Building Works
Renovation and conversion work all uses local craftsmen & family members.
Reclaimed beams used where possible
Dry stonewalling uses stone from the farm or local area & family labour to build.
Energy Consumption and Recording
The recording of electricity usage and analysis.
Water is drawn from our own farm borehole not from any mains water supply.
Towel/linen agreement in rooms & cottage.
Waste treatment plant forms an environmental circle.
Toilets feature dual flush facilities.
The Use of Local Business Services
Printing work for stationary undertaken by local printer in Macclesfield
Art works by the local architect Ian Moss and Jane Osmond http://www.janeosmond.net
All work is for decoration & sale.
Comprehensive guide to area in Welcome Browser.
Local shopping service available prior to arrival
Common Barn Farm lamb available to purchase by guests. (http://www.lamaload-lamb.co.uk)
Free range local eggs available to purchase (Courtesy of local farmers)
Homemade cakes, scones and pies (made using local free range eggs) and jams available for purchase by guests.
Local fly fishing and lessons available by arrangement and day tickets to Errwood reservoir
Good communications with local businesses.
Local restaurants & pubs recommended to guests.
Local taxi company recommended to guests.
Employment
Local skilled labour used in renovation and conversion of barn.
Creation of part-time permanent local jobs.
Foods
Use of homemade or home produced/reared produce whenever possible and when not, local or organic produce used.
Herbs grown in our herb garden, which can be seen at the front of the tearoom
Food miles of huge importance to us as well as supporting local businesses
Landscaping and Conservation
Architectural interest in traditional barns, as well as a English Heritage Site bronze age barrow in our front field (approx. 2000BC)
Architectural & natural features around the farm, stone well troughs with flowing spring water in the farm yard, as well as ice age boulders for decoration. Antique hay racks used for flower baskets.
Traditional drystone walling carried out around farm and cottage using local and family labour.
Bird boxes fixed to walls.
Use of chemicals for weed control is minimal.
Considerable new planting of trees and shrubs.
Sensitive use of building materials and features to retain the spirit of the traditional farm e.g. stone roofs & stone walls. (we are mentioned in the Doomsday books as ‘Barn on Common’)
An ongoing programme of the introduction of flowers and shrubs to attract birds and insects.
Visitor Information
Collection service from Macclesfield railway station usually available.
Public footpath runs through the farm yard leading to walks around the Goyt Valley and Lamaload Reservoir. Easy access kissing gates on each of the boundary walls (Courtesy of Rainow Parish Council). Rainow Parish Walks Map available to purchase, payment going to the local Parish Council.
Local walk and other local history books available to browse and purchase.
Information on local bus routes & trains.
Information on local cycle routes for visitors with bikes and nearest cycle hire for those without bikes.
Hugely informative hosts with ideas for days out.
A list of the restaurants/shops etc in Welcome Browser.
Horse riding allowed on our land for a small fee, enables riders to get off the busy road and enjoy the beautiful scenery. Stabling can be provided. Information on routes available from host (please call ahead).
Re-Cycling
Glass, tins, plastics, paper and cardboard recycled with re-cycle bins provided.
Grass cuttings composted.
Prunings from the site added to compost.
Leaves collected in the autumn and composted.
Paper recycled in the office.
Sustainability
To provide all year round accommodation.
Contributing substantially to local economy.
Awards and Memberships
2005 – Best New Entrants to the Industry (CATS award)
2006 – Common Barn Farm – Highly Commended Bed & Breakfast of the Year
Common Barn Farm is a member of Peaks & Plains Tourism Association.
Common Barn Farm is a member of Visit Chester & Cheshire.
Common Barn Farm is a member of Stay on a Cheshire Farm accommodation group.
Common Barn Farm is a member of FarmstayUK.
Wildlife
Swallows nesting in the barns and under eves
Lapwings and Curlews, Wag tails, Blue tits circle the land
Bats can be seen at night as they live in the local quarry
Several badger setts in the fields
Foxes trot through the land
Deer from Macclesfield Forest visit regularly
Buzzards nest nearby and overfly regularly
Sparrow hawks seen hunting the land
Hundreds of Canadian Geese can be seen on the land that fly over from the reservoir
Brown hares are abundant in our fields
Our pond is home to ducks, frogs and some fish.
Natural Life
Common Barn Farm is laid down to permanent pasture grassland.
