Beer buffs promised a real buzz from holiday park’s new brew

Craft ale lovers are making a bee-line for a Lake District holiday park which has just launched its own micro-brewery produced pilsner lager.

But it isn’t only guests who are toasting Skelwith Fold caravan park, for every pilsner purchased will also top up the funds of honey bee conservation bodies.

The new brew joins a hop-rich pale ale introduced last year by the Ambleside-based park, and which has become a best-seller in its shop.

Its sales also include a donation to local bee organisations for their work in educating children about honey bees, and especially their vital role in plant pollination.

The new lager is based on the original 1842 Bavarian recipe for pilsner which produces a refreshing light beer fermented with barley, wheat and hops.

According to park director Henry Wild, the two brews which now comprise his Wild Ales range outsell all other similar style beers at Skelwith Fold:

“A lot of people first enjoy trying our ales out of curiosity, but they are then often back for more – and many actually drive away with their car boots clinking!” said Henry.

“It’s great because every sale benefits a very worthwhile cause, and helps raise awareness about the importance of halting the decline of Britain’s bee population.

“Much of the bee charity’s work is focussed on youngsters, and they are the ones who will in the future have a vital role to play in ensuring the insects’ survival,” he added.

Wild Ales are available both at Skelwith Fold, a previous winner of the top park accolade in the  Cumbria Tourism Awards, and at its sister-park Moss Wood near Lancaster.

Moss Wood is home to a 3000 square-foot wildflower wilderness which the park has planted to provide foraging for honey bees, butterflies and other pollinators.

Meanwhile, Skelwith Fold’s 130 acres are also a haven for nectar-rich wild flowers, encouraged by a ban by the park on the use of harmful chemicals and pesticides.

Both of the Wild family’s parks have been long-time holders of the David Bellamy Conservation Award at its top gold level, celebrating their raft of wildlife-friendly initiatives.

“Many of our parks’ customers have a keen interest in nature, and our are delighted to help us roll out the barrel for bees in this way!” said Henry.

There is more information about Skelwith Fold Caravan Park at www.skelwith.com, and Moss Wood Caravan Park at www.mosswood.co.uk