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Cotswolds creates wetlands site
English producer Cotswolds Distillery has unveiled a new biodiverse Wetlands Ecological Treatment System to enhance its environmental efforts.
The project was generously funded by Berry Bros & Rudd, investors in the Cotswolds Distillery.
The system has transformed a piece of land in the Cotswolds into a biodiverse space for plants and wildlife.
The wetlands will naturally process three-quarters of the wastewater from the distillery’s whisky production, creating a biodiverse habitat for local wildlife and reducing the number of tanker trucks and local traffic.
“We have been looking for ways to improve our waste management, and a wetlands treatment system seemed like the perfect solution,” said Dan Szor, founder of Cotswolds Distillery.
“Hopefully, it will reinforce our position as a force for good within our local community. It allows us to be more environmentally friendly by cutting down on waste and waste transportation and, at the same time, creating a haven for wildlife.”
The project started in May 2023, followed by the bedding of plants in August of the same year.
The distillery collaborated with Living Water Ecosystems and Rachael White Designs to build a new ecological treatment facility. The facility can process both the spent lees and the residual liquid left in the still after the second distillation, as well as wash water waste and water used in the plant for rinsing tanks and floors and cleaning maintenance.
The system is believed to reduce distillery water waste by tens of thousands of litres per week.
The clean water from the new treatment system will be used to grow a stand of willows, which will, in turn, provide ‘undisturbed shelter and habitat for wildlife’.
The new wetlands site also includes a large area of untouched grassland and a wildflower area for pollinators and visitors to enjoy. Plans for the site include adding bird boxes as well as pathways for visitors.
Cotswolds Distillery was established in 2014 and produces gin and single malt whisky, which was launched in 2021.
Earlier this year, the distillery launched a digital campaign for its namesake gin.
Last month, Cotswolds teamed up with Israeli Milk & Honey distillery to honour mentor Dr Jim Swan and released a rye whisky in partnership with Hook Norton Brewery.
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