At Honister Slate Mine, nestled in the heart of the Lake District, we are passionate about more than just preserving the stunning natural beauty around us. We believe tourism should enrich the places it touches – leaving them better than they were before. This is the philosophy driving our commitment to regenerative tourism, where every visit supports sustainable practices, local businesses, and the heritage of Cumbria.
Regenerative tourism goes beyond the principles of sustainability; it’s about actively improving the environment, economy, and community. At Honister, we’ve made it our mission to ensure that our business not only minimises its impact on the landscape but actually contributes to its long-term health. This means protecting the natural environment, supporting local communities, and preserving the rich history of slate mining in Cumbria for future generations.
Operating in the remote, rugged landscape of the Lake District comes with unique challenges. As England’s last working slate mine, we face the task of preserving both our operations and the environment. Unlike many attractions, Honister is completely off-grid – meaning we generate all our power on-site. This not only gives us greater control over our energy usage but also reduces our reliance on external sources.
In line with our commitment to sustainability, we recently invested in state-of-the-art, low-emission power generators. These innovative generators have already significantly reduced our diesel consumption, providing a cleaner, quieter energy source for our operations. But we’re not stopping there. This is just the beginning of our journey to reduce our carbon footprint while continuing to produce the famous Honister Green Slate that has shaped British heritage for centuries.
One of the most important aspects of our regenerative tourism initiative is our commitment to zero waste. At Honister, nothing goes to waste. Every piece of slate that leaves our mine is carefully repurposed to serve a purpose, ensuring that the full potential of this valuable resource is realised.
Larger slate blocks are transformed into high-quality building materials, used for everything from rooftops to landscapes across the UK. Smaller offcuts are crafted into beautiful gifts, homeware, and bespoke commissions that can be found in our on-site shop and online at honisterslate.com Even the slate chippings, often overlooked as waste, find a second life in paths, driveways, and landscaping projects.
Our dedication to this closed-loop production system has been in place for over 25 years, and we’re proud to be a protector of the Lake District’s natural assets. By reimagining what we can do with slate, we not only reduce waste but also contribute to the local economy and sustainable craftsmanship.
Honister Slate Mine is more than just a place for adventure – we are deeply woven into the fabric of the local community. We believe in supporting Cumbrian businesses, producers, and artisans, and we make it a priority to showcase their work to our visitors.
Our café serves up delicious, locally sourced meats, dairy, and homemade cakes from independent Cumbrian producers. Not only does this reduce our food miles, but it also supports local farmers and food makers who are passionate about creating quality products.
In addition, our shop is filled with handcrafted goods from local artisans, giving visitors the chance to take home a unique piece of Cumbria. This collaboration helps to ensure that visitors are directly supporting the traditional skills and livelihoods of the region. By choosing Honister, you’re helping to secure the future of local businesses and preserving the heritage of Cumbria.
Honister Slate Mine sits within a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), a landscape teeming with rare flora and fauna. This means that we have a vital responsibility to protect the natural environment surrounding us. We work closely with Natural England to ensure that our operations are carried out in a way that doesn’t harm the delicate ecosystem of the area.
We are committed to maintaining the natural beauty of our surroundings and taking active steps to protect the landscape. Our team regularly monitors the area, ensuring that the mine’s presence supports rather than disrupts the environment. We also engage with our visitors, educating them on responsible tourism and encouraging a ‘Leave No Trace’ approach to exploring the Lake District.
In addition to our environmental efforts, we make sure to keep the area litter-free with weekly litter-picking activities across our site and surrounding routes. By blending heritage with conservation, we are proving that adventure and environmental responsibility can coexist.
Join Us in Our Regenerative Tourism Efforts
Every visit to Honister contributes directly to our mission of regenerative tourism. Whether you’re crossing the Infinity Bridge, exploring the mine, or enjoying a local treat in our café, your holiday experience helps to support 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 your help, we can ensure that it remains a treasured part of the region for generations to come. By choosing to visit us, you are playing a vital role in the preservation of this special place.
Together, we can ensure that tourism doesn’t just leave a place untouched – but leaves it better than it was before.
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