by Joe Jeffrey
BBC bird watcher Michael Carrier honoured for Cumbrian conservation work
Fifteen years inspiring Cumbrian holiday parks with new ideas to protect the natural world have been marked with a presentation to Lakeland wildlife enthusiast Michael Carrier.
Carrier, perhaps better known in his capacity as BBC Radio Cumbria‘s bird correspondent – a position held for over 40 years – was thanked by park owners at a special ceremony at Skelwith Fold Caravan Park in Ambleside.
Since 2000, Carrier has worked with TV botanist David Bellamy as a regional assessor for his conservation award scheme which highlights environmentally-friendly park businesses.
He visits many of Cumbria’s 100-plus parks on a regular basis, judging the wildlife initiatives they have taken, and their eligibility for Professor Bellamy’s prestigious award.
Holding a keen interest in military aircraft, Carrier was presented with a framed photograph of the last remaining flying Vulcan bomber, pictured in formation with the Red Arrows.
It was taken by David Jackson, owner of Castlerigg Hall Caravan and Camping Park near Keswick, who praised Michael’s invaluable role as a torch-bearer for “green tourism” in Cumbia.
Carrier, now aged 81, has dedicated much of his retirement to local wildlife and was the founder, 45 years ago, of Carlisle’s first RSPB group and is today the chairman of the Cumbria Bird Club.
The presentation was made on behalf of the Cumbria branch of the British Holiday and Home Parks Association (BHHPA) by David Jackson and Skelwith Fold Caravan Park owner Henry Wild.
Henry, who is also national chairman of the association, said that many parks in the county were indebted to Michael for his guidance on how best to protect their flora and fauna.
“Around thirty parks in Cumbria have achieved the David Bellamy Conservation Award, but Michael’s role is not just as an assessor of the eco-friendly steps they have taken,” said Henry.
“His expertise helps businesses pin-point what new measures can be taken to make their grounds even more attractive to animals and birds, and to enrich their bio-diversity even further.
“Michael’s knowledge, enthusiasm and practical approach has inspired many owners to make their parks equally as welcoming to wildlife as they are to holidaymakers.
“And in doing so, of course, he is helping to ensure that visiting families are provided with a fascinating new dimension to their stay,” Henry added.
