Kent Diversification Award Winner: Reuthe's

Reuthe’s - The Lost Gardens of Sevenoaks is an acclaimed plant nursery and rare species arboretum that has been revisioned as a hospitality business offering catered events and family activities.

It is set in 11 acres of ancient woodland, part of the geological miracle that is the Greensand Ridge in the beautiful Weald of Kent.

As well as opening up the gardens for the first time in the 120- year history of Reuthe’s, we have diversified from plant sales to offer a range of visitor attractions including - farmers’ markets, foraging courses, spa days, alpaca treks, kids' clubs, event hire and wellness activities.

Sustainability runs through the core of our business. We have opened up this landscape to visitors for the first time in our 120-year history.

We are also developing a supply chain that creates zero food miles for many of our fruit and vegetables served to our visitors.

We encourage visitors to eat at our on-site café so that they are not creating carbon emissions by travelling to another location for food.

When making an online booking we will issue visitors with a 10%-off voucher for use at our café if they carpool or use public transport to travel to Reuthe's.

We have signed up to the Kent Downs AONB Landscape Promise as a commitment to supporting the protection and enhancement of the landscape. We celebrate the landscape in all that we do and support and engage with our local community.

We take action to become more environmentally sustainable, such as minimising waste, saving energy and water, reducing food miles and encouraging and using greener forms of transport. We also partner with local charities including Princess Christian Farm to teach young people with special-needs skills around ground maintenance, woodland conservation and sustainability.

We support local community projects and partnerships and endeavour to use local suppliers or materials – and can recommend local suppliers or makers. We know our local networks and can recommend other sustainable tourism and hospitality businesses. We give all visitors a warm welcome and will particularly encourage walkers, cyclists and horse riders.

We have created sustainable local jobs and encourage a range of visitors by being open six to seven days a week and gearing our social media posts to a range of diverse customer and community groups as well as starting a community Farmers & Crafts Market.