Award Presenter: Jim Fawcett (IWC Agenda 21 Officer & Green Island Partnership Chairman)
Nominees: Southland Camping, Ninham Country Holidays, Silver Glades Caravan Park
Winner: Silver Glades Caravan Park
Located in the depths of Hampstead Woods, Silver Glades Caravan Park has managed to integrate holiday accommodation with the beauty and nature of the surrounding countryside. The proprietors have coaxed the wildlife into the site itself through the use of an established feeding station. Surrounding areas of woodland have undergone improvement with scrub clearance, native species planting and hedge creation.
The reception room is full of wildlife guides and books, offering visitors the change to fin out more about the wildlife. Local walks to the beach and Public House are provided. The Green Island Scheme is promoted with a wall display.
Water is treated with a nearby reed bed system. It is planned to re-use the cleaned water for grounds maintenance. Ecover washing up liquid is offered as standard in the caravans. The web site also encourages the visitors to become part of the environmental management of the park. The ‘Green Action’ page of the web site has information about the initiatives and activities taking place that promote sustainable tourism.
• Local walks guide provided
• Extensive library offering wildlife and countryside information and guides
• Excellent information on web site providing insight into sustainable tourism practices carried out
• Recycling facilities for guests
• Reed bed system in use for treatment of waste water
• Habitat improvement carried out, including hedge creation and scrub clearance
• Separate dog walking areas created
• Recycled paper products used throughout site
Quote form auditor:
“I last visited Silver Glades in the height of spring, when the area was brimming with spring flowers along with masses bird life, attracted by the feeding station. Let me put it this way – I wasn’t in a hurry to get to my next appointment! It is good to see sustainable practices brought in throughout the management of the site, including the involvement of guests.”