A holiday park in Milford-on-Sea is among the locations across the country taking a pledge to help protect native wildlife.
Shorefield Country Park offers caravans and lodges as part of its accommodation mix, but has gained a reputation for its striking treehouse stays.
Having won the David Bellamy Conservation Award consistently for the past two decades, the site is setting ambitious new environmental goals under the revamped scheme.
The David Bellamy Blooming Marvellous Pledge for Nature launched earlier this year and represents an opportunity for holiday parks to show off their green credentials.
It’s named after the late botanist and environmental campaigner, who worked tirelessly to get people out into the countryside and enjoy nature.
In order to qualify, a park must show they are:
- Improving existing habitats for local wildlife
- Creating new habitats where possible
- Managing green space in an environmentally friendly way
- Involving staff and guests in wildlife conservation
- Engaging with conservation bodies close by
Every year, the initiative will release a series of challenges and ask the parks involved to pick one to focus their efforts on.
In 2021, these projects include efforts to set up bird boxes, plant native trees and provide a pollinator patch.
David Bellamy advisors attend the parks regularly to check their progress and offer help and advice on the best ways for wildlife and caravanners to coexist.
Shorefield Country Park has been working to create tree, hedge and wildflower habitats that play host to an array of wildlife, including birds, grasshoppers, honeybees and butterflies.
Visitors keen to feel close to nature can take advantage of the site’s touring and camping pitches or opt for a stay in one of two wooden treehouses.
Guests can look out across the surrounding woodland from the treehouses, which offer luxurious furnishings, including freestanding baths.
