West Country Parks has unveiled an environmental strategy for 2024, focusing on sustainable practices and conservation efforts at their Riverside Holiday Village.
The green objectives are part of a broader plan to reduce environmental impact. The park’s efforts will not only enhance the visitor experience but also contribute significantly to the broader goal of preserving the natural environment for future generations and reducing carbon emissions.
Since its establishment in 1972, the family-run business has been at the forefront of the outdoor hospitality industry, managing over 10 diverse residential and holiday parks.
The park shows a range from luxurious holiday lodges and static caravans to traditional touring holiday parks, quaint cottages, and campsites.
This initiative is expected to save 58.50 tonnes of carbon annually, equivalent to planting 2,690 trees each year. Riverside Holiday Village was recently awarded a “Silver” Green Tourism Award in 2023, reflecting its ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship.
Furthermore, the plans will support local litter-picking and environmental groups, fostering a cleaner and more attractive destination for visitors. In partnership with Plastic Free
Communities, the park will eliminate single-use plastics, including bottles, containers, bags, cups, and cutlery. It will install a “Refill Station”, offering free drinking water refills to visitors.
Meanwhile, the park’s waste management strategy includes exploring options for composting organic waste on-site or through commercial composting.
Riverside Holiday Village is committed to managing its green areas to support increased biodiversity. This includes implementing a meadow management regime, reestablishing hedgerows, and creating habitats for wildlife, such as pollinator patches, wildlife ponds, bird and bat boxes, and otter holts.
The park has already made significant strides in using renewable energy, with a new multi-park solar panel installation. Looking ahead, West Country Parks plans to conduct a feasibility study into harnessing hydro and wind energy, furthering its commitment to sustainable energy use.
West Country Parks’ green goals for 2024 represent a comprehensive approach to environmental sustainability in the outdoor hospitality industry. The park is also a member of the British Holiday & Home Parks Association.