Yorkshire Moors holiday park goes gold in green awards

There were celebrations at a family’s Yorkshire Moors holiday park this summer after it was named as one of the greenest places in Britain to own a luxury holiday home.

Wayside Holiday Park near Pickering is now the proud holder of the prestigious David Bellamy Conservation Award at its top gold level.

Greenest Holiday Park in Britain

The accolade recognises the raft of wildlife initiatives taken in the 10-acre grounds of the park, and its successful measures to protect the natural world.

The award scheme was founded 25 years ago by botanist David Bellamy who passed away in December last year, and whose work is being carried on by his son Rufus.

And it was Rufus who journeyed recently to Wayside Holiday Park to present the award in person to business owner Mark Goodson:

“It is an immense privilege to receive this honour, and to have recognition for all the efforts which I and my colleague and friend Trevor Jones have made over the years,” he said.

“We were delighted to be able to show Rufus what we have achieved in trying to make Wayside as welcoming to wildlife as it is to our holiday homes owners.

A staycation tonic

“This is a wonderful place to come and reconnect with nature, and after months of lockdown we are pleased to be providing just the tonic which people need,” added Mark.

As well as its gold award, the park also earned a special commendation certificate from Rufus Bellamy for its work to protect endangered honey bees.

According to Rufus, Wayside has become a role model for the principles of green tourism:

“The park’s lakes, water features, gardens, wild flowers, nature trail and bee hotel all combine to create the most delightful and relaxing of environments,” said Rufus.

“Nature, in all its diverse glory, forms a crucial component of this park, and it is easy to see why so many holiday homes owners regard Wayside as a little corner of paradise.

“At Wayside, the care and attention given to every aspect of the park is exemplary, and Mark and Trevor should be justifiably proud of the high standards they have set.

Bellamy Conservation Awards

“The work this park does for nature helps to keep my father’s memory and ethos alive, and for that I am very grateful indeed,” said Rufus.

The park is located near the picture-postcard village of Wrelton, between Pickering and Kirkbymoorside, in the heart of the scenic North Yorkshire Moors.

According to Mark, the park has experienced a surge in holiday home sales since it re-opened in early July – and enquiries continue to roll in.

The staycation trend, he believes, is now firmly entrenched with many families making long-term commitments to holidays in Britain by buying a holiday home.

There is more information about the park on its website at www.waysidelakes.co.uk