last updated 10th March 05
By 4ecotips

New features include showers heated by solar panels

The UK's first 'Eco-friendly' Youth Hostel has opened for business at Lockton, near Pickering, North Yorkshire. Funding from Defra's Rural Enterprise Scheme (RES) has helped the Youth Hostels Association (YHA) refurbish its Lockton hostel and build in unique environmentally friendly features to create its showcase Green Beacon Youth Hostel.

Wherever possible the YHA has added sustainable features to help minimise the environmental impact of tourists travelling to enjoy the stunning North Yorkshire scenery. Among the new features are showers heated by solar panels on the hostel roof, dry compost toilet and a system which harvests rainwater and other 'grey' water to use to flush toilets.

The building is insulated using sheep's wool and the new extension also has a living Sedum roof, the foliage of which will also provide a habitat for local wildlife as well as adding extra insulation.

Located in the old village school the hostel has been extended to include new showers and a larger kitchen and dining area. The building has also been made fully accessible for disabled visitors. The YHA hopes the new facilities will mean the hostel gets a four-star rating from Visit Britain. Lockton village is on the edge of the North York Moors and attracts thousands of visitors each year because of its links to the TV series 'Heartbeat'.

Funding for the £300,000 project has come from the North Yorks Moors National Park Authority, North Yorkshire County Council, as well as £45,000 from the Rural Enterprise Scheme.

Rural Affairs Minister Alun Michael added:

"The phrase 'sustainable development' is increasingly familiar these days, but while it is easy to define in words the real challenge is to demonstrate what it means in practice.

"Lockton YHA is an inspiring example of sustainability in action, which recognises the inextricable link between social, economic and environmental factors. Only by balancing all three can we ensure that the quality of life we enjoy now does not compromise quality of life for future generations.