CSR and Carbon Neutral Events

Many of our clients are becoming increasingly conscious of the need to consider the impact of their actions on other people and the world around us. The world of corporate entertainment, events and team building is no different.

There are various ways in which we can reduce this impact, by considering factors such as venue location and travel arrangements for staff and attendees, avoiding duplication, and using electronic communications wherever possible. 

At Cavendish Sporting and Special Events, our policy is to try to keep printed material to a minimum, sending documents such as proposals, contracts and invoices electronically. Recyclable materials are used whenever possible in the office and when out on events. 

Shooting, both clay pigeons and game, is a good example. We always use fibre-wadded cartridges, as opposed to plastic, out of courtesy to the owners of the land we are shooting over. This avoids leaving plastic litter. Empty cartridge cases are gathered up and taken away for recycling. Clay pigeons themselves are made principally from naturally occurring substances, pitch and chalk, and the broken fragments disappear remarkably quickly. The unbroken clays are collected and can often be used again. Coloured targets are avoided whenever possible, as the shards tend to show up much more than with normal black clays.

Carbon Offset 

It is often difficult for our clients, and us, to assess the carbon footprint of an offsite event. On their behalf, we decided to build up some ‘carbon credit’, and five years ago, we planted 1,600 young trees here at Hall Farm. These are all native hardwoods – oak, beech, ash, field maple, thorn and hazel, mainly. As can be seen in the photographs, they have done well – they went in as ‘whips’, about 12-18” high, and the tallest are now around 15 feet! 

As well as establishing trees, we have created an environment which is greatly appreciated by a whole range of wildlife, including roe deer, hares, foxes and badgers, all of which have been seen amongst the trees. It provides great habitat for birds and insects as well. Lapwings have been nesting close by for the first time this year.

Charity Events 

Over the last 20 years we have worked with a vast number of different charities and fund-raising organisations. The total sum which we have helped them to raise now exceeds £850,000, and we hope to be able to celebrate breaking through the £1 million barrier within the next couple of years.