Forest Holidays, the UK-based eco-tourism company which owns and operates nature-sensitive cabins in forests across Britain, has been recognised by B Lab (the awarding body for B Corp Certification) for the significant and long-term contribution it has made to the UK’s forests and wildlife.
The achievement is a significant step on a road that has so far been decades in the making – this year marks 50 years since the very first location opened in Strathyre, on the edge of the Scottish Highlands – and is a continuing journey.
Forest Holidays has also achieved the highest score in the B Corp Assessment’s Land & Wildlife Conservation Impact Business Model (IBM) in the UK. Only a handful of businesses of any type have been recognised for having this type of business model, making Forest Holidays achievement a potential global first within the tourism industry. It is the only company in the world to have gained such a high scoring Land & Wildlife Conservation IBM that does not operate by directly selling ecosystem products or services.
B Lab pointed out during the company’s verification process that whilst more traditional travel and holiday companies make use of natural places to draw visitors, they don’t necessarily have conservation as such a critical component of their business model, nor achieve such long-term, positive ecological outcomes for that natural place.
Conservation is fundamental and integral to the way Forest Holidays operates with its partners Forestry and Land Scotland, Forestry England and Natural Resources Wales. Forest Holidays are stewards of 244.5 hectares of the nation’s forest, managing and maintaining them for the benefit of nature and people. Of the land they occupy, 80% is managed for conservation, providing wildlife rich habitats that benefit the forests, people and the planet.
Founded by the Forestry Commission in 1973, the business was the first of its kind, leading the way with a pioneering business model that carefully balances planet, purpose and profit. The business model is a virtuous circle – maintaining as well as actively restoring the environment around the locations, managing land for conservation and creating spaces in nature for people to enjoy. By experiencing Forest Holidays unique holiday stays, guests also play a part in protecting and preserving Britain’s forests and wildlife.
Gemma Chance, Head of Brand Purpose at Forest Holidays said:
“We’re delighted that B Corp has recognised just how inextricably linked to conservation our business is. We create incredible holiday experiences for all, whilst managing the land we occupy to provide wildlife rich habitats that benefit our forests, guests, and the planet. Forest Holidays is a great example of how powerful a partnership between business and nature can be.”
The Land & Wildlife Conservation IBM is only awarded to companies with a product or service that directly protects, restores or conserves the natural environment. Forest Holidays is the owner and operator of nature sensitive cabins set across Britain’s forests, with 12 forest locations, many of which are based in National Parks and areas of outstanding natural beauty.
