by Joe Jeffrey
Bath Chew Valley Caravan Park scoops prestigious conservation award
Television botanist David Bellamy has praised the eco-friendly owners of a Somerset caravan park – and presented them with his prestigious Conservation Award.
The Betton family, which owns Bath Chew Valley Caravan Park in Bishop Sutton, was highlighted by Professor Bellamy in this year’s round of honours.
He said that they had pulled off the rare achievement of winning his Conservation Foundation’s award at its top gold level for 15 years in succession.
Keith Betton said that a concern for the natural world has always guided decision-making on the park which is a member of the prestigious Best of British holiday and touring parks group.
Over the years, hundreds of native trees and shrubs have been planted in the park’s four acres of grounds to create valuable food resources and breeding habitats for wildlife.
Almost a third of the park, said Keith, is maintained as natural woodland, and guests walking its trails can spot many of the park’s other initiatives to help sustain the natural world.
These include bee pots in which solitary bees, said to be under threat, can make nests for their larvae – plus “bug hotels” where pollinating insects can thrive.
These, says Keith, help ensure that the park’s wild flowers continue to proliferate, and provide valuable nectar which draws honey bees and a wide variety of butterfly species.
David Bellamy also praised the five-star park’s shower and facilities block where energy is supplied by high-efficiency solar panels which work even on overcast winter days.
He also commended Bath Chew’s decision to use shielded illumination to minimise light pollution and to ensure that park guests can enjoy the night sky.
Keith Betton said that everyone at the adults-only touring park was delighted to be celebrating 15 years of the gold David Bellamy Conservation Award:
“This is a very special part of Somerset, and it’s great to know that we have David Bellamy’s support in helping to preserve its unique character,” said Keith.
“Bath Chew attracts caravanners and campers who enjoy its sense of tranquillity and the amazing wildlife, including the 250 species of birds which can be spotted around our valley.
“Guests are very supportive of our projects to protect the park’s flora and fauna, and some say they have adopted our ideas, such as honey bee habitats, to use in their own gardens,” said Keith.
