They don't do anything official, but actively manage the forest on their land and have planted 250 cherry trees. So they're doing a long way - their impact, however, is relatively small.

Conservation/wildlife

Their management of their land is without chemicals - though they're not officially certified as organic as it's too expensive to get the paperwork for such a small place. They coppice (selectively taking out a few trees here and there from a forest to encourage healthy growth) for their wood burning supplies.

Andre is contracted to look after the common land around the valley, and treats it in the same way as his. With respect, and organically.

Social responsibility

They are very much part of the community. She is the Deputy Mayor of the local council, has run campaigns to protect the local area from development (David Beckham tried to bag a plot nearby, but wanted a helipad!), is spearheading a campaign to raise money to resurrect the ruins of a 10th-century Roman fort on the hill in the village.

And they all campaigned against the THT - the high-tension power line that was about to be built through that area of the Pyrenees.

She teaches sustainable tourism (tourisme durable) at the college at Perpignan - focuses on the 'in harmony' concept of tourism and the local environment.

Food

Most of the food we ate with them was local, as was the wine. They rarely go far to get anything - not only food - and think of themselves as integral part of the community. Andre's cows, when butchered, are sold at prices lower than retail to neighbours and friends. Nothing goes to shops. The same is true of their rabbits

This question isn't really relevant for this place, as it's self-catering. But they deserve points for their approach to farming, which is organic and small scale. He could have far more cows than he does, but has decided that he's happy with the more low impact farming method he has now. It's really a 'slow food', 'slow living' philosophy.

Do they actively encourage guests to use public transport when staying with them?

Happy to collect from the train in Perpignan or Girona, over the border. But they don't really advertise this.

Do they use any alternative fuel (LPG/LNG, hybrid/dual-fuel, electric or biodiesel) vehicle(s)?

No, just two very battered old cars.

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