Moss Wood Caravan Park in Cockerham has been named a finalist in the family-owned business category of the Lancashire Tourism Awards.
The award recognizes regional tourism businesses that can demonstrate how family values positively influence their surrounding communities. Winners will be announced at a ceremony in February 2026.
The park was founded more than 50 years ago by Lancashire surveyor Syd Wild and is now managed by his son Henry, with Syd continuing to contribute to daily operations.
Moss Wood was shortlisted for its long-standing approach to supporting local residents and businesses. As part of the judging process, the park will undergo several stages, including mystery shopping, inspection visits, and interviews with the awards panel.
Community involvement and sustainability have been central to the Wild family’s philosophy. “Members of our team at Moss Wood all share our enthusiasm for reaching out to the surrounding community, including raising funds for local good causes,” Henry told the Lancaster Guardian.
“Their knowledge and support for our work means we are never short of fresh ideas, and for helping youngsters in the area to enjoy making new outdoor discoveries.”
The park provides facilities designed to engage visitors with nature, including a 1.5-kilometer discovery trail and two spring-fed lakes that attract birdlife, dragonflies, and other aquatic species.
Moss Wood is also home to a colony of 80,000 honey bees sustained by a 3,000-square-foot wildflower area. Plans are in place to harvest honey for sale in the park’s shop, which already offers locally sourced food, drinks, and crafts.
The park follows a “buy local” policy, prioritizing contractors and suppliers from northern Lancashire.
For professionals in the outdoor hospitality sector, Moss Wood’s approach highlights strategies that combine tourism with community integration and environmental stewardship.
These practices demonstrate how parks can enhance guest experiences while strengthening ties with local suppliers and contributing to biodiversity. Such efforts not only build customer loyalty but can also create recognition through regional awards programs.
“Their knowledge and support for our work means we are never short of fresh ideas,” added Henry. “Our family feels very privileged to live and work in this beautiful part of rural Lancashire, and I hope our nomination will help raise awareness of its very special qualities.”
The family business category of the Lancashire Tourism Awards is sponsored by Lancaster University Management School’s Centre for Family Business.
