The David Bellamy Conservation Awards and Our “Home Sweet Home” Wildlife Pledge
At Akebar Park, the beautiful countryside around us isn’t just scenery – it’s a vital part of the park’s identity. From the birds that nest in our trees to the wildlife that thrives in the surrounding fields and woodland, nature is part of everyday life here.
That’s why we’re proud to support the principles behind the David Bellamy Conservation Awards, one of the longest-running environmental award schemes in the UK holiday park industry. Through our ongoing conservation efforts – including our “Home Sweet Home” wildlife pledge – we are continuing a tradition of protecting and enhancing the natural environment for future generations.
What Are the David Bellamy Conservation Awards?
The David Bellamy Conservation Award Scheme was created to encourage holiday parks to actively care for wildlife and the natural environment. The scheme began in the 1990s after environmentalist and botanist Professor David Bellamy challenged the holiday park industry to become part of the environmental solution rather than part of the problem.
Today, the awards recognise parks that demonstrate real commitment to environmental stewardship. Parks taking part are assessed on a range of factors including how they:
- Protect and improve wildlife habitats
- Reduce energy and water consumption
- Manage waste through recycling and responsible disposal
- Support local communities and conservation initiatives
The scheme has become one of the most respected environmental programmes within the holiday park sector, helping parks across the UK adopt sustainable practices and create safe havens for wildlife.
The awards were originally developed through collaboration between Professor David Bellamy and the British Holiday & Home Parks Association (BH&HPA), building a partnership between conservationists and the holiday park industry.
Over the years, thousands of parks have taken part, and the scheme has inspired many businesses to improve biodiversity on their land.
The Legacy of David Bellamy
Professor David Bellamy was one of Britain’s best-known environmental campaigners and botanists. Throughout his career he worked tirelessly to raise awareness of the importance of protecting wildlife and natural landscapes.
His passion for conservation and education made him a powerful voice for the environment, encouraging people to experience the countryside and understand why it should be protected.
The awards that bear his name continue this legacy by recognising holiday parks that actively work to conserve wildlife and natural habitats. They serve as a reminder that tourism and conservation can go hand in hand when managed responsibly.
A Natural Fit for Akebar Park
For Akebar Park, environmental stewardship has always been an important part of our story.
The park itself has its roots in farming and the surrounding countryside. Back in 1970, Colin and Joyce Ellwood opened the original caravan park on part of the family farm, offering visitors little more than open fields, fresh air and the chance to enjoy the Yorkshire landscape.
Those early days were simple, but they laid the foundation for what Akebar Park would become – a place where people could relax, reconnect with nature and enjoy the outdoors.
Today, that same ethos still guides us. While the park has grown over the decades, the surrounding landscape and wildlife remain at the heart of the experience for both visitors and owners.
That makes the principles behind the David Bellamy Conservation Awards especially meaningful here.
Introducing Our “Home Sweet Home” Wildlife Pledge
As part of our commitment to conservation, Akebar Park is introducing a “Home Sweet Home” wildlife pledge.
The aim is simple: to create more safe spaces for wildlife across the park while encouraging guests, owners and staff to play a part in protecting nature.
Some of the initiatives included in the pledge are:
Installing Bird Boxes
Bird boxes provide essential nesting spaces for many species that struggle to find suitable habitats in modern environments. By placing bird boxes around the park, we can help support local bird populations and encourage them to thrive.
Creating Bug Hotels
Insects play a crucial role in pollination and the wider ecosystem. Bug hotels create sheltered spaces for beneficial insects such as beetles, solitary bees and ladybirds.
Enhancing Natural Habitats
Maintaining hedgerows, planting wildflowers and protecting green spaces all help create a richer habitat for wildlife.
Encouraging Community Participation
One of the key ideas behind the David Bellamy scheme is involving visitors and staff in conservation efforts.
By sharing knowledge and encouraging participation, we hope to inspire everyone who visits Akebar Park to appreciate the natural world around them.
Why Wildlife Matters at Holiday Parks
Holiday parks often cover large areas of land and include a variety of habitats such as grassland, woodland and water features. When managed carefully, these environments can support an impressive range of wildlife.
Many parks involved in the Bellamy scheme have reported thriving populations of birds, insects and small mammals thanks to conservation initiatives.
Simple actions – such as planting native flowers, reducing pesticide use and providing nesting spaces – can make a significant difference.
For guests and holiday home owners, these efforts also enhance the overall experience of staying at the park. Waking up to birdsong, spotting wildlife on walks and enjoying natural landscapes are all part of what makes countryside living so special.
A Shared Responsibility
Protecting the natural world is not something that parks can do alone. It requires cooperation between park teams, visitors and the wider community.
That’s why initiatives like the “Home Sweet Home” pledge are so important. They give everyone the opportunity to contribute to wildlife conservation, even in small ways.
Guests might notice bird boxes around the park, wildflower areas buzzing with bees or insect habitats tucked away in quiet corners. Each of these features plays a role in creating a healthier ecosystem.
By learning about these initiatives and supporting them, visitors become part of the conservation effort too.
Looking Ahead
At Akebar Park, we believe that protecting nature and providing a fantastic holiday experience go hand in hand.
Our participation in conservation initiatives inspired by the David Bellamy Awards is part of our long-term commitment to the environment. Through projects like the Home Sweet Home wildlife pledge, we aim to continue improving habitats across the park while raising awareness about the importance of biodiversity.
As we look to the future, we hope that every visitor to Akebar Park will not only enjoy the beautiful surroundings but also feel inspired by the wildlife that shares this landscape with us.
After all, the countryside isn’t just a place to visit – it’s a place worth protecting.
Keep an eye on our social media for more updates on the work we’re doing on the park.
