Sustainability at Tapnell Farm

Did you know that energy-related activities account for 75% to 80% of global greenhouse gas emissions? At Tapnell Farm, we've embraced renewable energy technologies and do everything we can to limit our energy consumption. That includes:

Becoming an electric-positive business, meaning we generate more power than we use. That's thanks to our 500kW solar energy system, installed across 4 buildings and 2 small field arrays. Each year, we generate over 500,000kWh of electricity – enough to power more than 100 homes. This excess power is sent back to the grid, helping others to harness more renewable electricity.
 

Removing oil boilers and replacing them with a district heating network, powered by sustainably sourced wood pellets.
 

Installing air-source and ground-source heat pumps in new properties and business premises.
 

Switching to low-energy LED lighting. Tapnell was an early adopter of the technology, converting all properties in 2012. Since then, we've saved thousands of kilowatts of energy and tonnes of unnecessary carbon emissions.
 

Growing tonnes of energy crops annually to produce renewable gas.

Reusing and upcycling have been part of farming life for as long as anyone can remember. Here's how we work to reduce waste every day:

We were an early adopter of compostable and biodegradable packaging as a replacement for single-use plastics.

We recycle all farm plastics and scrap old metals.

We've repurposed former farm buildings, leaving our valuable greenfield land free for people and wildlife.

We upcycle products wherever possible to avoid unnecessary purchasing.

We recycle used wetsuits from our Aqua Park.

We love the Island we call home – and it's the people living here who make it special. That's why we strive to give back to our community wherever and whenever we can, including:

Offering high-quality jobs with real career opportunities. At Tapnell Farm, we've generated full-time and seasonal employment for more than 100 local people.
 
Adopting an 'Island-first' ethos to champion local businesses. Most of our products and services are sourced right here on the Isle of Wight.

The Isle of Wight is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve – one of only seven across the UK. This status is testament to the Island's diverse wildlife, ancient landscapes and rich human history.

At Tapnell Farm, we take our role in preserving this unique landscape very seriously. That's why we've:

Constructed accommodation using natural materials, and powered them using low-energy sources.

Adopted a market-leading sewage treatment system that meets the highest environmental standards.

Upgraded, maintained and promoted miles of footpaths and bridleways in the surrounding countryside.

Created two new lakes to better manage the water course and provide habitats for wildlife.

Planted miles of hedgerows and thousands of plants, shrubs and trees across the farm.

Took acres of land out of arable production and pioneered large field margins to encourage greater biodiversity of flora and fauna.

Installed owl, squirrel, tit and bat boxes.

Created a special conservation garden in close cooperation with the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust. This garden offers an educational and interactive wildlife experience for visitors to enjoy.

Conducted countryside stewardship schemes, certified by Red Tractor – the UK's top farming assurance programme.

Promoted and supported local charities and organisations involved in conservation projects.