Morben Isaf Holiday Park at Derwenlas given gold conservation award
A holiday park situated next to the Dyfi Osprey Project in Mid Wales has received a special distinction honour from the David Bellamy Conservation Award Scheme.
Morben Isaf Holiday Park at Derwenlas, near Machynlleth, owned by Salop Leisure, has been honoured for its partnership with Montgomeryshire Wildlife Trust’s Cors Dyfi nature reserve, where the osprey project is located.
The David Bellamy Conservation Award Scheme recognises holiday parks that protect and enhance Britain’s natural environment. The park has held a gold award since 2015 and is also “Honey Bee Friendly”.
Sarah Lewis, who manages the park which has holiday home and touring pitches, with her husband, Ben, said they were delighted to win the accolade.
Since the osprey project was established in 2009, the park has provided support in many ways - mains water supply, accommodation for volunteers who guard the nest, car parking and manpower.
It has also built bridges and pathways to make it easier for holiday home and tourer owners to visit the project. Many of the owners are project volunteers.
Rufus Bellamy, said: ""The park should take a lot of credit for its positive and enthusiastic approach to this partnership, which is the epitome of good neighbourliness"
Sarah explained: “Staff, holiday home owners and visitors all contribute to making our park a repeat gold award winner, of which we are very proud. Participating in the scheme means that we always evaluate ideas and plans to ensure that the ethos of conservation is applied at all times. We have certainly seen rewards. The variety of wildlife and birdlife seen on the park is amazing and has in turn resulted in new business as more customers are attracted by it."
Kim Williams, Dyfi Osprey Project officer, said: “We really value the relationship with the park and all our neighbours. In return for their support, we survey the park’s nest boxes, so the partnership works both ways.”
In another accolade for the park, Morben Isaf has been named Loo of the Year for Wales 2017 in the camping and caravan site category. The Loo of the Year Awards aims to encourage the highest possible standards in all ‘away from home’ washrooms.
