Proud winners of David Bellamy Conservation Awards!
Professor David Bellamy has named Kippford Holiday Park in South West Scotland (on the Solway coast) as one of the UK’s greenest places to take a break – and awarded it a special accolade for protecting and enhancing the natural world.
Covering over 25 acres of stunning, hilly and landscaped parkland, Kippford Holiday Park is just ½ a mile from one of Scotland’s smallest, prettiest seaside villages which includes two seaside pubs and a gorgeous seashore walk to a shell beach with lovely views. Natural rock features have been tailored for nearly 50 years by the same family to provide a perfect structure for specimen shrub planting to offer privacy between plots and provide a truly gorgeous park.
Robin and Gail Aston are second generation owners of the park, Robin’s parents having started the development in the late 1960’s. Park woodlands and walks now link to those of Forestry Commission and Scottish Natural Heritage which offer lovely trails with sea views.
Badger, Red Squirrel, Red Kites and Roe Deer may be seen! Occasional visits by the team from nearby SNH Mersehead Nature Reserve offer pond dipping (catch and release of newts!) and moth catching events which provide seasonal excitement and education for all the family.
Kippford Holiday Park has now held the coveted Gold Award for over 15 years – and was a vital part of bringing the scheme into Dumfries and Galloway.
David Bellamy said:
“I hope the award will provide a real pat on the back to you and your team… as in past years, you deserve a hearty congratulations for everything you have done. I was particularly pleased to see you have gone the extra mile to encourage our feathered friends.”
Robin and Gail are now concentrating upon tree management to allow more sunlight onto the ground; to open up views and to allow the now mature shrubs to provide more colourful screening between plots. This mammoth task occupies an average of two full-time staff for three months each year – principally through the winter season – and so helps to ensure full year employment for local employees in a quiet rural area.
The park is a member of the British Holiday & Home Parks Association, the park industry’s official body, which is assisting Professor Bellamy with the conservation awards project.
