A NEW environmental solution at the National Trust’s Berrington Hall near Leominster has seen rain and ground water being recycled to flush visitor toilets at the historic property.

With around 70,000 visitors each year, the need to spend a penny at Berrington has always been high, despite the environmental cost of using so much water to flush the toilets. Following the installation of this new green technology, the property aims to save as much as 650,000 litres of mains water each year, equivalent to almost £700.

The new system involves water being gathered from the underground water table into an existing six metre deep well located below the stable block courtyard. This well is capped with a decorative lantern which has been at the property since the early 19th century, and is a popular feature among visitors to Berrington.

Stored water is then used to flush the visitor toilets, as well as to water plants in the shop and to clean vehicles and outside steps.

The project was the idea of Sandra Jones, property administrator and green champion at Berrington Hall. “When I started working at Berrington I saw the well and thought that, as the water is no longer needed to supply the estate, it would be a good idea for it to be used to flush the nearby visitor toilets. I’m really proud that my idea has now reached fruition and is not only making financial efficiency savings, but has significantly reduced the amount of mains water we use here.”

Kathryn Akers, environmental practices advisor at the National Trust, added: “By collecting and storing groundwater in the well at Berrington Hall, we are able to significantly reduce our reliance on mains water. Not only does this bring financial benefits, but clear environmental advantages too.”