Staff at Newby Bridge Caravan Park in Cumbria are celebrating after being told that their wildlife-friendly policies have scooped a major environmental accolade.
The park, located at the southern end of Windermere, has this month received the David Bellamy Conservation Award at its top gold level.
Professor Bellamy’s honours go each year to protect the natural world and its inhabitants.
Newby Bridge Caravan Park, he said, has proved itself a true friend of the countryside by putting in place a raft of important conservation measures.
He highlighted the many areas on the park where high nectar-bearing flowers are encouraged, and which provide valuable foraging for honey bees, butterflies and other pollinators.
David Bellamy also praised the large number of bird boxes and bug houses in the park’s 25 acres of grounds which include mature woodlands that are home to red squirrels and deer.
The park’s staff, he said, had proved themselves first-class custodians of its abundant wildlife.
Leisure lodges on the park provide many energy and water-saving features, including a holiday home specially adapted for people with limited mobility.
The award means that Newby Bridge Caravan Park now joins the three other Cumbria parks owned by Lake District Estates which hold the gold David Bellamy Conservation Award.
They are Hill of Oaks Caravan Park also on Windermere, Waterfoot Caravan park on Ullswater, and Wood Close Caravan Park at Kirkby Lonsdale.
As well as retaining their gold conservation awards, Hill of Oak and Waterfoot were given special commendations for their work in helping to protect honey bees.
Waterfoot was also commended for its success in creating new wild flower habitats for pollinators.
In addition to hire, Newby Bridge Caravan Park also offers holiday home ownership opportunities.
Kendal based Lake District Estates is wholly owned by the descendants of the late Lord Wakefield, and its sister operations include the Ullswater “Steamers” and the Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway.
There is more information about the park at www.newbybridgecaravanpark.co.uk
