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Thirsk park's luxury eco-lodges get thumbs-up from David Bellamy

TV botanist David Bellamy took time off during the summer to visit a North Yorkshire holiday park where both human and wildlife guests are given VIP treatment.

Professor Bellamy was at York House Holiday Park, near Thirsk, which has just unveiled its latest show-homes at Abbots Green, an exclusive gated development of luxury timber lodges set within the 5 star rated Holiday Park.

Their eco-friendly design, David Bellamy was told by the Company director Phil Brierley, demonstrates that tourism and the natural world can go hand-in-hand.

York House is a holder of the prestigious David Bellamy Conservation award at its top gold level - an accolade it has won for the past six years in succession.

Throughout the park, thousands of indigenous trees and shrubs have been planted over the 25 years in which Phil and his family have owned the business.

In addition, wildlife habitats - including owl and bat boxes - have been created for the many different birds and mammals which thrive in the grounds.

Wild flowers also proliferate throughout the park, and attract a wide variety of common and less familiar species of butterfly for visitors to enjoy.

Abbots Green also features a new lake which, says Phil, is already acting as a magnet for wild fowl - and should soon see a growing population of other aquatic life, including dragonflies and newts.

During his visit, Professor Bellamy inspected the new development of Scandinavian-style lodges - called Abbots Green - and was assured by Phil that they are upholding the park's policy of minimising its impact on the environment.

Built with timber from sustainable sources, the lodges feature water and energy-saving devices, A-rated appliances and a high level of insulation to reduce the need for heating.

Their lifespan can be measured in decades, said Phil - but when eventually they come to be replaced, virtually of the materials used in their construction are capable of being recycled.

As well as a low carbon footprint, the lodges will also have a low visual presence. Natural screening and generous spacing between units will ensure that they remain unobtrusive on the landscape. "We're delighted that David has been able to come and see first-hand what we are doing here - and to see how the principles of green tourism work in practice," said Phil.

For further information regarding the Park please contact abbotsgreen@yhlparks.co.uk or contact 01845 597495. A special open weekend at York House is planned for 19/20 September. Visitors will be able to view fully-furnished show-homes and tour the park - with absolutely no sales pressure at all. The idea, says Phil, is just to let people examine the development at their leisure, and to decide for themselves if this would be right for them.