How holiday parks are growing greener at Lake District park
The family owners of a Lake District holiday park are helping visitors to enjoy even greener stays in Cumbria following a new series of environmental initiatives.
Park Foot Caravan and Camping Park on the shores of Ullswater near Penrith says its latest steps will help further ensure that guests can enjoy their holidays with a clear conscience.
Measures taken include the construction from local stone of a new amenity building for campers which is kept warm with underfloor heating from the park’s biomass boiler.
Park Foot has also increased its reliance on green energy with new solar panels on its recycling centre which will feed excess electricity into the national grid.
A super-efficient new heating system has additionally been installed to minimise energy usage.
Park Foot, which employs around 80 locally-recruited staff in high season, has also decided from this year to ban single-use plastics in its clubhouse.
The club’s restaurant has been re-equipped with energy-saving catering equipment, and will continue to feature Cumbria-sourced ingredients in its dishes to minimise food miles.
Park Foot has also expanded its trekking centre which allows guests to leave their cars parked-up and to explore the area on horseback.
More children’s activities have also been introduced, including a newly build adventure play area.
Founded over 60 years ago by the Allen family on their farm, Park Foot has around 140 caravan holiday homes spread throughout the 40-acre grounds, and 400 touring pitches.
The business is today run by Fiona Bell and Barbara Allen, the daughters of founder Jimmy Allen, along with Fiona’s husband Malcolm.
According to Fiona, advance bookings for this year are stronger than ever before:
“We’re seeing many more people choosing staycations in Britain, and families especially often find it a far more relaxing experience than travelling overseas,” she said.
“But as a farming family, we know how important it is to help safeguard Cumbria’s beautiful but fragile countryside for future generations to enjoy.
“Our policy has always been to run the park along sustainable lines, and we’re pleased that our latest developments are making greener holidays even more possible,” added Fiona.
There is more information about Park Foot on its website at www.parkfootullswater.co.uk
