the ModPod experience. 

"Three of the 5 spacious quality manufactured housing pods (from a single storey single occupant -Mini-Modpod through to the popular two bedroom four person Pod) have been built. ModPod Internationals Pipeline is growing fast as the Public and Private sector embrace Modern Methods of Construction (MMC), which has led to ModPods International having to source a new factory that will increase productivity to up to 1200 homes a year."

To learn more visit https://www.modpodsinternational.com

Conrad Energy "very proud" to be involved in RiversMeet solar panel deal

Conrad Energy is "very proud" to be a part of the celebrations at RiversMeet leisure centre in Dorset last week. 

The centre is a truly fantastic example of what's possible when holistic long-term thinking, funding and a committed team of experts come together to work as a team.

With community and sustainability at the heart of their decision making, they have been blazing a trail for others to follow.

Their whole-building approach to energy planning has seen them cut their energy demands by around 50% since 2019 through changes to pool heating, ventilation and chlorination, lighting and showers. 

Everyone is hugely impressed with what the team here have achieved and Conrad says: "We’ve learned a few things that we can share with others, especially when it comes to making swimming pools more eco-friendly."

The final piece of the puzzle was solar panels for the roof. Conrad Energy’s fully funded solutions enabled the Gillingham Community and Leisure Trust to avoid having to raise more funds before completing their landmark project.

Conrad Energy’s CEO, Steven Hardman, said “this kind of overhaul is a huge undertaking, and for the team here at Gillingham Community and Leisure Trust to have had the vision, pulled the team together and brought the whole thing into reality is truly remarkable. Conrad Energy are absolutely delighted to have been able to provide the solution that completes the project and look forward to a long-standing partnership with RiversMeet."

https://conradenergy.co.uk

Why now is right for trying Lift-sharing

This summer was a record-breaking one for new Liftshare members, with over 23,000 joining the lift-sharing platform during the two months of July and August.

More people than ever before are giving lift-sharing a go, according to figures from Liftshare. This summer was a record-breaking one for new Liftshare members, with over 23,000 joining the lift-sharing platform across July and August. That’s four times the amount of the same period last year, due to Liftshare’s recent collaboration with Esso.

As a social enterprise, Liftshare (which this year celebrates its Silver Jubilee) offers its journey-matching service completely free to members of the public, predominantly across the UK and Ireland. With the recent spike in members and journeys added, now's an excellent time to find someone going your way.

National Liftshare Week is also coming up soon, 18-24th September, traditionally a time when more people get involved in sharing lifts and taking cars off the road. 

During last year's Liftshare Week, Liftshare saw three times the usual number of sharers, and savings of £393,343, over 1.3 million miles and almost 300 tonnes of CO2, too.

Liftshare community manager Amy Young says “The boost in Liftshare members is thanks to our recent work with Esso, encouraging more people to Liftshare for their commutes and to events this summer. Esso awarded new and existing Liftshare members with bonus Nectar points and promoted the initiative with an advertising campaign. Liftshare turned 25 years old this August and this bumper summer for members has given us further reason to celebrate.”

Amy Young went on to say: “We identified through the Commuter Census that incentives play a key factor in encouraging people to choose a more sustainable mode of transport. People are keen to do their bit for the environment but only if it’s also affordable, and lift-sharing covers both bases.”

All Liftshare members, including new sign-ups, can claim 500 Nectar points on their next purchase at participating Esso service stations, fuel or shop, up until 4th October. 

Liftshare's teamed up with Esso on their Thoughtful Driving Initiative, which provides help on how to fill up with less impact, drive more economically and make one less car journey. As part of the initiative, Esso is helping increase Liftshare’s exposure to get more people sharing.

Amy Young concluded: “This isn’t a one-off campaign, we’ll be working closely with Esso on more projects to raise Liftshare’s profile and bring extra benefits to members. Plus, as part of National Liftshare week 2023, Liftshare is also running a member competition. 

"We’re giving away £100 Love2shop vouchers each for 5 lucky members between 11th to 30th September. To be entered, all they need to do is add or update their Liftshare journey.”

https://liftshare.com/uk

Jackery Reveals New Solar Power Stations at IFA Berlin

Jackery, world leading provider of portable and eco-friendly friendly power solutions, is expanding its flagship series.

To coincide with IFA 2023, Jackery is expanding its flagship series with two new power stations: the smallest, lightest member of the Plus family, the Explorer 300 Plus, including a mini-solar module, which is a handy solar generator for the bag. 

Also, its bigger brother, the Explorer 1000 Plus with modular expandable battery packs, completes the new product family of LiFePO4 power stations from Jackery. The official launch is at the consumer electronics fair (Hall 3.2, Stand 307), also the the sale date.

Explorer 300 Plus with SolarSaga 40 Mini

The solar generator for your backpack is ultra-portable, sustainable, and very safe. Smaller and, at 3.75 kg, lighter than devices with comparable capacity, the mini power station with 288 Wh and 300-Watt continuous power reliably supplies electrical consumers with electricity. Carried easily in a backpack, it really is the perfect companion for picnics, camping or for hill walking expeditions.

The smart rounded casing which has a retractable carrying handle measures just 23 x 15.5 x 16.7 cm and offers five connections on the front in addition to the clear display and LED light: two USB-C with 100 watts/ 15watts each, one USB-A with 15 watts, a 12-volt connection and an earthed socket. The innovative 40-watt mini solar module provides a free, environmentally friendly energy supply. 

Folded up, the 1.25 kg light photovoltaic pad measures only 25 x 30 cm, which when unfolded takes up 97 x 30 cm of solar radiation. As a waterproof module (IP68), it comes with IEC certification from TÜV-Rheinland and a 5-year guarantee.

Explorer 1000 Plus flexibly expandable thanks to battery packs

The new Explorer 1000 power station covers more energy needs with 1.26 kWh in a compact format. The capacity can be flexibly expanded to 5 kWh with up to three handy battery packs. The lithium iron phosphate battery with an output power of 2000 watts supplies electrical devices with power safely and reliably via a total of seven connections on the front - from sockets via USB-C and A to 12 volts. 

And it does so whisper-quietly with ≤30 decibels as well as enduringly, with 4,000 complete charge/discharge cycles (at 70 %), the power station has a service life of over 10 years with daily use. As a solar generator, the portable power station with dimensions of 35.6 x 26 x 28.3 cm and a weight of 14.5 kg comes with two efficient 100-watt solar modules, SolarSaga 100 W.

Transparent, safe, and sustainable

The new Plus series offers multiple protection mechanisms including 12 BMS algorithms and protection against overcurrent, short circuit, deep discharge, overload, overvoltage, and overheating.

Jackery's proprietary "ChargeShield" fast-charging technology not only ensures full batteries in the shortest possible time, even at higher temperatures up to 45 ℃ - but also protects the battery, too.

Staged charging algorithms with variable speed increase safety and help extend service life by up to 50%. Users can always keep an eye on the live status of the devices via the very handy and helpful app.

Availability and prices

Both new products are available for purchase now. 

RRP is £319 for the Explorer 300 Plus and £399 for the set up with mini solar panel. The Explorer 1000 Plus is available for £1,149, a Battery Pack 1000 Plus for £739 and the solar generator with power station plus two SolarSaga 100-Watt solar modules for £1,599.

Jackery has a pre-promotion: the Explorer 300 Plus is available in the Amazon shop at a reduced price of £279 with £40 off until 11 September 2023, while the solar generator can be added to the shopping basket for only £349. During the same period, the Jackery online shop is offering an 80-watt solar panel free of charge with the Explorer 1000 Plus, while the solar generator set also comes with a small Explorer 240 power station. For more information, please visit Jackery UK https://uk.jackery.com or Jackery’s Amazon presence. 

Blue Skies Provide The Latest In Eco Water Systems In Time For The Hosepipe Ban

Leading garden irrigation company Blue Skies are advising home owners to invest in the eco Dripline Irrigation Systems which are exempt from the imminent hosepipe ban. Using the Dripper Hose allows the slow release of water through water regulated emitters inserted within the hose, ensuring every drop of water is used efficiently by placing the hose close to the stems or roots of the plants shrubs or trees, without wasting a drop on weeds and pathways.

Rainwater is far healthier for the garden, is natural, does not produce limescale and is free of chemicals. Harvesting rainwater with a Water Butt combined with the Dripline Irrigation System, rainwater is distributed on a timed system and hidden from sight .

Water Butts used to be unsightly, however, they are now in various shapes and are easy to hide. The water storage systems are raised off the ground, enabling access to the tank by a tap at the bottom of the container for easy water dispensing. Solar Powered Pumps are now installed to dispense water around the garden, and if reports are to be believed, we are in for a hot summer, these are by far the most eco savvy solutions - easy to use and hassle free, the solar panel works off the Water Butt and pumps the water around the garden. The ultimate in harnessing nature's elements and re-using them.

FACTFILE:
Buckinghamshire-based Blue Skies Water Systems are a company selling garden irrigation and rainwater harvesting equipment. Also working as landscapers, they have an extensive knowledge of gardens and landscapes and have been installing irrigation systems for many years.

For further information, please contact:
 sales@blueskieswatersystems.com

Website: www.blueskieswatersystems.com

LED Lighting Could Slash Carbon Emissions by 50% In 20 Years

Carbon emissions could be cut by 50% in two decades by switching to LED lighting, recent research suggests.

A report by management consultants McKinsey & Company reveals that the switch could be the most cost-effective way to tackle global warming, using existing technology.

The findings, featured in the New York Times, states that LEDs are more than twice as efficient as compact fluorescent bulbs, currently the standard for greener lighting.

LEDs, unlike compact fluorescents, turn on quickly and, importantly, are compatible with dimmer switches.

Indeed, separate evidence suggests that adding dimmer switches to your home could significantly reduce your carbon footprint.

While fluorescent bulbs contain mercury, which requires special disposal, LED bulbs contain no toxic elements, and last much longer. This means that disposal is much less of an issue.

Colin Humphreys, a researcher at Cambridge University, quoted in the New York Times, described LED lighting as “fit-and-forget lighting that is essentially there for as long as you live”.

While the cost of LED lighting may initially be higher, savings are made in the long term because of LED longevity.

Leading retailers, such as the online store Lights2Go include a range of LED lighting suitable for indoors and outdoors. They also stock dimmer switches suitable for the whole house including bathroom lighting.

Featured Lights

Kosnic GU10 4W LED lamp cool white. Product Code: GU10 4W LED

This indoor lamp has a life of 30,000 hours. Power consumption:4 watts. Light output:35 watts.
RRP £19.95, Now £11.50 including VAT and free UK shipping

Searchlight 7205 LED outdoor wall light IP44 rated. Product Code: 7205

A contemporary outdoor wall light with a satin silver finish and a polycarbonate diffuser.
RRP £73.20, Now £58.56 including. VAT and free UK shipping.

Endon Enluce EL-10039 LED wall light. Product Code: EL-10039

A stylish chrome LED wall light with flexible arm. One LED included.
RRP £78, Now £59.28 including VAT and free UK shipping

Dar EON7946GU EON Fire Rated Downlight Satin Chrome. Product Code: EON7946GU EON Fire R.

A stylish chrome swivel downlight with 90 minute fire-rated protection. Also Building Regs Part C compliant.
RRP £24.60, Now £20.50 including VAT and free UK shipping.

Searchlight Aries 7443CC 3 light IP44 bathroom rated spot light. Product Code: 7443CC:

Another contemporary chrome design featuring a triple halogen spot light. The flush fitting is suitable for use in the bathroom.
RRP £55.23, Now £27.95 including VAT and free UK shipping.

www. lights2go.co.uk

Camping With A Conscience - Sleep Super-Soundly With The Eco-Friendly Naturalmat

Camping With Soul has teamed up with the planet–friendly Naturalmat company, to produce the ultimate, ecologically sound Naturalmat camping mattresses. Each mattress is lovingly hand-made in Britain using denim from recycled jeans and organic lambswool, all covered in a beautiful, washable, 100% natural cotton ticking.

Not only are they wonderfully comfortable but they also have a minute carbon footprint and can be used all year round. The mats are ideal for luxurious camping, as super sumptuous bed toppers at home, or as an extra roll up bed for unexpected house guests (who might end up staying the night after a party). The mattress covers are 100% cotton, fully removable and washable, ensuring that your mattress keeps its natural, good looks.

How They’re Made:
What makes the Camping With Soul Naturalmat unique is that it was designed using the same knowledge and techniques used to create traditional bedroom mattresses. With its recycled denim core, organic lambswool tufting surrounded by 100% natural cotton, the Naturalmat gives great support and insulation from the ground, making for a peaceful night’s sleep.

Eco Info:
Hand made in Devon, the Naturalmats have a core of shredded, recycled denim to create a comfy level of padded support. This is then surrounded by organic lambswool sourced from Soil Association certified organic farms in the West Country and processed in Devon.

The wool is washed clean on the edge of Dartmoor using water from the River Dart which is then filtered and returned to the river with no environmental impact. In the final wash anti-bug treatment is added to the lambswool (a solution derived from essential oils of lemon, eucalyptus and lavender) ensuring it is anti-dust mite, anti-moth AND mosquito repellent. The camping mat is then covered in a traditional, blue and white striped, quilted cotton ticking that has also been treated with a natural geraniol to make it anti-bed bug.

Clever Design:
The chocolate brown webbing straps, attached to the mat with Velcro tabs, make it easy to roll up and provide a practical handle to carry it around. The Naturalmats also have a hidden Velcro strip along one side enabling two single mattresses to be stuck together making a king-size double. There is even a covering piece to protect the Velcro from gathering unwanted pieces of fluff when the single mattress has no partner to stick to!

Naturalmats come in two sizes:
Adult 80x190cm - £159 for one, or £299 or two (to make your king-size double bed)
Child 70x140cm - £99 (up to 11 years)

For more information on the NaturalMat or other Camping With Soul Products see www.CampingWithSoul.co.uk or visit www.belltent.co.uk.

New Luxury Eco-Lodge Tree Houses Attract Visitors to Sussex

Nestled in an ancient treeline and amongst mature trees, each of the two lodges provide couples with complete privacy and uninterrupted valley views across the stunning Sussex countryside. A winding path from a dedicated parking area leads to a sheltered balcony which has both ramped and stepped access.

Built almost entirely of sustainable timber and fully insulated, these spacious lodges contain a Queen size double bed, en-suite wet room & wardrobe, kitchen, comfortable seating and a dining area. The luxurious accommodation includes flat screen digital TV with integral DVD, wireless broadband, DVD library and a fully equipped kitchen with integrated dishwasher, washing machine/dryer, fridge with freezer, electric hob, oven with grill and microwave. Central heating, hot water, fresh white linen and towels are inclusive.

'Fair Oak Farm' welcomes visitors from around the world who enjoy self-catering weekly stays and weekend breaks.

These are often fully booked well in advance, but owners Ian and Penny Ledger hope the new eco-lodge tree houses will attract additional mid-week break bookings, which are attractively priced.

Booked in conjunction with existing accommodation in converted Grade II Listed buildings, the addition of the new self-catering accommodation in the trees means groups of up to 19 people can now stay at 'Fair Oak Farm'.

These larger groups can benefit from discounted rates for both accommodation and outdoor activities at the farm, such as falconry and archery. The large, open plan barn where everyone can cook, eat and relax makes Fair Oak Farm a perfect destination for large family get-togethers or celebrations.

Many guests enjoy the luxury of hiring Fair Oak Farm's chef for a lunch or dinner. Other popular activities are cycling, for which bikes can be hired, and fishing, which can be arranged at the nearby lakes owned by pop legend Roger Daltry of 'The Who'.

The accommodation at Fair Oak Farm appeals to families, couples and groups all of whom can enjoy the extensive grounds and gardens. Both adults and children will love the bow top gypsy caravan in the orchard and will enjoy seeing the farm's resident peacocks, chickens and alpacas.

To book a stay at Fair Oak Farm visit www.fairoakfarm.co.uk or call 01435 884 122.

ABB gives its name to new educational facility aimed at teaching new ways to save energy

ABB has given its support for a new facility built by City College Plymouth aimed at encouraging the uptake of energy efficient, sustainable technologies in industrial, commercial and residential projects in the UK.

Named the ABB Energy Centre, the hi-tech facility is the centrepiece of a pioneering new initiative being led by the College to connect education and industry with the latest low carbon technology and methods.

Working with its local partner, Western Electrical, ABB has supplied a range of equipment for use in the Centre, including its i-bus (KNX) intelligent building controls, variable speed drives, solar inverters and various instruments from its measurement products range. This equipment features throughout the Centre, which incorporates 14 purpose-built bays for demonstrating and training on a variety of energy saving technologies and techniques.

ABB's i-bus (KNX) intelligent building controls are used extensively in one of the bays. Built around a smart home scenario, the bay demonstrates how ABB's i-bus (KNX) technology can be used throughout the home to help improve energy efficiency.

The ABB Energy Centre also features technologies and training systems around grey water harvesting, solar thermal paneling, photovoltaics (PV), air source heat pumps, ground source heat pumps, combined heat and power (CHP) systems, variable speed drives and environmental monitoring systems.

ABB became involved in the project after being recommended to City College Plymouth by Stuart Morrison, MD of electrical distributor, Western Electrical.

"Western Electrical has worked closely with City College Plymouth for many years, sponsoring its electrical apprenticeship programme to help get young people into work in the electrical industry," says Stuart. "When the College came to us with the idea of building a dedicated training centre to showcase the energy efficient and environmental benefits of today's available technologies, I immediately suggested ABB to help bring the idea to fruition."

The ABB Energy Centre will also have its own dedicated conference and training facility, showcase areas and an interactive workshop. It will give both students and visiting schools an opportunity to explore a range of ideas and processes through interactive activities. Academic and commercial training will be delivered through the College with the help of ABB and construction giant Cowlin, covering the use of low carbon innovations and products.

ABB's involvement in the Energy Centre project is part of its continuing focus on encouraging UK users to help save both energy and cost through the adoption of energy efficient technologies.

"With energy efficiency and sustainability at the very core of ABB's business, we are always keen to find new ways to promote awareness of our technology and the ways in which we can help both people and companies to better manage their energy consumption," says James Haigh, General Manager for ABB's UK Low Voltage Products business. "Our involvement in City College Plymouth's Energy Centre project is a great way for us to take an active role in educating and training the workforce of the future about how they can use energy more sustainably."

The ABB Energy Centre will officially launch on 8th December 2011 and will be opened by TV presenter and sustainability champion Charlie Luxton.

Says Charlie: "The ABB Energy Centre will play a key role in demonstrating the value of low carbon technology to a variety of audiences and I am certain it will bring huge benefits to the region's economy for years to come."

As well as students, the Centre will also be open to local groups such as the ECA and NICEIC, school children, and also local companies including architects and consultants, to enable them to see how technology is offering new possibilities for saving energy and protecting the planet for future generations.

"It's great to have a location based in the south west of England that brings together the leading technologies available within the electrical industry where we can train and educate our industry to apply the environmental and technological benefits that this technology brings," says Western Electrical's Stuart Morrison.

"By appealing to everyone from architects through to young schoolchildren, the ABB Energy Centre can play a significant role in promoting the ideas of energy efficiency and sustainability to help change the world we live in."

Viv Gillespie, Principal at City College Plymouth adds: "We are thoroughly looking forward to showing what we will be able to deliver for students and companies alike at the ABB Energy Centre, which we are confident will put the College at the forefront of the sustainability agenda."

For more information about either the ABB Energy Centre or ABB's energy-saving products, please email lv.products@gb.abb.com or call 02476 368500 ref. 'Energy saving products'.

UK Solar Energy Website Guarantees Low Prices With The Launch Of Its New Nationwide Installer Network

Total Solar Energy, a top UK solar power information website, has just added a nationwide solar installation service to it's list of services.

Visitors to their website can now receive no obligation quotes for solar energy from leading installation companies in their local region. Visitors fill in a short form which is automatically sent to 2 or 3 carefully selected local solar installers who will then battle it out for the job ensuring a low price for the customer.

Explaining the new service, co-owner Gary Hodgson said, "My email inbox is always full of enquiries from people wanting us to quote them prices to install solar power. But it's a service we didn't offer ourselves. But due to the interest and volume of enquiries we were receiving I decided it was something my website visitors needed."

"So I contacted all of the leading solar energy companies and set up one of the largest networks of installers in the UK. All our registered installers have been vetted and are 100% MCS accredited so customers needn't worry whether they are hiring a bunch of amateurs."

"It works well on both levels as local firms receive local jobs and the end customer receives a really competitive price without having to spend their valuable time researching different companies. We've basically done all the hard work for them."

With the cost of solar panels dropping due to better technology and increased competition, Gary believes there has never been a better time to install solar energy. "I think that people are fed up of the ever rising costs of their fuel bills. And if you factor in the current push to go green then you have a lot of interest. The introduction of the feed-in tariff has also contributed greatly to the demand because many solar installation companies are now offering to lease free solar panels to homeowners as long as they are able to keep payments for the excess electricity that is fed back into the grid. Which is a win-win situation for both the company and homeowner."

To receive a quote for solar power installation from an accredited company in your local area or to learn more about solar energy go to www.totalsolarenergy.co.uk