Caravanning and camping has always been considered a more environmentally friendly type of holiday when compared to traditional options. As they don’t involve flying over long distances or staying in large, energy-guzzling hotel complexes they are far kinder on the world around us and usually involve utilise nature rather than harming it.
Despite this, campsites didn’t always make it a top priority to ensure they were truly sustainable in the past. Thankfully, this has truly changed now and many campsites strive to provide as eco-friendly an experience as possible.
This is reflected in the introduction of the David Bellamy Awards scheme – a programme which aims to celebrate parks that adhere to a strict set of conservation based criteria. These include: managing the land as a haven for wildlife, reducing use of energy, water and other resources, reducing, reusing and recycling the waste they produce and supporting the local community in any way possible.
For modern campers with an eco-conscious, this is a great decision and one which ensures that every aspect of our lives can be as environmentally beneficial as possible. To make the most of your adventure into nature, here is a great selection of campsites which are truly sustainable:
North Ledaig Caravan Club Site
The North Ledaig Caravan Club Site is situated on the Scottish west coast and covers an impressive 30 acres. Located on a beautiful two mile sand and shingle beach on Ardmucknish Bay, the site is perfect for those that enjoy being by, or in, the water at all times.
With sailing, water sports and good swimming conditions all located incredibly close by, the site is a fantastic holiday destination for families. The park itself has been awarded a David Bellamy Conservation Award for sustainable practices and boasts an impressive environmental record.
For travellers, this means that all that is left to do is pack up the caravan, buy caravan insurance to protect your holiday home and set off on an absolutely brilliant adventure!
Wagtail Country Park
This country park makes the most of its scenic and tranquil location and offers visitors a fantastic opportunity to explore the surrounding Lincolnshire countryside. The chance to catch glimpses of the varied local wildlife is an obvious attraction and there are plenty of nearby attractions for nature lovers to enjoy.
With a bird sanctuary just a mile away, and an abundance of deer, hares and rabbits, you’re sure to spot a number of beautiful animals during your stay. With the town of Grantham close by, as well the ‘Downtown’ shopping outlet just 5 minutes drive from the site, there’s more than enough to keep urban adventurers entertained too.
Wagtail Country Park has been awarded the David Bellamy Gold Award – making it a great option for those seeking sustainability on their trip.
Greetham Retreat
Greetham Retreat in the Lincolnshire Wolds is the ideal destination for those looking for an incredibly relaxing and quiet holiday away. With only five pitches, the caravan site gives you an intimate experience that you’ll never forget but still comes complete with all the facilities you would expect.
A laundry room is available for use and there are modern toilet and wash facilities as well as free Wi-Fi access for guests. The grounds are incredibly spectacular, with a recently built wildlife pond and a wildflower meadow incredibly close by for those with a keen interest in nature.
With a bronze David Bellamy Conservation Award to its name, the sustainability and environmental standing of this site is far from questionable.
Planning your holiday
Of course, these are just three sustainable options for those that enjoy camping and caravanning and there are plenty of other great options out there for holidaymakers wanting an environmentally friendly experience.
You may find looking at other environmental and conservation awards opens up a completely different set of campsite options for you and it is well worth taking the time to explore your options. Make sure to compare sites based on the credentials which they boast and the services which they offer.
Owen Garvan lives on the South Coast and has been travelling around the country in his caravan for over 20 years. He retains a keen interest in environmental concerns.