At the Homestead, sustainability isn’t a buzzword — it’s something we’re actively working on every day. We know it’s a journey, not a finish line, and that’s why we’re proud to be part of the North York Moors National Park Sustainability Pilot Project. Back in 2025 over 600 businesses were invited to participate, responses were then analysed to assess and identify strengths, and highlight areas for improvement. Of these initial responses, a group of high performing businesses were selected to be part of the pilot scheme.

This initiative brings together 16 local businesses, all at different stages of their sustainability journey, to explore what meaningful progress really looks like. The focus is simple: progress over perfection. With guidance, tools, and practical support over three years, we’re building a clearer picture of where we are, where we can improve, and how to do so in a realistic, honest way.

Measuring Where We Stand

As part of this journey, we’ve taken a closer look at our current practices through an independent sustainability assessment. Last summer, we had our initial in person audit, which was carried out by Green Destinations. They provide you with a ‘scorecard’, sharing some headline figures, and then also a detailed appraisal of the business. This gives us a helpful snapshot of where we’re doing well — and where we can do better.

We’re proud to share that our overall sustainability score currently stands at 71%. While there’s always more to do, this reflects a strong foundation across several key areas:

• Food & Products: 100% — prioritising responsible sourcing and quality ingredients, with a keen focus on hyper local suppliers
• Caring for People: 92% — creating a welcoming, inclusive experience for guests and team
• Reducing Waste: 88% — actively minimising what we throw away, and what can be reused or recycled
• Caring for Nature, Culture & Management: 75% — embedding sustainability into how we operate

At the same time, the scorecard highlights areas where we’re focusing our efforts next, including energy use, water management, and pollution reduction.

Our Focus for the Year Ahead

One of the most valuable parts of this process is turning insight into action. We’ve identified a number of “easy wins” that we’re excited to move forward with this year.

We’re working on improving how we harvest and reuse rainwater and grey water, particularly for use in our garden. As part of the Sustainability Pilot, we have the opportunity to apply for a small grant to support our efforts, so I have just written out our request to purchase 2 solar powered submersible pumps, along with sprinkler systems. This will mean that saved water can be easily accessed and used on the garden. So keep your fingers crossed for us!

Alongside that, we’re aiming to grow more of our own produce on site, bringing ingredients even closer to your plate. We’re also continuing to build stronger relationships with local suppliers, supporting the regional economy while reducing food miles. What does this look like? Well, just this week we started working with a local farm who supply non homogenised milk, which we have just made into a delicious soft cottage cheese. Even closer to home, we are awaiting planning permission decisions to erect a polytunnel in the garden, which will help us extend our growing season (it can be wild and cold on these moors!)

Another exciting small change this week, was a new collaboration with a company in Harrogate called WoodCycle. They have started to take the ends of candles from us and they get turned into natural firelighter bags. We had accumulated quite a lot of old wax, as sadly the previous place that took it (The Recycled Candle Co are no longer operating) Tom, the owner of Woodcycle was in the area, so collected just over 70kg of wax, that would have otherwise gone to landfill.

We are thinking we should stock a few of the boxes of firelighters to sell in the restaurant, what do you think?

These are practical, achievable steps — the kind that quietly make a big difference over time.

The Bigger Challenges We’re Tackling

Of course, not everything is an easy fix.

Our building is full of character — from its history to its beautiful oak sash windows. But as charming as they are, they’re also… incredibly draughty. Improving insulation without compromising the building’s character is one of our biggest challenges, and something we’re actively exploring.

Then there’s the bigger question of energy. Like many rural properties, we currently rely on oil central heating — and we know that’s not where we want to stay. Transitioning to more sustainable options, such as air or ground source heat pumps and potentially solar energy, is a major goal for us. It’s a complex process, but one we’re committed to understanding and working towards.

Honest Progress, Not Perfect Promises

One of the most important parts of the pilot project is learning how to communicate sustainability clearly and honestly. That means no exaggeration or “greenwashing” — just being open about what we’re doing and where we’re still improving.

We believe that transparency matters. By sharing our progress, we hope to give you confidence in the choices you make when you visit us — and to show that sustainability is something we’re actively working on, not something we claim to have already achieved.

Looking Ahead

This is just the beginning. Some changes will be quick wins, others will take time, investment, and careful planning. But all of them move us in the right direction.

Being part of the North York Moors Sustainability Pilot Project is helping us take those steps with purpose. And by dining with us, you’re part of that journey too.

Thank you for supporting a more thoughtful way of doing things.

If you’d like to read more about our key sustainability principles, you can HERE.