West Country Parks Logo
Call us for more info (Head Office)
Call us for more info (Head Office)

Blog Layout

Our Green Goals for 2024

January 5, 2024

At West Country Parks / Riverside Holiday Village we are committed to taking a proactive approach to help preserve the natural world for future generations to enjoy

The following Green Objectives provide an outline of how we will contribute to protecting and enhancing the environment over the next 12 months and beyond.


We have already taken huge strides to reduce our environmental impact, committing to a three-phase plan with zero carbon specialists Energy Oasis, which will see our holiday parks save a combined 58.50 tonnes of carbon per year (the equivalent of planting 2,690 trees every single year). We have also taken the David Bellamy Blooming Marvellous Pledge for Nature, and this year (2023) Riverside Holiday Village was awarded a ‘Silver’ Green Tourism Award.


However, we recognise there is still lots to do and we look forward to working with our colleagues, partners and visitors as we continue our ‘green’ journey.

1. Community

1.1 Community Environmental Projects

Providing a clean and attractive destination for our visitors to enjoy not only benefits our business, it also positively impacts our local community and the wider environment.


We will implement possible sponsorship opportunities for West Country Parks / Riverside Holiday village to support local litter picking / environmental groups.


2. Waste

2.1 Single-Use Plastic

Plastic bags cause the death of an estimated 100,000 marine animals globally and studies suggest that by 2050 there could be more plastic than fish in the world’s oceans. Single-use plastic (like straws, coffee cups, packaging and bags) is a huge contributor of marine plastic pollution. These are all impossible or very difficult to recycle and mostly end up at sea or in landfill. 


At Riverside Holiday Village, we have committed to measurably reduce our organisations plastic footprint.


With the support of Plastic Free Communities, we will;

 

-         Avoid plastic bottles

-         Avoid plastic containers

-         Ditch plastic bags

-         Ditch plastic cups and cutlery

-         Refill soap dispensers


We will also become a recognised ‘Refill Station’, providing refills of free drinking water for visitors.

2.2 Organic Waste

As part of our ongoing waste management plan, we will investigate the feasibility of a) composting organic waste on site, or b) sending organic waste to a licensed waste contractor for commercial composting.


We will also reduce our organic waste by introducing wildlife areas where the grass is cut less frequently (see 3.1 Conservation of Wildlife and Biodiversity). 


3. Biodiversity

3.1 Conservation of Wildlife and Biodiversity

Locally, nationally and globally, biodiversity is under threat from the impact of climate change and human actions. Riverside Holiday Village have committed to looking after our green areas in a sympathetic and appropriate way in order to support the increase in biodiversity.


We will;


-         Implement a meadow management regime of the grassland area at the rear of the park

-         Reestablish the hedgerow at the rear of the park

3.2 Habitats and Refuges for Wildlife

The extensive areas of ‘natural’ habitats at several of our holiday parks provide the ideal opportunity for us to further support native biodiversity by creating wildlife refuges and habitats for native species.


West Country Parks have committed to creating the following habitats and refuges;


-         Pollinator patches, where bees, butterflies and other insects can get food

-         Additional wildlife ponds

-         Bird and bat boxes

-         Otter Holts



4. Planet

4.1 Renewable Energy and Carbon Management

We have already taken huge strides to ensure that our business uses renewable energy across our holiday parks. Our new multi-park solar panel installation has already improved the sustainability of our business, as well as reducing our overall environmental impact.


However, we aim to take our on-site renewable generation even further. With the support of Energy Oasis, we will conduct a feasibility study into the suitability of utilising hydro and wind energy.


We look forward to updating you of our progress throughout the year. Find out more about our Green Policy.

Latest News

By Kim Boyd March 31, 2025
We are proud to share that Riverside Holiday Village has achieved the Environmental and Sustainability Award at the prestigious Somerset Business Awards 2025. This award recognises companies or individuals who can demonstrate a positive and long-term impact on the environment within their businesses. With evidence to show how they have improved environmental performance, implemented the efficient use of resources or supported sustainable development or environmentally-friendly schemes. We were also shortlisted for the Medium Business of the Year Award . Speaking about the awards, David Crew, Somerset Chamber Managing Director, said; 'Every year the awards recognise and honour the achievements of our vibrant business community. The economic situation may be challenging, but Somerset’s business community had again shown resilience and excellence across all sectors.'. Commenting after the awards dinner, which was held at The Pavillion in Weston-super-Mare, David Tattersall, Group Manager at West Country Parks, commented; 'We are delighted to have achieved this award. As a business, we have become increasingly aware of our environmental responsibilities; from reducing waste and energy use, to increasing biodiversity and supporting eco-friendly initiatives, we have really embraced this element of our business over the last few years and it's fantastic to have had all of our hard work recognised.' We would like to thank our visitors, supporters and all of our fantastic team for your support.
By Kim Boyd March 30, 2025
Gareth Hockey, Director of RHL Activities: “We’re excited to have Riverside Holiday Village on board as an official camping partner. Their commitment to providing our riders and spectators with a top-quality stay makes them a perfect fit for the Weston Beach Race experience.” David Tattersall, Group Manager of West Country Park Homes: “We’re really pleased with the opportunity of working with RHL and providing superb camping, dining and entertainment facilities for Weston Beach Race riders and fans. This Event benefits many local businesses and offers something different and, clearly appealing, every year it’s held. It’s a real positive for the Town! We look forward to seeing you all in October.”
By Kim Boyd March 26, 2025
Visitors may remember that earlier this year we shared our Green Goals for 2025 . Despite this being our busiest ever start to the season, we’ve still found the time to make some fantastic progress over the last 3 months and we are proud to share the first of our quarterly updates for 2025;
Show More
Share by: