Following training and support from the Ruby Country Initiative and Devon Wildlife Trust (DWT), a state of the art eco friendly barn conversion will be officially opened this week with a free event for people interested in going green.

The new holiday cottage and wildlife activity room at the heart of Beer Mill Nature Trails, Clawton will open on Saturday, 8 March at 10:30am.

The owners, Elaine and Richard Green, have incorporated as many sustainable ideas as they possibly could from ground source heat pump, solar panels for piping hot water, triple thermal insulation, rainwater harvesting system, built-in wildlife habitat, environmentally friendly paints and wood stains, down to the detail in furnishings from local, reclaimed, recycled, sustainable and Fair Trade sources.

Elaine Green said: "It all started years ago with a visit to a Ruby Country workshop in Cookworthy and then with guidance and support from the Devon Wildlife Trust's Confidence in the Countryside project we have gained Gold Awards from DWT for demonstrating that our business is working for the benefit of Devon's wildlife and natural environment. This year we gained a Gold Award from Visit Britain's Green Tourism Business Scheme."

DWT's Lynne Kenderdine said: "This luxurious eco friendly holiday cottage is a stunning achievement by the local workforce of skilled craftsmen and women and local businesses using environmentally friendly, natural and recycled building materials. We are really pleased to have helped inspire the project and we hope it will go on to be a great resource for the area."

On the day the Greens will host a celebration of this achievement and toast to the future success with friends, neighbours and local people.

Devon Wildlife Trust officers will be on hand to lead a guided walk, the workforce and project manager will be available to discuss technical details of the build and Elaine and Richard will show groups around the eco barn.

Also on the day there will be a fun Easter treasure hunt for youngsters and a wildlife photography/picture competition for all ages so bring your camera. Homemade refreshments will be served in the Wildlife Activity room and cottage courtyard. Parking is limited at The Stone Barn so people are encouraged to park in Clawton school car park and walk up through Beer Mill Nature Trail (about mile).