Bowood joins forces with Swap Society to champion sustainability

It is part of the estate's wider sustainability initiatives, and due to take place on Sunday 20 September at 4.30pm.
‘Sustainable September’ is a national awareness month that brings together a range of activities that encourage people to make more environmentally conscious choices. 
It is described as providing a platform for organisations and communities to explore practical action around waste reduction, responsible consumption and more sustainable everyday habits.
For Bowood, The September Social brings these principles to life through a guest-focussed event created in partnership with Wiltshire-based Swap Society and wellbeing brand TEMPLESPA. 
The event promotes making fashion more accessible and demonstrates how simple changes, such as extending the life of clothing, can have a positive environmental impact. 
It encourages guests to reduce unnecessary consumption, and keep wearable textiles in circulation, while connecting with others over a shared interest in sustainability.
Gracie May White, co-founder of Swap Society, said “Keeping fashion circular is at the heart of what we promote. 
"Whether an item began as fast fashion, vintage clothing or a collectible piece, its label matters less than ensuring it continues to be worn and enjoyed. 
"We want to keep good-quality textiles in circulation and away from waste streams, and we are delighted to collaborate with Bowood as part of its Sustainable September activity.”
Guests are asked to bring up to 20 preloved items, including clothing, shoes, and accessories, and exchange each item for swap credits to spend on another piece during the event. 
Alongside the swap, guests have the chance to enjoy a welcome drink and canapes, with relaxing background music throughout. 
They can also explore the TEMPLESPA skincare collection, receive personalised product guidance, and preview the brand’s Christmas retail range.
Matthew Voyle, General Manager at Bowood Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort, said: "Sustainability is often associated with large-scale change, but events like this show that small, practical actions can make a real difference. 
"The September Social is about bringing people together to enjoy an afternoon of style and community, while helping to give perfectly good clothing a second life. 
"We're delighted to be working with a local Wiltshire organisation to create an event that is both enjoyable and environmentally positive.”
Swap Society has built a growing following through community clothing swaps held in venues across Wiltshire, helping more than 4,800 garments remain in use rather than ending up as waste. 
Its collaboration with Bowood Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort marks a new partnership centred on encouraging more sustainable habits, while creating welcoming spaces for local communities to connect.
Bowood Estate is committed to its sustainability focussed initiatives, it now sends zero waste to landfill and has reduced its non-recycled waste by nearly 50% since 2023. 
The September Social is a natural extension of the work taking place across the Estate to promote sustainability, providing a practical way for guests to support reuse and reduce waste.
The September Social event takes place from 4.30pm to 7pm on Sunday 20 September 2026 in the Kerry Suite at Bowood Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort. 
Tickets cost £20 and include a welcome drink, canapes, the TEMPLESPA experience, and participation in the clothing swap.
Tickets are available to book at https://bowood.org/event/the-september-social/
People can follow Swap Society at @weareswapsociety on Instagram and learn more about TEMPLESPA at https://www.templespa.com/
 

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