By William Coleman
The Peak District has a lot to offer. The views, the woodland, the pubs, the sites and now it had another David Bellamy award to add to its everlasting drawing power.
The family run Callow Top Holiday Park recently celebrated a David Bellamy Conservation Award win and toasted their success in parks very own, and highly acclaimed, micro brewery.
The world famous botanist David Bellamy had high praise for the site which is one of rural Derbyshire’s largest and most highly-rated touring parks. Callow Top was described by Professor Bellamy in his citation as “a wildlife wonderland”.
The business owners Alan and Jill Palmer first open their doors to camping guests over 40 years ago, back when the location was used as a sheep and cattle smallholding.
The park has a stunning location overlooking the Dove Valley, and is very close to some of the Peak District’s best natural wonders and attractions. The park soon gathered a loyal following and sees a many repeat customers each season.
Callow Top provides 350 pitches for touring caravans, motorhomes and tents in a peaceful rural setting. If you not own a form or touring accommodation you needn’t because they also have holiday cottages and apartments available.
Despite the parks growth over the past 4 decades Alan says that both he and the family have strived towards maintaining a positive impact on the natural world that surrounds them. The family business have never wanted their expansion to negatively impact nature for the purpose financial growth.
Callow Top is a paradise for the local wildlife. Making sure that the list of measures taken are always executed so that the site’s native plants and animals are have a top notch and 5 star treatment. Much like the guests that keep visiting year after year.
Bellamy had high praise for all of the efforts the family have made but one stuck out to him. He was blown away the 4 spring fed fishing pond which is a natural magnet for many different birds, as well as dragonflies and other aquatic life.
There is also a bird hide on site which allows visitors and guests to do a spot of bird watching. The site has a wide range of different species and the park works closely with Peak District National Park rangers to monitor wildlife numbers.
Alan, Jill and their children, who are now adults themselves, hae planted hundreds of tree and shrubs in the grounds to ensure that the wildlife have breeding habitats readily available.
David Bellamy highlighted the abundance of high nectar-bearing wild flowers on the park which attract many different types of butterfly as well as honey bees and other pollinators.
His also applauded the park’s shielded illumination which minimises light pollution, and provides visitors with the best views of the Peak District’s star-studded night skies.
According to Alan, the park’s new green award will be a spur to even more wildlife initiatives:
“We’ve always felt very privileged to live and work in such a beautiful part of Derbyshire, and have always tried to ensure that the park is a match for these beautiful surroundings,” he said.
“Callow Top has long had a special appeal to guests seeking a perfect escape in a tranquil setting, and it’s also a great place for children to come and learn more about the natural world.
“It’s fantastic that our conservation work is being supported by someone like David Bellamy, and everyone here is delighted that we have received his top conservation award,” added Alan.
Facilities at Callow Top include a popular heated outdoor pool, games areas, a shop featuring locally sourced produce, and the park’s Callow Inn and restaurant.
Guests can also drink in more than the inn’s traditional surroundings, for the beer on tap is from the park’s own Bad Ram micro brewery whose ales have won honours at major beer festivals.
There is more information about the park and its facilities at www.callowtop.co.uk
