Regenerative Tourism

Our Commitment to Regenerative Tourism

At Honister Slate Mine, we believe tourism should do more than just preserve – it should leave a place better than it was before. That’s why we’re committed to responsible tourism that not only protects our stunning Lake District surroundings, but also ensures our local economy, community, and heritage thrive for generations to come.

From reducing our carbon footprint to preserving traditional craft skills, every step we take is designed to support a sustainable future while giving our visitors a truly unique and meaningful experience.

Reducing Our Carbon Footprint

As England’s last working slate mine, operating in a remote and rugged landscape presents unique challenges. Unlike many attractions, we’re completely off-grid – which means we generate all our own power on-site.

To reduce our impact, we recently invested in new state-of-the-art power generators. These innovative low-emission generators have already helped cut our diesel consumption significantly, providing a quieter, cleaner, and more sustainable energy source for our operations.

This investment is just the beginning of our journey to reduce our carbon footprint while maintaining the vital work of mining and crafting Honister Green Slate – a material that has shaped Britain’s heritage for centuries.

A Zero-Waste Approach to Slate Mining

At Honister, nothing goes to waste. Every single piece of slate that leaves our mine has a purpose.

• Large blocks are crafted into high-quality building materials, adorning rooftops, floors, and landscapes across the UK.
• Smaller offcuts become handcrafted gifts, homeware, and bespoke commissions in our on-site shop, also available to buy online at honistergreenslate.com.
• Slate chippings are repurposed for paths, driveways, and landscaping projects. We also offer free shipping in the UK on our bulk chippings bags.
• Even slate dust is collected and moulded into decorative ornaments, ensuring that every fragment of this natural resource is valued and used.

This closed-loop production system has been in place for over 25 years and we’re a proud protector of the Lake District’s natural assets.

Supporting Local – From Food to Craftsmanship

Honister is more than a visitor attraction – it’s a hub for local businesses, supporting Cumbrian suppliers, producers, and artisans.

• Our café proudly serves locally sourced meats, dairy, and homemade cakes from independent Cumbrian producers, reducing food miles while supporting regional farmers and food makers.
• Our shop features handcrafted goods from local artisans, ensuring visitors take home a piece of Cumbria while supporting the traditional skills and livelihoods of the region.
• We work with a multitude of local accommodation providers, offering their guests exclusive discounts on our experiences. This initiative not only enhances the value they provide to visitors but also strengthens their business by encouraging guests to explore more of the Lake District.

By choosing Honister, our visitors are directly investing in the future of local businesses and traditional industries that make Cumbria special.

Protecting Our Landscape & Wildlife

Perched high on Fleetwith Pike, Honister Slate Mine sits within a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). This means we have a responsibility to protect the unique flora and fauna that call Honister Crag home.

We work closely with Natural England to ensure our land management practices protect this fragile ecosystem. Our team regularly monitors and maintains the area, ensuring that the mine’s presence supports, rather than disrupts, the natural environment.

Beyond this, we take an active role in protecting the wider landscape:

• Weekly litter-picking efforts across our site and surrounding routes ensure that the beauty of Honister remains untouched.
• We actively educate visitors on responsible tourism, encouraging a ‘Leave No Trace’ approach to exploring the Lake District.

By blending industry with conservation, we’re proving that heritage, adventure, and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand.

Join Us in Sustainable Tourism

Every visitor to Honister plays a part in our regenerative tourism efforts. Whether you’re exploring the mine, crossing the Infinity Bridge, or simply stopping for a coffee in our café, your visit directly supports sustainable practices, local businesses, and the preservation of traditional craftsmanship.

Honister has been at the heart of Cumbria’s landscape for nearly 400 years – and with the right approach to responsible tourism, we’re ensuring it remains for generations to come.