Climate risk and resilience at Hoe Grange Holidays
As our climate continues to change, the weather in the Peak District is becoming more unpredictable. We’re seeing hotter, drier summers and milder, wetter winters. We’re seeing stormier weather too and getting snowstorms at more unusual times of year.
These shifts affect us all. At Hoe Grange Holidays, we’re thinking ahead – not just to protect our farm, buildings and people, but to make sure you can continue to enjoy safe, comfortable holidays in the countryside for years to come.
What might change in the future?
We’ve used data from the Met Office and UK Climate Projections (UKCP) to understand what’s likely to happen in our part of Derbyshire between now and the 2050s.
More winter rain
Rainfall in the East Midlands during winter could rise by up to 23% by 2040–2059. While Hoe Grange itself isn’t at risk of flooding, heavier rain can still cause problems, like water damage to buildings, muddy fields, or disruption to local roads and transport.
More frequent storms
Stronger and more frequent storms increase the risk of fallen trees, power cuts, and damage to roofs or outbuildings. We take this seriously – for the safety of our guests, our animals, and ourselves.
Milder, wetter winters
Average winter temperatures in our area could rise by up to 3°C in the next 25 years. Warmer, damp winters can increase the spread of pests and diseases that affect the livestock and grasslands on our farm, especially when there’s less frost to keep them in check.
Hotter, drier summers
Summer temperatures in our region could rise by almost 4°C, with rainfall dropping by nearly half. This kind of change could put pressure on our natural spring water supply through our borehole and on the wider water network. There’s also a greater risk of wildfires in dry grassland and woodland on and around our farm.
More sun exposure
Rising temperatures and stronger UV levels can pose health risks to guests and staff alike, from sun burn and skin cancer to heat stroke and exhaustion.
What we're doing to prepare
We’re already taking steps to reduce the risks and adapt to the changes ahead – many of which help make your stay more comfortable too.
- Keeping cabins and pods comfortable year-round: Our cabins and pods are designed to be cool in summer and cosy in winter, with extra heaters and fans available in more extreme temperatures. We offer lighter duvets for warm weather and heavier ones for chilly nights. We’ve added blinds to help manage heat and provide cooled spring water for guests when they arrive.
- Protecting water supplies: We use spring water from an underground borehole right here on the farm. We monitor this carefully and have a mains water connection as backup, just in case. All our showers and toilets are fitted with water-saving features to help reduce usage without affecting your experience.
- Powering your stay sustainably: Our site runs on renewable energy from wind and solar, with battery storage for cloudy days. Guests can charge their electric vehicles from our network.
- Reducing energy use: We work hard to keep energy use low without compromising comfort. That means using energy-efficient appliances, line drying your bedding and towels whenever we can, and investing in clever systems like ground source heating and infrared panels to warm spaces efficiently.
- Preparing for power cuts: If there is a power cut during your stay, there are automatic emergency lights in the cabins, which you can pick up and use as a torch too.
- Reducing and eliminating waste: We work with a hyperlocal waste company to ensure zero landfill. Our welcome packs and shop feature thoughtful low-waste items like bamboo toothbrushes and local, paraben-free soap bars.
- Weatherproofing our buildings: We regularly maintain roofs, gutters, and seals to reduce storm and rain damage.
- Preparing for freezing weather: We lag water pipes and have grit and snow-clearing gear on hand for freezing conditions.
- Managing fire risk: We don’t allow disposable BBQs and provide safe alternatives for outdoor cooking. We also don’t allow you to set off fireworks or paper sky lanterns – and we share why to help people understand the risks.
- Supporting greener travel: We offer car-free itinerary ideas and local maps, so you can explore the Peak District without needing to drive every day.
- Sharing top tips for a greener stay: We include our favourite ideas for a greener holiday in your welcome pack. From simple switches to small things you might not have thought about, we share practical, easy eco tips to help you tread a little lighter during your stay without missing out!
- Looking after our team: Our staff are provided with support and training to stay safe in hot weather and take extra care during storms or freezing conditions. We are flexible employers in extreme weather conditions and adapt our plans if it’s not safe for our staff to come to the farm.
- Keeping ourselves accountable: We know that sustainability is something we have to keep working at. Every year, we do a full carbon audit and look at our wider sustainability practices, and we set ourselves clear goals on how we can do better. We keep ourselves accountable by sharing these goals with others, including experts like the Peak District Environmental Quality Mark and Green Tourism.
- Sharing our expertise: We know change is bigger than any one business – so we support others in taking their own steps towards sustainability. We offer advice and mentoring to other small businesses, speak at events, and share what we’ve learned. Most recently, we helped launch The Willow Review – a Government-backed report that shows how being greener also makes financial sense for small businesses.
Our commitment
If you’d like to know more about our climate response, we’re happy to share. We believe in honest conversations and thoughtful action – and we’re committed to keeping Hoe Grange a place where you can relax, reconnect with nature, and make lasting memories.
What a lovely weekend away! We stayed in the lovely gypsy caravan, which was a wonderful and really unique experience. We took along our two horses, who also had a... read more 
