A CARE HOME for orphaned baby hedgehogs has been officially opened at Riverbend Caravan Park in Llangadfan, Powys – and its first prickly guests are already settling in.
The home has been dedicated to the memory of world-famous botanist David Bellamy who died in 2019, and was declared open this month by his son Rufus.
Converted from a disused water tank, it will provide bespoke living quarters for orphaned or injured hedgehogs which have been cared for by nearby Havenmore Hedgehog Rescue.
When ready for release into Riverbend Caravan Park which nestles in a tranquil wooded valley, and provides acres of foraging opportunities.
Joining Rufus for the opening ceremony were park managers Angie Price and her husband Lindsey who spent many hours turning the old tank into five-star hedgehog accommodation.
Also present was Charles Lloyd Jones whose 70-year-old family business, Hillandale Caravan Parks, owns seven multi-award winning parks in Wales, Shropshire and Worcestershire.
“We’re massively proud of what Angie and Lindsay have achieved at Riverbend in creating a wonderland for wildlife, and this latest project is a fantastic achievement,” said Charles.
“It joins a host of other initiatives such as wildflower meadows for honey bees and butterflies, and measures to protect otters and other endangered species.
“Now hedgehogs released on the park will have a safe refuge while they make a full recovery, and somewhere to hibernate in winter with no risk of being disturbed.
“We were delighted that Rufus was able to his much-loved father, and many park guests joined in with our opening event,” added Charles.
Riverbend, like all Hillandale’s parks, is a gold winner of the David Bellamy Conservation Award which was founded almost 25 years ago tourism’s champions of the natural world.
Rufus, who is environmental adviser to the British Holidays & Home Parks Association, now runs the scheme with the help of independent wildlife assessors across Britain.
This year, more than 500 holiday parks have become part of the annual challenge, now known as the David Bellamy Pledge for Nature, to help protect their native flora and fauna.
Riverbend Caravan Park provides luxury holiday caravans for private owners which can be visited throughout the year, as well as pitches for torhomes.
According to Charles Lloyd Jones, 2021 is proving an exceptionally busy summer:
“After more than a year of lockdowns, people are craving an escape to the countryside where they can relax and enjoy some well-deserved down time.
“Parks such as ours provide the ideal surroundings for re-engaging with nature and experiencing the sense of freedom of which we’ve all been deprived recently.
“We’re so pleased that these delights will also now be shared with our new resident hedgehogs at Riverbend, and are thrilled to their new home!” said Charles.
There is more information about Riverbend Caravan Park at www.hillandale.co.uk
