Cumbria Holiday Park wildlife gift from nature-loving guests

Guests at a Cumbria Holiday Park, Park Cliffe holiday park are helping to protect the local habitats of dragonflies and rare butterflies when they book their stay.

The Windermere family-run holiday park has just handed its latest visitor donations over to Cumbria Wildlife Trust which will be used to support Barkbooth Lot Nature Reserve in nearby Crosthwaite.

It brings to almost £3,000 the amount raised by Park Cliffe in three years of fundraising for the trust, and will help bolster its vital conservation and maintenance work..

The much-visited nature reserve, soon to be carpeted with bluebells and primroses, provides a rich wildlife habitat which includes the rare high brown fritillary butterfly.

Going on Holiday & Supporting Good Causes

Susan Dickson, who owns Park Cliffe with her husband Derek, said she was delighted that they were able to keep fundraising last year, despite the lockdowns.

“For many years we have asked our guests to make a voluntary donation to local environmental good causes when they book their holidays online,” she said.

“Almost every guests does so, which I think underlines the affection they have for this area, and their concern to be involved in maintaining its upkeep.

“We usually add to our customers’ donations by running a series of fundraising events each year, such as treasure hunts, raffles and quizzes.

“With social distancing requirements and other limitations that simply wasn’t possible in 2021, so the total raised last year was just a little short of £400.00.

“But we’re hoping that the easing of restrictions this year will allow our usual events to go ahead, and with a record number of advance bookings, we’re hoping for a charity windfall!”

Conservation Award-Winning Holiday Park

The park itself is a champion of the natural world, and holds the David Bellamy Conservation Award for its many initiatives to protect indigenous flora and fauna.

It is also currently taking part in the national Queen’s Green Canopy tree-planting initiative to help celebrate Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee year in 2022.

Around 400 native trees and hedgerows have so far been planted in the grounds of the park, providing habitats and feeding resources for a wide range of wildlife.

Earlier this year Park Cliffe also scooped four prizes in the Cumbria in Bloom awards, receiving praise for its many high nectar-bearing flowers which attract pollinators.

Park Cliffe provides luxury holiday homes to rent and buy, camping pods, glamping and cottage accommodation, and pitches for touring caravans, motorhomes and tents.

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