Sustainable Tourism: Protecting the Future of Herriot Country

At Herriot Country Tours, we understand that the Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors National Parks are not just where we work but where we live and call home. These landscapes are part of our heritage, and we are committed to preserving them for future generations. Balancing the growth of our business with the sustainable development of these extraordinary regions is a challenge we take seriously.

We’re proud to be part of the movement towards more sustainable tourism. According to research, 76% of travellers want to travel more sustainably, and we are dedicated to reducing the negative impact of tourism while maximising its benefits for local communities, ecosystems, and the environment.

We believe that sustainable tourism involves both immediate and long-term efforts to protect the environment, and by booking with Herriot Country Tours, you are helping to make a positive impact on this beautiful part of the world.

Traveling Sustainably with Herriot Country Tours

We’ve put together some tips to help you travel more eco-consciously, as well as share the steps we’re taking to be responsible stewards of the Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors National Parks.

As the saying goes, “Every little helps,” and we encourage you to think about which practices you can adopt as you travel, wherever you go.

Getting Off the Beaten Track

While it’s tempting to visit well-known, heavily publicised destinations, the real charm often lies in the lesser-visited places. Many tourist hotspots don’t live up to their expectations, and often, the reality isn’t quite as beautiful as what you’ve seen online.

At Herriot Country Tours, we take great pride in revealing to you the hidden treasures of Yorkshire that many other tour companies are unaware of. By avoiding overcrowded areas and opting for smaller towns and rural locations, you’ll not only have a more authentic experience, but you’ll also be helping reduce the strain on over-visited destinations.

We encourage you to stay local, which allows you to engage with the communities of the Dales and North York Moors. We work closely with several local accommodation providers to offer you a choice of charming small hotels and guesthouses, reducing both your and our carbon footprint. Staying in smaller towns, like Masham, means less travel time, allowing you to immerse yourself in the rural life of Herriot Country.

Stay a Little Longer

By spending more time in a location, you allow yourself to explore it more deeply. Getting to know the local people and discovering the unique charms of the area will lead to a more meaningful and authentic experience. Plus, staying longer is better for the environment, as it reduces the need for unnecessary travel.

All of our tours are designed to be as relaxed and flexible as possible. We don’t adhere to a rigid schedule, allowing you to relish each day at your own leisure, guaranteeing a delightful and leisurely experience.

Efficient Travel Options

Travel and tourism contribute significantly to climate change, but by choosing more efficient modes of transport, we can reduce our environmental impact. We always recommend arriving by train if possible, especially from London or Edinburgh, as it is quicker and much more environmentally friendly than travelling by road.

For local transport, we are transitioning to zero-emissions electric vehicles as part of our commitment to sustainability. We’ve already introduced the Mercedes EQV electric MPV, which is perfect for groups of up to 6 passengers, and we’ve recently ordered a new VW EV to further reduce our environmental impact. These vehicles help us minimise our carbon footprint while providing cleaner air for the beautiful landscapes of Yorkshire.

Water and Energy Conservation

We encourage you to be mindful of local water and energy conservation during your visit. Simple actions can make a significant difference in reducing your environmental impact, such as turning off lights and electronics when not in use, taking shorter showers, and turning off air conditioning when you leave your room.

Offsetting Our Carbon Footprint

We’re committed to offsetting the carbon footprint of our tours. Paul’s agricultural business, which uses low-disturbance seed drills to reduce carbon emissions, actively promotes more sustainable farming practices. This method helps farmers reduce input costs, improve soil health, and enhance biodiversity, all while reducing carbon emissions.

By supporting this form of regenerative agriculture, we’re contributing to a more sustainable future and offsetting some of the carbon footprint from both our farm and tour operations.

Spend Locally

Supporting local businesses is one of the best ways to ensure tourism benefits the communities we visit. We encourage you to stay in small hotels and guesthouses, dine at local pubs, and shop at independent artisan stores.

In Herriot Country, many pubs and restaurants source their food from local suppliers, and the food here is delicious. We also take you to local craft shops, where you can buy unique, handmade items and support local artisans.

Avoiding Single-Use Plastics

Single-use plastics, such as bottled water, are a major contributor to environmental damage. At Herriot Country Tours, we no longer provide bottled water to reduce plastic waste. Instead, we encourage you to bring a reusable water bottle, and if you’re concerned about water quality, you can use a water bottle with a built-in purifier.

We also encourage dining in rather than takeaway, which reduces packaging waste, and ask bar staff to avoid giving out plastic straws. Additionally, our Herriot Country Tours shirts are made from 100% organic cotton and are Fairtrade certified.

Visiting National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty

National parks, like the Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors, are vital for protecting biodiversity and the earth’s resources. The income from tourism helps fund conservation activities and supports local communities. When you visit these beautiful regions, try to stay local, support local businesses, and minimise your environmental impacts.

By paying entrance fees, shopping locally, and using local services, you’ll be contributing to the preservation of these areas for generations to come.

Choose Sustainable Businesses

We are constantly striving to improve our sustainability efforts, and we encourage you to seek out businesses that prioritise sustainable practices and contribute to the well-being of local communities. Choosing businesses that are committed to eco-friendly tourism helps drive positive change across the industry.

At Herriot Country Tours, we are dedicated to becoming an integral part of the sustainable tourism movement. We understand the importance of maintaining the delicate balance between enjoying these landscapes and preserving them for future generations.

Join Us in Promoting Sustainable Tourism

For more information on our commitment to sustainable tourism, please feel free to email paul@herriot-countrytours.co.uk.