Safety and Welfare
The safety of our guests is of paramount importance to us and we have done our best to ensure the lodges are as safe as reasonably possible. However, like any new and unfamiliar environment there can be unforeseen potential for accidents. In recognition of this we have attempted to list the main areas that could possibly be hazardous.
- Drinking Water – the water we drink at Cockerdale is spring water which continually flows into, and empties from, our own reservoir (it is one of the sources of the beck that runs past the lodges); we and the previous owners, have drunk it without ill effect for many years. However, because it is untreated and not been tested in recent years, we have provided bottled water for you to drink, during your stay. Boiled water from the kettle is obviously fine.
- Toilets – we have our own sewage treatment plant here – to ensure it keeps working correctly please do not put anything other than toilet paper down the toilet. Equally be careful of what you put down the kitchen sink – sewage treatment plants don’t like coffee grinds!
- Water Hazards – apart from the small beck (stream) running behind the lodges and along the side of the drive, there are many small becks and standing water in the area. A potential hazard for all non-swimmers, young and old alike.
- Hot Tub – full safety and usage details are in the lodge and also the log baskets. The key things to remember are – the External Wood-Burning Stove (that heats the water) is HOT HOT HOT. Please wear the gauntlets provided when re-filling it with wood. Check the water temperature before getting in the tub (best temperatures between 36°C and 38°C). A thermometer is provided to check this. NB. Do not take glasses or glass bottles into the tub; plastic glasses are provided.
- Steps – there are several steps up to the lodge- please be careful and use the handrail when using them
- Internal Wood-Burning Stove – please follow the instructions when using this and when moving around the lodge when it is in use as it is HOT. There is also an electric radiator which is easier to use.
- Fire – the lodges and farm are NON–SMOKING areas. Please do not burn candles either. Each lodge is equipped with a smoke alarm and carbon monoxide detector for your safety. There is also a fire blanket and foam fire extinguisher. In the case of a fire please evacuate the lodges and raise the alarm – call 999 and contact us at the farm house, which is also the muster point. Full details are in the lodge.
- BBQ/firepit – please do not overload this and ensure that the flame is out before leaving it unattended.
- Appliance instructions – there is a folder with all of the instruction for the appliances in the lodge ; if in doubt – do come and ask us.
- Dogs – only small and medium sized dogs are welcome at Cockerdale for the simple reason that the lodges are not suitable for larger animals. Please keep your pet under close control at all times, especially those that have a tendency to run off. Not only are there farm livestock (sheep, horses) but also a lot of free ranging deer which may prove to be a temptation too far for some of our furry friends, with the very real risk that you may never see them again.
- Traffic – one of the charms of Cockerdale is that it is a dead-end with no through traffic. However, there is the very occasional tractor, sheep trailer and delivery van that you need to be aware of.
- Wildfires – in any rural environment the risk of woodland and grass fires is high especially in dry periods – please act appropriately with this is mind. Do not light fires – do not leave them unattened.