Scargill is set in a most beautiful part of Upper Wharfedale, and has a fine variety of wild flowers, butterflies and trees. We welcome individuals and interest groups to explore God’s creation here and we also offer ways to help us care for it.
Being good stewards
As we state in the Scargill Movement’s values, we are “a community practising both ecological and sustainable stewardship of God’s creation.” God has entrusted such a wonderful part of the world to us and we are committed to taking great care of it. Sometimes this can be a challenge, particularly as our various buildings were not designed with environmental ideals in mind, but we do our best and we’re learning all the time.
Energy and fuel saving
Every improvement we make takes into consideration reducing our environmental impact, such as adding extra insulation and fitting highly efficient condensing boilers in Community accommodation. We heat the main house with a biomass boiler fuelled by woodchip, which is sustainable and renewable, and vastly reduces our dependence on oil with both environmental and financial benefits. We have recently partnered with Climate Stewards, and our guests have an opportunity to offset the environmental cost of their journey.
Biodiversity and conservation
Our estate, which includes a hay meadow and mixed woodland, is sensitively and carefully managed. We aim to protect what’s here and improve biodiversity to enable species to thrive. We have seen the arrival of the Scotch Argus butterfly over the last few years, which is very exciting.
The creation of a pond has introduced a whole range of new species to the site. We are Partners in Action with A Rocha UK (a christian environmental and nature conservation movement), a relationship we value for the mutual support from other partners around the country and practical advice.
In spring 2024 we added a beehive full of Honey Bees to the Sensory Garden. We are very new at beekeeping but we are looking forward to exploring this new way of supporting the biodiversity around this site.
Car charging
We have a number of 7kW EV charging points in our car parks. If you come in an electric car you’ll be able to plug in and charge up.
Walks and events
You could try one of our events focused on wildlife walks, or enjoying and caring for God’s creation, including some led by the christian environmental and nature conservation movement A Rocha. And you can still enjoy our wildlife without even leaving the Sun Lounge, courtesy of the very popular wild bird feeding station right outside the window. During family weeks, we encourage families, children and young people to get out on the estate as much as possible.