A COUPLE are living the green business dream and have built two eco-friendly holiday lodges in their woodland home.

Andrew and Liz Cowley are putting the finishing touches to the purpose-built 'alpinestyle' chalets in the heart of Dalby Forest near Pickering.

The couple have paid special attention to environmentally friendly features using locally sourced wood and an insulating living grass roof.

Chartered environmentalist Andrew came up with the design when he was caring for retired teacher, Liz, who was diagnosed with cancer two years ago.

Now on the road to recovery the pair are looking forward to developing and installing more eco features to make the lodges carbon neutral.

Andrew, 49, said: "When we were in the planning stages of the project, we felt the 'off the shelf' kit lodges would fail to do justice to the beautiful setting of Dalby Forest.

"When Liz became ill I took time off from work to help her with her recovery. While doing this I came up with the design for the lodges and the whole family, including my son James, has been getting involved with their construction.

"Thankfully Liz has made a full recovery and she has been keeping busy decorating and furnishing the holiday homes. It's been a real team effort."

The lodges, which have a traditional appearance from the outside, boast a number of unusual features.

The living grass roof on both of the building has been sown with wildflower seeds, which provide excellent insulation and a perfect home for a host of garden birds.

Liz added: "Already swallows, wrens and a brave blackbird have claimed residence. We hope to build on our environmental credentials and later this year we hope to install a heating system for the whole site powering it by using local wood. Combining this with the rainwater harvesting we have already installed, we hope to create a project which will have a minimal carbon footprint. We are delighted with the lodges and to help we have received from the National Park."

Prices start from £295 a week in the low season going up to £695 in the summer.