Chester holiday park’s green team takes top award

Green-fingered staff at a top-rated North Wales holiday park have been praised by botanist David Bellamy after they helped secure it a major environmental accolade.

Fir Trees Caravan and Lodge Park, based in tranquil countryside near Chester, was named this winter as a winner of the David Bellamy Conservation Award at its top gold level.

The family-owned holiday park also received an extra commendation from Professor Bellamy for its work to protect endangered honey bees.

Holiday park with vital foraging for honey bees

A long list of green initiatives at Fir Trees resulted in it being selected for the conservation award which recognises the achievements of businesses championing sustainable tourism.

Led by general manager Darren Battersby, the park has planted thousands of high nectar-bearing flowers which provide vital foraging for honey bees, butterflies and other pollinators.

David Bellamy also praised the management of two wildlife ponds in the grounds which act as a magnet for dragonflies and other aquatic species as well as a wide variety of bird life.

He commended too the park’s use of low-level lighting which helps visitors to enjoy the night sky, and its harvesting of rainwater for irrigating plants.

The park’s luxury holiday caravans and lodges – available to both buy and rent – were also singled out for their energy efficiency and high levels of insulation.

Fir Trees is owned by Adrian Townsend as part of his family’s business which also includes Sun Valley Caravan Park in Rhuddlam and two major North Wales caravan distributors: Lloyds Caravan Sales and Roy Kellett Caravan Sales.

5 star quality caravan park

The park, which is open for 11 months of the year, holds a top five-star quality award from VisitWales – and, according to Debbie, has always been a favourite for lovers of natural beauty:

“In his award assessment report, David Bellamy said that he especially loved the park because it is superbly landscaped but not over-manicured in appearance,” said Darren.

“We’ve everything from mature woodlands to wild areas with wildlife habitats, and banks of blooms which provide colour all year round, and which honey bees and butterflies love!

“This is just the type of natural environment which we and our holiday guests adore, and it also provides a great setting for youngsters to explore and discover the natural world.

“It’s fantastic to receive this award and the commendations from David Bellamy, and to know that he is giving his full support to our care for the natural world,” added Darren.

There is more information about the park on its website at www.firtreescaravanpark.com