By William Coleman
Green energy is becoming increasingly more available throughout the UK and a lot of individuals are companies are seeing the merit of switching over. This North Yorkshire site have taken full advantage of the green energy and now power 100% of their park the green way.
Moor Lodge Caravan Park are now fully off the electricity grid and are one of the only parks in the UK generating 100% of its own power. Everything on site from the kettle to fridges are powered by energy produced from woodchips from sustainable forest timber.
It doesn’t stop there, the electricity that is produced at the site is also fed back into the national grid which helps reduce the need for fossil based fuels. The super-efficient gasification boiler than the site used is able to produce a good amount of energy for the site, so much so that they are able to share it.
The park is currently run by third generation director James Brown. The park has been family run and under the ownership of the same family for over 60 years. His family have always been very conscious of protecting the surrounding area which unspoiled and beautiful.
This perfectly located park provides 70+ privately owned holiday homes as well as touring pitches. All of which are situated with the 30 acre grounds which also include an ancient woodland, a must see for anyone visiting.
“We have always tried to ensure that our business has a minimal impact on the natural environment, and to do all we can to encourage the abundant animal and plant life,” said James.
“Now, thanks to our new boiler, the park leaves virtually no carbon footprint, and even produces enough extra clean energy to export to the UK’s national electricity supplies.
“Moor Lodge has long attracted holiday home buyers and touring guests with a keen interest in the natural world, and they are as excited as we are with what’s been achieved.
“We always try and use goods and service suppliers from within the region, and so we were also delighted to be able to find a local source for our woodchips.
“This is one of those rare situations where it really is a win-win all round!” added James.
Moor Lodge are firing on all cylinders with the efforts to reduce their carbon footprint. Not only are they self sustaining with their electricity but they also supply themselves with heat. The boiler has a function that supplies heat for hot water and central heating.
The system has required an investment by the park of £400,000 – but James says that, over time, the cost is likely to be offset with renewable heat incentive payments from the government.
With all these self sufficient features at the site they are also gearing up to develop a number of new luxury lodges for sale with the eco friendly features to minimise the energy use.
Although Moor Lodge is positioned within a charming rural village, the park is located not far from the spa town of Harrogate, and only five miles away from Leeds City Centre.
It is also within easy reach of popular visitor destinations such as Harewood House, Fountains Abbey and York.
There is more information about the park and its facilities at www.moorlodgecaravanpark.co.uk
With so many more sites doing their best to reduce the dependency on fossil fuels and shrink their carbon footprint it will be interesting to see how quickly this new green concept catches on. The more companies that get on board the better things will get for the Great British countryside.
