In recent years, the travel industry has witnessed a growing movement towards regenerative tourism, an innovative approach that not only seeks to minimize the negative impacts on the environment and local communities but actively contributes to their restoration and well-being. Leading the way in this sustainable tourism revolution is Broughton Sanctuary, a breathtaking nature recovery estate nestled on the outskirts of the picturesque Yorkshire Dales. Broughton Sanctuary is more than just a destination; it’s a living testament to the power of regenerative tourism.

Broughton Sanctuary has recently evolved to become a place where heritage, nature, and modern wellness coexist in harmony. The main hall, with a rich history dating back to the 1097, offers authentic and immersive retreats that go beyond traditional tourism experiences.

Broughton Sanctuary’s commitment to regenerative tourism is rooted in the core values of sustainability, conservation, and community engagement. This estate demonstrates that tourism can be a force for good, nurturing and regenerating the natural environment, respecting local cultures, and fostering positive relationships with neighboring communities.

Nature Recovery and Conservation Efforts

One of the most notable aspects of Broughton Sanctuary’s regenerative tourism strategy is the extensive nature recovery and conservation efforts. Spanning over 3,000 acres of woodlands, meadows, and farmland, this estate provides an ideal canvas for rewilding projects. Broughton’s dedication to biodiversity restoration includes planting native species, managing habitats for wildlife, and even reintroducing species that had previously disappeared from the area. These efforts not only benefit the local ecosystem but also offer visitors a unique opportunity to reconnect with nature and witness the positive effects of regenerative practices.

Sustainable Agriculture

Broughton Sanctuary places a strong emphasis on sustainable agriculture, adopting regenerative farming techniques that prioritise soil health and carbon sequestration. This not only results in organic and locally sourced food for visitors but also contributes to mitigating climate change and supporting rural communities. Guests and companies planning corporate away days can participate in nature recovery tours and land management workshops to learn more about these sustainable practices and their significance.

Community Engagement and Empowerment

Community engagement is a core element of Broughton Sanctuary’s regenerative tourism approach. The estate has established partnerships with nearby villages and supports local businesses, becoming a source of economic stability for the region. Broughton Business Park based on the estate is home to more than 50 companies employing over 600 members of staff. With a collection of award-winning self-catering holiday cottages, initiatives like “Stay Longer” encourage visitors to extend their stay, allowing them to engage more deeply with one location. Regenerative tourism aims to encourage tourists to explore and contribute more in one place, rather than scatter their journeys across multiple destinations.

Sustainable Infrastructure

In addition to the conservation and community-focused efforts, Broughton Sanctuary has implemented various sustainable infrastructure projects. Solar panels and biomass boilers provide clean energy, while rainwater harvesting and wastewater treatment systems reduce environmental impact. These investments not only enhance the sustainability of the estate but also serve as practical examples of how tourism destinations can reduce their carbon footprint. On the digital front, Broughton Sanctuary and Avalon Wellbeing Centre websites have recently been moved onto a web hosting that utilises 100% renewable energy. https://krystal.uk/green.

A Beacon of Hope for Regenerative Tourism

Regenerative tourism at Broughton Sanctuary is not just a trendy buzzword; it’s a genuine commitment to the long-term health of the planet and its people. Through its holistic approach to sustainability, conservation, community engagement, and education, Broughton Sanctuary offers a blueprint for how other tourism destinations can follow suit. It demonstrates that tourism can be a regenerative force that heals ecosystems, supports local communities, and enriches the lives of visitors.

Broughton Sanctuary stands as a shining example of regenerative tourism in action. It showcases the potential of tourism to be a catalyst for positive change, demonstrating how a commitment to sustainability, conservation, community engagement, and education can create a truly regenerative travel experience. As the world continues to grapple with the challenges of climate change and over-tourism, Broughton Sanctuary provides a beacon of hope and inspiration for a more responsible and regenerative future in tourism. We are delighted that this effort has also been commended by National Geographic Traveller with the inclusion in their Cool List of 30 most exciting destinations to visit in 2024.

Experience Regenerative Tourism at Broughton Sanctuary

Guests staying at Broughton Sanctuary are invited to participated in a three-day Lens on Nature experience, which includes:

• Daily habitat spotting and bird watching (self led) with an identification booklet. This is part of a citizen science project and guests will collate wildlife sightings so that nature recovery specialists can monitor and track species development
• One-time, group nature recovery project work with the on site woodland management team (2 hours). This is a contribution to the team’s ongoing work, from planting trees to collecting flora, fauna and fungi
• Wild swimming sessions in Broughton Sanctuary’s outdoor ponds (unlimited and unsupervised)*
• Plant a tree dedication (1 tree per person). This is officially recorded in a book at Broughton Sanctuary. Opportunity to plant the tree or Broughton’s team will plant for you and share a picture and details
• An activity from the weekly wellness schedule at Avalon Wellbeing Centre during the stay, for two people (additional people priced as per chosen activity)

For more information visit Lens On Nature