Environmental Charter
Welcome to The Big Fields!
The Big Fields is a small-scale farm stay in the Vosges countryside, surrounded by meadows, forests and wide open views. From the very beginning, caring for this place, the land, the animals and the nature around us has shaped how we live and work here.
Hospitality and care for the environment go hand in hand for us. Both Jan and Maud have worked for years in sustainability and environmental projects, and that background guides the everyday choices we make here: how we heat the buildings, how we grow food, how we use water, and how we welcome guests.
This environmental charter explains how The Big Fields works in daily practice, and how you can be part of life here.
Awareness & involvement
Environmental responsibility at The Big Fields starts with people.
Maud, owner of The Big Fields, is the environmental manager and oversees how environmental choices are applied in daily life. These topics are shared with everyone involved on the site, including helpers and occasional staff, so they remain practical and close to everyday routines.
During your stay, you will find information about the land, the animals and the surroundings in and around the accommodation. You are welcome to take part in daily life in simple ways, such as:
- joining the morning routine with the horses and chickens
- closing gates behind you when walking the land
- turning off lights when leaving a room
- sorting your waste using the system provided
We work with local suppliers and craftspeople whenever possible and choose partners who care about their work and the place they operate in.
Water & energy
We try to use less by thinking things through, not by asking you to give up comfort.
Water and energy use are checked monthly so we can see what works and where we can improve. All buildings are equipped with LED lighting, energy-efficient appliances and controlled heating systems.
From January 2026 onwards, the buildings are heated by a fully renovated system using wood energy, supported by solar panels, well suited to the climate and rural setting.
Bathrooms and kitchens are fitted with:
- water-saving toilets
- low-flow taps
- water-efficient showers
For watering plants and crops, we use water from a natural spring and stream that run through the land. Tap water inside the buildings is of excellent quality and perfectly safe to drink. We are located in the spa region near Bains-les-Bains, long known for its water, so there is no need to buy bottled water.
You will also find information about walking routes, cycling options and nearby public transport, making it easy to leave the car behind and head straight into the landscape.
Waste reduction & sorting
We aim to keep waste to a minimum and deal properly with what remains.
Single-use products are largely avoided. Waste is sorted into the required categories, with clear instructions available during your stay.
Food scraps go into the compost, located just outside the buildings. The compost is reused in:
- our vegetable garden
- the land around the buildings
We buy in bulk where possible and choose refill options to reduce packaging.
Food & daily life
All breakfasts and picnic baskets we prepare are vegetarian.
We cook with the seasons and work with local producers whenever possible. Many vegetables, fruits and herbs come straight from our own garden, fruit trees and berry bushes.
To limit food waste, we do not offer buffets. Instead, we prepare generous breakfast selections and picnic baskets, focusing on quality rather than excess.
Outdoor spaces & biodiversity
The land around The Big Fields is a working landscape, not a decorative setting.
Meadows, hedges, forest edges and water areas are managed without pesticides or chemical fertilisers. We work with the land by:
- letting grasses grow
- leaving space for insects and birds
- respecting natural water flows
Our aim is to protect what is already here and leave the land in better condition over time.
Continuous improvement
This charter is not a fixed document.
Each year, we review our practices, monitor water and energy use, and adjust where it makes sense for the scale and nature of The Big Fields. Ideas and feedback during your stay are always welcome.
A shared responsibility
This environmental charter is shared with guests, staff, suppliers and partners.
By staying at The Big Fields, you are choosing a place that is lived in and cared for day by day. Thank you for being here and for helping keep The Big Fields a place where people, animals and nature can live side by side.