The Edmondsons at Press Mains Cottages in the Borders have always stayed open all year. In the low season the majority of their business comes from the short break market, helped by their close proximity to the Central Belt and the north of England . This is business well worth having. This February they have taken around £2500 in their four cottages, which more than covers their costs. And the trend is on the up, with a steady increase in winter bookings.

The Edmondsons are also making the most of the resources on their farm by capitalising on local wildlife, a year-round attraction. CCTV cameras have recently been set up over a number of local wildlife sites and pictures of badgers, squirrels, roosting bats and nesting birds (depending on the season) can be seen from the comfort of the double glazed, centrally heated cottages. The cameras are already making a difference to cottage occupancy figures.

Whilst not every accommodation provider can offer CCTV facilities, bird and squirrel feeding stations can be a big hit with winter visitors, adding a memorable close encounter with wildlife.

The Edmondsons are members of the Green Tourism Business Scheme and have gained the silver award. They are strongly committed to making their tourism business environmentally friendly, alongside protecting and enhancing the countryside around the farm and cottages. They are also members of Wild Scotland, the association of wildlife tourism operators that promotes sustainable wildlife tourism in Scotland.

Further Information: www.watchbadgers.co.uk

This case study features in the publication 'Wake up to Winter'.  You can download the full publication at the bottom of this page.

Case study added March 2006

Back to 'Best Practice' menu page