April is Earth Month - what does that mean?

With the clocks stepping forward and the valley waking to longer, lighter days, April feels full of promise here at Butterhills. Spring is settling into the woods, the meadows are stirring, and the first wildflowers are beginning to show. It’s the perfect moment to celebrate Earth Month – a gentle reminder to pause, reconnect with nature, and embrace the small choices that help us tread a little more lightly on the world.

Celebrating Earth Month at Butterhills

April always feels like a turning point in the valley – fresh leaves unfurling in the woods, birdsong carrying across the meadows, and the longer days inviting everyone back outdoors. It’s fitting that this gentle shift into spring is also Earth Month, a time to appreciate the natural world and think about the small choices we can all make to care for it.

Here at Butterhills, living lightly on the land is simply part of everyday life. The Linhay runs entirely off-grid, powered by the sun and warmed by the wood burner. Our meadows are managed for wildlife, the woodland is left to grow and regenerate naturally, and we tread with care so the plants, creatures and habitats that make this place so special can continue to thrive. It’s a way of living that feels honest and grounding – and something we love sharing with our guests.

During an April stay, it’s easy to embrace the spirit of Earth Month without trying too hard. Wake with the dawn chorus, wander through the wildflowers as they begin to bloom, or enjoy time on the yoga deck listening to the river below. Savour eggs from our happy hens, forage for wild garlic, follow the paths through the trees, or simply sit by the fire pit and let nature set the pace. These small, mindful moments often become the memories that stay with guests long after they leave.

Whether you’re joining us for a spring break or planning ahead for the warmer months, we hope your time at the Linhay brings the same deeper connection to the world outside and a love for the quieter, simpler things that we enjoy in Butterhills valley.

We look forward to welcoming you to Butterhills and sharing this beautiful corner of North Devon as the season unfolds.

Ways to Celebrate Earth Month at Home

🌱 Create a small “nature corner” – a vase of foraged (responsibly gathered) seasonal greenery, a favourite stone or shell from a walk, or a candle to light in the evenings. A simple reminder of the calm you feel in nature.

🌱 Bring outdoor pauses into daily life – a morning cup of tea outside, a slow stroll without headphones, or five minutes watching the sky. These small rituals echo the unhurried pace of Butterhills.

🌱 Grow something easy and joyful – herbs on a windowsill, a pot of wildflowers, or a few veg seeds. Watching something grow is a lovely way to stay connected to the season.

🌱 Reduce one everyday impact – choose a refill, switch to reusable items, or have a “lights out” hour each week. Small changes feel more meaningful when inspired by somewhere special.

🌱 Make time for digital quiet – even a short, tech-free moment can recreate the sense of freedom you enjoy during an off-grid stay.

🌱 Find a wild place close to home – visit a local park, beach, woodland or hilltop, and let it become a familiar sanctuary, just as Butterhills is for many of our guests.