Cornish parks family and staff top green awards

Southern Halt holiday park was praised for creating an idyllic safe haven for wildlife within its grounds

TWO holiday parks in southern Cornwall, owned by an 85-year-old family business, are celebrating after being named as winners of a top environmental award.

Stop gold level.

The world-famous botanist said that the two parks were very well-deserving winners of his annual accolade, thanks to help protect the natural world.

Since acquiring the parks ten years ago, the Rowlandson family have committed themselves to running the sites along sustainable lines whilst creating safe havens for wildlife.

Wild flowers woo honey bees and butterflies at Southern Halt holiday park

Both parks provide privately owned luxury lodges built with timber from sustainable sources, and fitted with energy saving features including high levels of insulation.

The gold conservation awards were made after a detailed inspection of the parks by Professor Bellamy’s assessors who described them as “wildlife wonderlands”.

Helping the parks wing their way tors such as honey bees and butterflies.

David Bellamy also praised both parks’ use of shielded illumination tonerush Lakes’ Old Mill restaurant.

He also applauded the parks’ management of their hedgerows and woodlands as habitats for wildlife, and the siting of bird boxes throughout the grounds.

Many different species of resident and visiting birds are also attracted to the lakes on each park which also act as a magnet for waterfowl, dragonflies and other aquatic life.

The parks’ community involvement was also highlighted, including their fundraising for local charities and good causes such as the Cornwall Air Ambulance.

In addition to his award, David Bellamy gave the parks three extra commendations for creating new hedgerows, planting wild flowers and managing their woodlands.

He also thanked the parks for waging war on single-use plastics which are now being phased out.

It was clear, said Professor Bellamy, that Sto both wildlife and human guests.

Find out more about both parks by visiting www.charteroak.co.uk