Committed to the Enviroment

Wild Rose is recognised as one of Europe’s top caravan parks.

We are especially proud of our David Bellamy’s Conservation Gold award in acknowledgement of our work looking after the local environment.  We have again acheived Gold Status for 2007/08.

When David Bellamy began examining the conservation work being carried out by holiday parks almost ten years ago, he made some very exciting discoveries. For it wasn't just human guests which were enjoying the natural surroundings: birds, animals and plant life were also flourishing as a result of the good environmental practices being put to work.


Professor Bellamy's study prompted him to initiate an annual award scheme to highlight the many remarkable achievements of these parks - and to encourage others to follow suit. This year, more than 500 holiday parks have gained the David Bellamy Conservation Award by proving their commitment to preserving and enhancing the natural world. It is here you'll find what Professor Bellamy describes as "my favourite wildlife wonderlands" where your holiday pleasures come naturally.

Many of these parks take a special pride in helping guests to come closer to the countryside. Designated wildlife trails, interpretation centres, children's activities and wildlife events are often featured throughout the season (check details with parks individually). Although there are scores of peaceful, hideaway parks amongst the winners, many larger centres with family entertainment and leisure facilities also gain awards. They too have proven that caring and responsible policies can be good news for both conservation and for holidaymakers.

What makes an award-winning park?

David Bellamy Conservation Awards are made each year to parks which can demonstrate policies showing active concern for the environment. Assisted by local nature groups and holidaymakers themselves, David Bellamy looks at virtually every aspect of park management - from the protection of plant and animal habitats to the efficient use of energy and recycling. Helping visitors to understand conservation is also considered an important qualifying feature. Three levels of excellence can be achieved: Gold, Silver and Bronze.

This year Wild Rose Park was selected to be included in the trial run of the new Conservation Award scheme, which took into account a whole new outlook for the future of the awards. The trial incorporated all the original conservation issues but also took into account other aspects, such as energy efficient lighting, water usage and transportation. Wild Rose was delighted to be used in this trial and hope that the new scheme will create more "green" awareness in this industry. We will continue to push Wild Rose in these areas.

2007 Comments from David Bellamy Conservation Award Scheme Assessor

Wild Rose continues to live up to its extremely high standards of the past. It is a large park but can certainly be classed as a good neighbour. The whole place is spotlessly clean and an extremly green and pleasant place to enjoy a holiday and the scenery and wildlife that exists around. The conservation area and pond is now a delight and is maturing with each visit.

The new development at Swallows End is complete and this has been sympathetically planted up and will mature with age.

Just recently the park has changed owners and a new management team is largley in place. Many of the plans from the past will i'm sure be looked at again, For particular many issues regarding the efficient use of energy and water will require a closer look. A great deal has already been achieved in these respects but there are opportunities for improvements.

In all, a very fine park - one I am always pleased to visit.

2006 Comments from David Bellamy Conservation Award Scheme Independent Assessment form:

When I last visited Wild Rose in 2005 the owner was kind enough to spend time to show me and to explain. Of particular interest is the recent creation of an entirely new area of homes and lodges (Swallow’s End) much of the work is now complete and whilst it all still looks ‘new’ it was good to see a great deal of hedging and trees put in and energy saving facilities installed. The wildlife ‘reserve’ to the west, put years ago goes from strength to strength.

Most of the thousand of trees and shrubs newly planted have taken well and the area abounds with flowers and associated insects. The ponds though low on water are excellent and provide another good habitat. The placing of piles or rotting timber to create a further habitat in the area was discussed as time goes on this area will inevitably require some careful management, but this can be addressed in due course.

For the park itself, rough areas have been left and a great deal of hedging between pitches has been put in. An additional area involving some remarkable stone walling has been developed.

Wild Rose lies in delightful countryside with superb views to the Pennines across the Eden Valley. It is an exceptionally busy park, yet retains considerable charm, is immaculate in appearance and is certainly a ‘good’ neighbour. The day to day running of this splendid park goes on.