Burlybed and Burlerrow Farm has always operated with the environment, sustainability and conservation in mind. Miscanthus was chosen as a crop for its natural properties, not only making an exceptionally absorbent and yet durable animal bedding but also for the benefits it brings the farm on a wider scale.
Miscanthus is a hardy, fast growing plant that during its lifespan requires little mechanical or chemical intervention. This lack of fertilisers and pesticides alongside the plants natural growing cycle provides valuable winter habitat for native wildlife.
Like a tree, Miscanthus captures and stores carbon. This carbon capture actively helps to reduce the effects of climate change. The natural structure of Miscanthus makes an ultra absorbent, durable, sustainable and economical horse and animal bedding, an ideal alternative to shavings. To find out more about this fantastic crop click here
In growing, harvesting and processing Miscanthus, Burlybed makes the conscious decision to support sustainability and our environment.
As well as growing miscanthus, we also farm sheep and cattle with a large proportion of the farm holding organic status. We operate a variety of technologies to generate the utilities needed to operate the farm and bedding production machinery. Our two biomass boilers burn a proportion of our miscanthus crop to provide hot water and heating to our farm buildings. The heat generated is also used in the drying process during production of our bedding.
We operate a wind turbine and have multiple roof mounted solar panels that generate enough power to provide approximately two thirds of our energy requirement.
As we manufacture both Burlybed Original, Original Extra, Burlybed Light, Light Extra, Soft Extra and Burlybed Pet & Poultry the raw material goes through a dust extraction process. The majority of this waste is then processed to become Burlyburn, our high heat fuel logs for wood burners, open fires, barbeque or any solid fuel appliance. Nothing is wasted.
The packaging of our products is always a topical question and we have spent, and continue to spend, a lot of time researching our options. We have to strike a balance between our passion for sustainability and practicality. We are incredibly proud of our bedding products and we need to ensure the quality and longevity of our bales when they leave the farm and are with our stockists and customers.
We currently use Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE) for our bags, which in simple terms is the same as a supermarket bag for life. This plastic is 100% recyclable. Currently about a third of local authorities accept LDPE as part of their curbside recycling schemes and we recommend checking with your local authority. The film we use for our packaging also contains one third post industrial waste that would otherwise be destined for landfill.
We are by no means perfect, but we are dedicated to doing what we can to make a difference. The team at Burlybed are always working on projects with the aim of decreasing our environmental impact and supporting our customers to do the same.