Regenerative Tourism & Sustainability at Hippersons
At Hippersons Boatyard, we believe tourism should leave a place better than it was found. Our aim is not simply to minimise our environmental impact, but to actively contribute to the restoration and enhancement of the unique landscape we call home on the edge of the Norfolk Broads National Park.
As proud holders of the Green Tourism Silver Award, we are continually working towards higher standards of environmental stewardship, biodiversity enhancement and sustainable business practices.
Supporting Nature to Thrive
Over recent years, we have transformed parts of the boatyard into wildlife-friendly spaces, allowing nature to flourish alongside our guests. Areas of the site have been rewilded and additional native trees planted to increase habitat diversity and support local wildlife.
Working with locally sourced plants that naturally belong in this riverside environment, we have carefully restored areas using species that would traditionally have been found here. This approach helps strengthen local ecosystems, supports pollinators and insects, and contributes to the long-term health of the Broads landscape.
Guests regularly enjoy sightings of kingfishers, herons, barn owls and even otters. To further support wildlife, we have installed bird boxes throughout the site and created a floating wildlife raft in the back basin. The raft has quickly become an important sanctuary for birds and other species, providing a safe resting and nesting area away from disturbance.
Reducing Waste and Conserving Resources
We continually review our operations to ensure resources are used efficiently and responsibly. We are proud to work with a waste management company that sends zero waste to landfill, ensuring that as much material as possible is recycled, reused or recovered.
Water conservation is supported through the installation of WRAS-approved taps and fittings designed to reduce unnecessary consumption, while our purchasing decisions prioritise environmentally responsible products wherever practical.
Across the boatyard and accommodation, we actively encourage guests to recycle and make sustainable choices during their stay.
Reducing Our Carbon Impact
We recognise that climate change presents one of the greatest challenges facing both tourism and the natural environment.
Our electricity is supplied from renewable energy sources, helping to reduce the carbon footprint of our operations. We continue to review our boating fleet, equipment and operational practices to minimise emissions and improve efficiency wherever possible.
Environmentally friendly cleaning products are used throughout the site whenever suitable alternatives are available, reducing the release of harmful chemicals into the environment.
Supporting Our Local Community
Regenerative tourism is about people as well as nature. We actively encourage guests to discover and support local businesses, helping to keep visitor spending within the local economy.
We work closely with independent businesses, producers and visitor attractions across Norfolk and Suffolk, promoting authentic local experiences and helping our guests connect with the places and communities that make this area special.
By choosing to stay at Hippersons, guests are supporting a business that invests in local partnerships, protects wildlife habitats and contributes positively to the future of the Broads.
Our Commitment
We are committed to continually improving our environmental performance and finding new ways to give back more than we take.
Our goal is simple: to create unforgettable holidays while helping nature recover, supporting our local community and ensuring that future generations can enjoy the beauty, wildlife and tranquillity of this remarkable place.
Because at Hippersons, sustainability isn't just about preserving what we have—it's about helping it flourish.
On our you tube channel we include our green initiatives, take a look at this one which talks about the habitat.