New Forest holiday park is a natural winner once again

Honey bees and wild flowers have helped a New Forest holiday park, Shorefield Country Park, to win success in a national environmental award scheme.

For the 23rd year in succession, the Milford on Sea holiday park has been presented this summer with the David Bellamy Conservation Award at its top gold level.

Gold Bellamy Conservation Award 23 Years Running

The accolade celebrates a raft of imaginative wildlife and conservation measures taken at the park, all designed to help safeguard the natural world.

Just a short stroll from the beach, Shorefield Country Park is part of family-owned Shorefield Holidays which has seven other top-rated parks along the south coast.

The group’s chairman and MD, Simon Pollock, said David Bellamy’s prestigious award reflected the dedication and hard work of Shorefield’s staff team.

“We are immensely proud to have achieved the gold standard once again, and special credit must go to our head gardener Ian Colverson for his tireless efforts,” he said.

Holiday Park environmental commitment

“Ian has helped to ensure that the park’s impact on the environment is minimal, and also brings real benefits to the surrounding countryside and its wildlife inhabitants.

“We continue to house honey bees in hives in the grounds, and have made extra efforts to grow more wildflowers to provide the vital nectar they need for foraging.

“We’re delighted that, as a result, the park has also earned the David Bellamy Honey Bee Friendly status as well as the main conservation award.

“Sustainability has always been a major focus of our decision-making, together with promoting a strong and positive relationship with the surrounding community.

“Our Country Store on the park sells locally sourced food and other produce such as swimwear made from recyclable waste, and plastic-free crabbing line.

“Each year, the David Bellamy awards focus on a specific topic – and previous achievements have included our success in the Hedgerows Challenge and the Wildflower Initiative.

Protect Tourism Jobs

“As a result of the challenges faced due to Coronavirus, the conservation focus for 2020 has been to Protect Tourism Jobs, something Shorefield Holidays is passionate about.

“The current situation has highlighted how important family time is to us all, and with some of the most stunning landscapes and beautiful coasts here in the UK, a staycation is the perfect answer.

“We’re very pleased to be able to provide a safe and well cared-for environment in which guests can enjoy the very best of what England has to offer,” said Simon.

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

There is more information about Shorefield Country Park at www.shorefield.co.uk