By William Coleman
Morben Isaf Holiday Park has been recognised for its work alongside the Montgomeryshire Wildlife Trust. The David Bellamy special award has been received by the 5 star site based in Derwenlas for its work with the Cor’s Dyfi nature reserve, more specifically for the “Osprey Project”.
The David Bellamy Conservation Award Scheme recognises holiday parks that protect and enhance Britain’s natural environment. The park has held a gold award since 2015 and is also “Honey Bee Friendly”.
Since 2009 the park has supported the local community and volunteers from far and wide in helping to preserve the habitat of the native Osprey, encouraging visitors and holidaymakers to get involved.
The park, owned by Salop Leisure, boasts a plethora of wildlife and has built bridges and pathways to allow tourers to enjoy the scenery and look out for its inhabitants. Here are some pictures from the site.
A Majestic Pair of Osprey
An Inquisitive Water Rail
A Snacking Otter
A Perfect Place to Stay
Sarah Lewis, who manages Morben Isaf Holiday Park with her husband, Ben, said they were delighted to win the accolade.
Rufus Bellamy, who runs the award scheme for his famous botanist father, David, said the assessor had been very impressed by the way the park has collaborated with the wildlife trust to develop the successful osprey project.
“You should take a lot of credit for your positive and enthusiastic approach to this partnership, which is the epitome of good neighbourliness and positive conservation action combined,” he stated in a letter.
Sarah explained: “We are situated in the midst of a number of nature reserves and taking part in the David Bellamy Conservation Award Scheme helps us maintain focus and plan our work to suit the natural environment around us.
“We are keen to promote conservation in all aspects of our business and are enthusiastic about raising awareness wherever possible. Our customers also appreciate our commitment and work with us to meet the standards and requirements set by the scheme.
“Staff, holiday home owners and visitors all contribute to making our park a repeat gold award winner, of which we are very proud. Participating in the scheme means that we always evaluate ideas and plans to ensure that the ethos of conservation is applied at all times. We have certainly seen rewards.
“The variety of wildlife and birdlife seen on the park is amazing and has in turn resulted in new business as more customers are attracted by it. Many comment on our ability to balance the quality of being a five star holiday park whilst working in harmony with and enhancing the natural landscape around us.”
Kim Williams, Dyfi Osprey Project officer, said: “We really value the relationship with the park and all our neighbours. In return for their support, we survey the park’s nest boxes, so the partnership works both ways.”
We think the work being done at Morben Isaf is commendable and will be arranging to go and see them in the coming months, let us know if you’ve been to see any of the fantastic wildlife on offer and what we should keep an eye out for.
