Afton Grove
- general info
- rooms/rates & booking
- photo gallery
- location
- sustainability
Chris and Louise Spengler
Owned and managed by Chris and Louise Spengler, keen birders themselves, makes this a particularly great social destination for birders. They are able to share with you their knowledge and advice on local "stake-outs" and will eagerly await guests report backs on their sightings.
This accommodation provider has taken action to address one or more issues (whether environmental, social or cultural) which will contribute positively to the long term viability of the destination and hence their site displays a Caring for the destination rating.
Main area of focus in Caring for the Destination:
At Afton Grove Country Retreat we strive towards being good custodians of the environment. We adopt fair, socio-friendly & sustainable practices in the upliftment of historically disadvantaged people groups.
At Afton Grove Country Retreat we strive towards being good custodians of the environment. We adopt fair, socio-friendly & sustainable practices in the upliftment of historically disadvantaged people groups.
Detailed description of the Caring for the Destination Initiative:
Environment
- Assist in the protection & well being of the endangered African Penguin in the following ways:
- Donation of penguin shelters on Dyer Island.
- Assist in the cleaning and rehabilitation of oiled Penguins.
- Active protection of IUCN red listed invertebrates i.e. Western Leopard Toad occurs on the grounds. Ongoing educational and awareness programme with staff & guests.
- Support wildlife trusts
- Support TEARS animal rescue
- No harmful pesticides utilised in garden.
- No chemical fertilisers used.
- Irrigation water from well point.
Sustainable Practice
- Solar powered heating to main hot water supply.
- Salt chlorination to swimming pool.
- Monthly donation of used magazines to local hospitals and old age homes.
- Support local producers/suppliers
- Energy reduction programme in place.
- Recycle waste
- Only free range eggs used
- Wood from invasive species used on barbeque
Social Responsibility
- Provide work opportunities for local community
- Up-skilling of staff from previously disadvantaged communities through ongoing in house training.
- Education sponsorship programme for deserving children of staff.
- Promote from within policy.
- Donate used furnishings to needy causes within the local community.
- Used guest toiletries passed on to locally under privileged.
- Left over breads, jams etc. passed on to locally under privileged
Environment
- Assist in the protection & well being of the endangered African Penguin in the following ways:
- Donation of penguin shelters on Dyer Island.
- Assist in the cleaning and rehabilitation of oiled Penguins.
- Active protection of IUCN red listed invertebrates i.e. Western Leopard Toad occurs on the grounds. Ongoing educational and awareness programme with staff & guests.
- Support wildlife trusts
- Support TEARS animal rescue
- No harmful pesticides utilised in garden.
- No chemical fertilisers used.
- Irrigation water from well point.
Sustainable Practice
- Solar powered heating to main hot water supply.
- Salt chlorination to swimming pool.
- Monthly donation of used magazines to local hospitals and old age homes.
- Support local producers/suppliers
- Energy reduction programme in place.
- Recycle waste
- Only free range eggs used
- Wood from invasive species used on barbeque
Social Responsibility
- Provide work opportunities for local community
- Up-skilling of staff from previously disadvantaged communities through ongoing in house training.
- Education sponsorship programme for deserving children of staff.
- Promote from within policy.
- Donate used furnishings to needy causes within the local community.
- Used guest toiletries passed on to locally under privileged.
- Left over breads, jams etc. passed on to locally under privileged
