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The Environmental Quality Mark has been awarded to the Bluebell Inn and to Hoe Grange Farm and to Bent Farm.  Congratulations to all three 

PR 668 – 22 April 2010
Environmental awards for Peak District business heroes

What do a pub, a chocolate-maker, a high-class restaurant, a farm shop and farmers co-operative have in common?

Answer: they are among the latest Peak District businesses to be awarded the prestigious Environmental Quality Mark (EQM) for their benefits to the environment of the Peak District National Park.

A presentation ceremony was held at Losehill Hall, Castleton, for 20 new award-winners, bringing the total number of EQM-holders to 93.

Making the presentations, Pat Coleman, the Peak District National Park Authority’s economy representative, said: “The EQM is the gold standard of environmental care for businesses in the Peak District. To have more than 90 local businesses who actively support the best environmental practices is a real achievement, and it makes good business sense to shout about it.

“The EQM logo is an assurance that anyone buying their products is helping to look after the Peak District environment and the local economy.”

The latest winners were:

Food and drink awards:

• Bluebell Inn, Tissington
• Cocoadance chocolatiers, Castleton
• Fischer’s Restaurant, Baslow Hall, Baslow
• Peak Choice (farmers co-operative selling online), Beeley
• Peak District Farm Shop, Stanshope

Farming awards:

• Bent Farm, Tissington
• Broad Ecton Farm, Ecton
• Haddon Estate Home Farm, Bakewell
• Hoe Grange Farm, Brassington
• Handley Bottom Farm, Pilsley

Accommodation awards:

• Churchdale Holidays, Ashford-in-the-Water
• Cowclose Cottages and B&B, Cutthorpe
• Denewood B&B, Castleton
• Ladybower Apartments, Bamford
• Party Houses, Waterfall, Back o’ the Brook, Roaches and Heaton
• Shatton Hall Farm Cottages, Bamford
• Stoop Farm B&B, Hollinsclough
• The Old Shippon, Alstonefield
• The Spook, Winster

Arts and crafts award:

• Fletcher Tree and Forestry Services, Derwent.

The presentations were made at a buffet dinner of EQM produce, sponsored by Visit Peak District & Derbyshire, the area’s tourism marketing body.

More information on the Environmental Quality Mark is available on www.peakdistrict.gov.uk/eqm or from EQM officer Faith Johnson on 01629 816321.