We Get Hands On With The Skoda Kodiaq

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By William Coleman

When I was young I remember the name Skoda being met with jokes, laughs and chuckles, even Jeremy Clarkson felt compelled to poke fun. Fast forwards a couple of decades and here I am test driving a brand new Skoda Kodiaq, which was voted The Caravan and Motorhome Club’s Tow Car Of The Year, and I am finding it very hard to find anything dislike about this award winner.

I have been fortunate enough to be selected as one of the keen eyed adventurers to go on the 2018 Bailey Tour. We will be travelling through 21 countries in 21 days, starting at Bristol and travelling to Bosphorus which will be around 5,000 plus miles. Ahead of embarking on this multi country tour I wanted to test out the Kodiaq as I have never towed on foreign soil before and certainly want to get a head start on the driving before we leave, nothing to do with bragging rights or anything like that…

When the Kodiaq first arrived I was surprised just how smart looking it is. I had seen many photos but like most fine works of art you have to see them in the skin to fully appreciate just how smart they care. Inside and out the car just screams modern and once you turn on the 2.0 TDI engine and see all the options available, both engine and media, you will be blown away. In regards to how it looks you need to be thinking for Range Rover Evoque than Skoda Yeti.

The one thing that stood out to me was all the bells and whistles that Skoda have been able to fit into Kodiaq. The model I drove was the top spec model but the model below it does not have a hell of a lot missing, which goes to show that for a good price bracket Skoda are deliver above and beyond. The stereo interface was touch screen which included sat nav, bluetooth connection as well as the pretty hand Apple CarPlay. The once drawback the stereo has is the hand motion controls. I wave my hands a lot and I kept switching back and forth over the same track. All I had to do was change the menu on the screen and then that tiny issue went away so a small issues that was easily resolved.

I will not give away too much as the video gives you some first hand insight into the Skoda. One thing I will say is that if you are in the market for a new towing car/vehicle you should seriously consider the Skoda Kodiaq. I am so confident that you guys will love it that I urge you to go for a test drive and see for yourself and tow car of this spec for well under £40k you cannot go wrong.

Bristol to Bosphorus The 2018 Bailey Tour

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By William Coleman

The day is almost upon and we are more than ready. The #BristanBul tour for me really is a once in a lifetime and in this video you see how the trip came about when CAMC Director General Nick Lomas and Simon Howard, Bailey Marketing Director bumped into one another.

The leisure manufacturers Bailey of Bristol, who are being supported by The Caravan and Motorhome Club will be embarking on an epic adventure, which will be documented by yours truly, through some of the most picturesque cities and locations all across Europe.

The aim behind the adventure is to inspire holiday makers to travel beyond the borders of the UK and explore new lands in their touring homes. When you own a caravan or motorhome the world really is your oyster and we are going to show how easy and enjoyable it is.

For me this will be a first. I have travelled the UK in caravans and motorhomes, I was even driven to the south of France on a caravan holiday when I was 17. But I have never been on such a big scale multi country adventure. So you will be getting first hand updates of what it is actually like doing something like this for the first time. I will also be travelling with veteran caravaners who have not been on such an epic trip.

Design Award Winner- A Class Over £90k Winner Announced By The Caravan And Motorhome Club

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By William Coleman

Back in February, at the Caravan, Camping and Motorhome Show at the NEC, the Caravan and Motorhome Club held their annual ‘Motorhome Design Awards’. The awards celebrate the variety of makes and models of the motorhome industry all while choosing the best the market has to offer to ensure the public make the best decision they can when purchasing.

The independent panel of judges picked 97 vehicles for this years awards. Each judge assessed a wide range of essential criteria which included comfort, electrics and safety, air-con, heating to name just a few.

A Class Over £90k Winner- SMC Motorhomes The Frankia i680 RL Plus

The newly award winning Frankia i680 RL Plus is well deserved of this win and from this video you can really see how much it means to the team at SMC Motorhomes. Collecting the award on behalf of SMC was Aleister who could not have been happier. The recognition that the award win will bring the company really makes all the efforts they have put in worthwhile. The accolade highlights the design and research that goes into creating such luxury touring homes.

The round seating at the rear of the motorhome provides a very comfortable leisure area that frees up a lot of space to have a good size kitchen along with spacious bathroom that can be combined with a shower.

Another feature that I always appreciate is light flooded living space as when touring I love to let as much natural light and sunshine into where I am living.

Design Award Winner- A Class Under £90k Winner Announced By The Caravan And Motorhome Club

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By William Coleman

Back in February, at the Caravan, Camping and Motorhome Show at the NEC, the Caravan and Motorhome Club held their annual ‘Motorhome Design Awards’. The awards celebrate the variety of makes and models of the motorhome industry all while choosing the best the market has to offer to ensure the public make the best decision they can when purchasing.

The independent panel of judges picked 97 vehicles for this years awards. Each judge assessed a wide range of essential criteria which included comfort, electrics and safety, air-con, heating to name just a few.

A Class Under £90k Winner- Marquis Leisure with the Mobilvetta Fiat K-Yacht 85 Techno Line

With 3 different models in their portfolio Marquis Leisure are doing their very best to bring you high end luxury at a very competitive price. This maritime themed range has not been available in the UK for the past few years so this win means a lot to Marquis as they put in a lot of hard work to source the right vehicle for the UK Market. The Mobilvetta won the Marquis team over and now it is winning them awards.

Their sales for the Mobilvetta have increased massively since its introduction and Marquis are now shifting 160 units a year. Usually an A Class does not cooperate well with the wallet but being priced in at under £90,000 makes this a stand out model for both price and quality, which makes it great for the UK market.

4 berths can sometimes compromise on comfort but the eye catching Mobilvetta. Each bed is a manual fold out that delivered two generous sized beds that make for a very comfortable sleep.

This A Class comes with come with under floor heating and a rear lounge which is not usual for a vehicle of this price range, which for me is a stand out feature deserved of winning this award.

The Aquaforno II Kitchen In A Backpack Crowdfunding Success

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By William Coleman

As some of you may be aware a large part of my touring holidays include getting as much food on the BBQ as possible. So when I see something like the Aquaforno I cannot help but share the love. This is a must have have kit for anyone who enjoys their cooking when touring, especially with the great weather this summer is going to produce.

Award-winning outdoor cooking stove specialist, Aquaforno, has started a craze for its next generation “Kitchen in a backpack”, after breaking through 850% of its Indiegogo crowdfunding target.

“We’re over the moon with the interest and the backing we’ve received from people so far. There has been a strong reaction in all corners of the world recently which shows that it really resonates with those that love being outside and enjoy eating good food.
“With only nine days left before we have to close the campaign we are trying to let everyone know they can still get an Aquaforno at our cheapest ever pricing.”

The huge rise in outdoor living is adding the the unit’s success. Globally there are a lot more people embracing the outdoors and taking a lot more holidays close to home, AKA the ‘Staycation’. People are keen to buy into the idea of lifestyle enhancing products – Aquaforno does exactly that for people who are passionate for the great outdoors and love great food.

The highly desirable Aquaforno II adds split level grill, rotisserie, smoking hangers, and double insulated lid to the original concept’s feature set which already encompasses a BBQ grill, pizza oven, smoker and water boiler in one collapsible unit.

This new ‘Swiss army-knife’ of outdoor cooking has been received with incredible enthusiasm since it was unveiled at the UK’s Caravan, Camping and Motorhome Show the home of Britain’s RV sector.

The portable kitchen has yet another fantastic feature, a 3 minute assembly time. So if you are super hungry you can get cooking in just 3 minutes flat.

The Aquaforno II cooks anything from a Sunday roast to breakfast pancakes, to paella, with consummate ease. It is the ultimate combination of Hunting, tailgating, Prepping and glamping product and can even cater quickly and efficiently for large groups, e.g. cooking as many as twenty delicious restaurant quality pizzas per hour.

“Aquaforno II is designed to bring people together outdoors,” continues Rhodes. “Whether you’re at a camping site, on the beach, on a fishing expedition or in the back yard, it can go where you go and cater for all your outdoor needs”.
This little gem is more than just a kitchen. You can use it as a fire pit, dry your clothes with a hand clip on hook as well as enjoying hot drinks with its unique removable dishwasher-friendly boiler that provides a litre of boiling water in as little as minutes.

In addition to the new outdoor gastronomical possibilities, the Aquaforno II includes a double insulated lid for enhanced temperature stability. Its adjustable vent and new thermometer allows for temperature control, and a clever spark arrestor has been built in for extra safety. It also has spring-loaded legs to reduce set-up time and a more user-friendly, sturdier, door mechanism.

If you are in the market for a new BBQ/grill for your touring home, even if you are not you may want to upgrade to this, the Aquaforno II will make you the one to watch on site while you make pizza and roast whole chickens.

Cumbria Park Cracks Easter Deadline

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By William Coleman

Despite what some may say, hard work does pays off. And that has never been truer for the dedicated ground staff at Silverdale Holiday Park in south Cumbria as they beat their deadline on a major development project.

The half a million pound makeover project on January 1st this year and the race was on to get the work finished before the Easter weekend rush. The project was not a smooth sailing venture though but despite the setbacks March’s snow brought the team pulled it out of the bag and complete the task with just days to spare.

The works on the site included a total refitting if the bar and restaurant, the building of a new luxury amenities for touring guests and the gym had a whole load of the latest exercise technology added.

On top of all the nice new guest facilities Silverdale have not forgotten about the local wildlife as they add new habitats as part of a major landscaping and conservation initiative.

According to business owner Michael Holgate, the deadline was successfully beaten by a team effort involving the park’s own ground staff and local contractors. The ground workers, said Michael, included extra new employees taken on this year at Silverdale and the five other nearby parks belonging to the Holgates Group.

They have brought the total number of staff to over 150, and all the new recruits came from nearby communities and have been offered training opportunities.

The additional ground staff, said Michael, were needed to help in a variety of roles, including putting the half-million pound investment programme into action: “It was a very time-critical exercise as we had only a few months when the park was less busy to complete all of the work before welcoming thousands of guests over Easter,” he said.

“We are anticipating another record year for visitor numbers and holiday home buyers, and we wanted all the new facilities in place for the new season.

“There was a lot of construction, maintenance and re-equipping work to do – but despite some very challenging weather at times, the April deadline was met.

“We are very fortunate to be able to recruit such excellent staff from the local area, and this winter has provided them with a great crash course in holiday park management!” said Michael.

Among those joining the Holgates team were Michael Finch (aged 20) and Steven Sharpe (aged 19) who both live in Silverdale, and who are now enrolled on the group’s training scheme.

The park provides around 500 caravan holiday homes to own and to rent, plus glamping pods for hire, and pitches for touring caravans, motorhomes and camping guests.

It also provides a leisure club with a strong local membership, and its facilities include the now re-equipped gymnasium together with a swimming pool and sauna and spa.

The Caravan And Motorhome Club Relaunch Exhibit At National Motor Museum

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By William Coleman

The history of the leisure vehicle is a rich one that spans all the way back to 1885 with the Wanderer, which was the first ever commissioned leisure vehicle that was created by a retired Navy doctor. The history is now being revisited and celebrated by The Caravan And Motorhome Club as they reinvigorate their exhibit at the National Motor Museum in Beaulieu.

The exhibit, which has been located in the main hall of the museum, showcases the the history of the leisure vehicle and also The Club. The new colourful revamp will interactive elements and video enabling visitors of all ages to find out more about the past, present and future of the Club and the industry.

Nick Lomas, director general of the Caravan and Motorhome Club, said: “We are privileged to have our own exhibit at the National Motor Museum and proud to be able to showcase the history of the leisure industry and the Club. Now in our 111th year of operation as a Club, it’s great that we can capitalise on the latest technology to enhance the exhibit for future generations.”

Angela Willis, curator of the Caravan and Motorhome Club’s Collection at the National Motor Museum said: “We are delighted to be able to share the incredible story of the Club and the leisure industry through the wealth of objects, photographs and film footage held in our incredible Collection. Many of the items featured have been donated by Club members over the years, this exhibit is a testament to their generosity.”

The National Motor Museum and its partner attractions at Beaulieu make up one of the UK’s most popular visitor attractions. Members wanting to visit Beaulieu can take advantage of the Caravan and Motorhome Club’s exclusive one third off entrance offer for up to four people. This is just one of the many offers available to members as part of their £51 annual membership fee.

Two of the Caravan and Motorhome Club’s most popular sites are located near Beaulieu. The 127-pitch Black Knowl Site in Brockenhurst opens onto over 140 miles of forest walking tracks that can be explored on foot, cycle or horseback. Pitches for two people are available from £24.70 per night.

The 275-pitch Centenary Site near Bransgore is set amidst beautiful rolling countryside and is home to the Club’s celebratory Centenary Gardens and time capsule. Pitches for two people are available from £24.10 per night.

So if you are planning on visiting the museum why not take advantage of the Club sites that are nearby.

Design Award Winner- 2 Berth Dealer Special Winner Announced By The Caravan And Motorhome Club

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By William Coleman

Back in February, at the Caravan, Camping and Motorhome Show at the NEC, the Caravan and Motorhome Club held their annual ‘Motorhome Design Awards’. The awards celebrate the variety of makes and models of the motorhome industry all while choosing the best the market has to offer to ensure the public make the best decision they can when purchasing.

The independent panel of judges picked 97 vehicles for this years awards. Each judge assessed a wide range of essential criteria which included comfort, electrics and safety, air-con, heating to name just a few.

2 Berth Dealer Special Winner- Marquis Motorhomes Elddis Majestic 275

The Majestic 275 really is an amazing motorhome and deserves the win. Alan Buckwell from Marquis accepted the award and could not have been more happy. For Alen the award win highlighted the hard work and dedication to the customer that goes into the design and creation of their motorhomes.

Since this motorhome was introduced back in 2011 the sales numbers per year have shot up from double to high triple figures each year and is the UK’s best selling Special Edition Motorhome. Since 2011 the design of the Majestic has changed due to Marquis listening to all of their customers’ feedback year in year out.

With so much leisure space and comfort, as well as stacks of high end specifications like Alde heating, this competitively priced the Majestic 275 was a clear stand out and well deserved of this category win. For me the large double bed was a stand out feature along with the luxury bathroom space at the rear.

Top Tips To Ensure Rain Does Not Stop Play For British Holidaymakers

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William Coleman

In recent years the staycation has become the holiday of choice for many Britons. This is hardly a surprise considering the stunning landscapes and glorious coastline that our country has to offer. Holidaying in the UK also removes the stress associated with overseas travel, not to mention the inflated costs that are currently affecting holidays abroad. Magnificent scenery, hassle-free transfers and family-friendly budget-what’s not to love about UK holidays?

Well, over a third of Britons say it’s the unpredictable British climate. This was revealed in a recent survey carried out by boot liner manufacturer Hatchbag, which asked the public: “What is the most stressful thing about driving around the UK on holiday?”

Despite the weather, Brits certainly aren’t being deterred from holidaying on home turf, and the great outdoors continues to be a huge lure for families. This was highlighted by a prediction from market analyst Mintel, which forecasts that by 2020 the caravanning and camping market will be worth £3.2 billion

Caravanning has long been the holiday of choice for many families, not least because it’s the perfect way to enjoy the outdoors all year round whilst offering full shelter from the elements. But although the caravan itself is warm and dry, the threat of wind and rain once out and about is always going to be a slight concern for UK holidaymakers.

Here are our favourite top tips to help weatherproof your caravan holiday:

Pack lots of layers and waterproofs
The beauty of caravanning is that you have the luxury of additional space to pack extra ‘just in case’ items. There is nothing worse than being caught in an unexpected downpour and then having to sit around in damp clothes all day. Pack more than you think you’ll need-the worst-case scenario is having to unpack it unworn when you return home. Remember to pack a pair of cosy slippers to snuggle up in after drying off; designated indoor footwear will also help prevent mud from being trampled inside.

Add on a porch awning
Porch awnings are a great way to create additional space, and can serve as the perfect place to dry wet-weather gear without cluttering up the inside of the caravan. When putting up your awning, ensure that it’s set at an angle to allow rain to run off.

Invest in a wipe-clean boot liner
No-one wants a caravan or car full of mud and sand, but equally you can’t always leave dirty boots, beach toys and equipment outside. A cheaper alternative to buying an awning is to invest in a boot liner specifically designed to fit the make and model of your car. It will instantly transform your boot into a handy storage area for dirty boots, children’s bikes and scooters without soiling (or cluttering) your living space. It will also be a godsend for protecting your boot from scuffs and scrapes when packing up at the end of the holiday.

Even with the rainy Easter Weekend and the gloomy April showers you will still be able to make the most of your leisure time, you’ve worked hard enough for it.

For more info on the topic visit Hatchbag

A Visit to Knaresborough With The Auto-Sleeper Symbol

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Last week we brought you a taste of Auto-Sleeper’s Symbol. Well our very own Bill Coleman put it through it’s paces with a trip to the Knaresborough Caravan and Motorhome club site.

It was a wet weekend but watch our video to see how he made the most of it. With a little more info about the van, the lovely market town of Knaresborough and even an exclusive look behind the scenes at the new Wanderer Bar & Kitchen.

For those that missed last weeks piece you can catch up here. Here’s what Bill had to say;

Having recently taken Auto-Sleeper away with my significant other, and before we bring you the full details of our Symbol-ic trip to North Yorkshire, we thought it prudent to bring you my first impressions of the very capable Auto-Sleeper Symbol.

The basics, whilst from the exterior the Symbol looks like what you expect from an Auto-sleeper Peugeot van conversion, well put together with those little “Auto-Sleeper” touches like colour coded bumpers, its the inside that takes you by surprise. It’s a mid seating / sleeping van conversion with a rear kitchen washroom… AND side and rear access. Whilst rear kitchen van conversions (like the Auto-Sleeper Stanway) exist having one with rear access at the same time is incredibly rare and has put some demands on the interior layout. To deal with these demands Auto-Sleeper have thrown the rule book out of the window to produce this innovative 3 (yes 3) belted seat, 2 sleeper, end kitchen, end bathroom, cab side and rear access short wheel base van conversion. Oh and it has a big bed? It really does take some getting your head round.

Having picked up the Symbol in February and planning on spending the week out and about round round North Yorkshire I was struck by the Symbol’s access, you can open nearly 50% of the van to the elements. Great if you want wheel your bikes in to your kitchen, worrying if you want to want to spend a romantic evening entertaining in North Yorkshire. Auto-Sleeper have considered this with new G3 insulation, Insulated privacy glass, Truma combi heating system, which is iNet ready and above all the incredibly useful underfloor LPG gas tank. These are standard on all Auto-Sleep van conversions but on the Symbol this means it heats up very quickly (much quicker than the rated 4 hours), it maintains it heat, you can control the temperature (from anywhere) and can easily check your gas level and fill up at a standard petrol station. The Symbol is a real winter warmer.

Driving the Symbol is fun. As someone who reviews caravans and motorhomes for a living you will see a lot of words like capable, encouraging or agile to describe driving motorhomes, rarely will you see the word fun. All Auto-Sleeper Peugeot van conversions come with 160BHP (Ad Blue) as standard, the Symbol is the shortest and lightest this means good tank range, nippy acceleration, better manoeuvring and included ALKO airbase suspension. All the stuff you expect like cruise control, cab air condition and integrated rear view parking camera help make it even easier to drive and manoeuvre.

This is the entry level van but you would not know this when you’re inside. The new and updated design boasts sleek and stylish interior upholstery with a modern colour scheme. The whole interior is luxurious and comfortable from top to bottom. Without going into too much detail about our trip, we were able to have a perfect night’s sleep with -3 outside temperatures.

I loved the Symbol and was sad to give it back. For a few days away this van conversion had everything we needed and more. From the space the kitchen provided to the luxury of the double bed, the Symbol has it all. It was the small things that made this tourer such a pleasure to be in. The addition of the direction reading lights and touch sensitive lights along the ceiling of the van made evening/mood lighting possible. If you want to stay up and read a book but do not want to be blasted with overbearing lights you could, all with once touch of a button. We faced rain, sleet, snow and sub freezing temperatures, none of which caused a moment’s issue while we relaxed in the warm confines of the Auto-Sleeper Symbol.

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£50m Investment To Boom Tourism Sector

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By William Coleman

The UK is holiday hotspot for visitors from all across the globe. As we head into, what is shaped to be another stand out year for tourism, Britain’s attractions are set to get a £50m+ cash injection to keep the tourists coming.

On top of the huge financial investment into the attraction sector the British Association of Leisure Parks, Piers and Attractions (BALPPA) have pointed out the large influx of staycations with continued growth. Another point that will further boost the tourism sector throughout 2018.

2017 saw a huge staycation style holiday increase of 6.6%, according to VisitBritain. There were some concerns for London holidays in 2017 due to some unfortunate events that threatened domestic security. Despite these events London’s tourism delivered very strong numbers. Perhaps this was due to other issues we saw span across the globe.

According to BALPPA the weakness of the pound, following the Brexit referendum result, was a major factor in keeping Brits at home for their holidays. In certain instances the price of a foreign holiday was almost financially out of the question.

Coming to the Midlands is Bear Grylls Adventure at the Birmingham NEC. Launching later in the year, the celebrity survivalist the experience is named after has promised to “bring adventure to millions”, with the opening of the new attraction.

“Major investment across the industry means there’s lots of great new attractions on offer throughout the UK,” said BALPPA chief executive, Paul Kelly.
“Shared experiences with friends or family are also becoming ever more important in today’s busy world. A visit to a UK attraction not only creates the opportunity to spend time together, but represents great value for money compared to many other activities” continued Kelly.

Lanc Park And Craft Brewer Toast Tourism

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Lanc Park And Craft Brewer Toast Tourism

By William Coleman

During English Tourism Week we saw activities and celebrations all across the UK. This celebration was formed of two fantastic companies, a holiday park and micro brewery, near Lancaster who wanted to band together to insure they made a celebration to remember.

Moss Wood caravan park, in Cockerham, decided to partner up with another local company to shine light on them during English Tourism Week, as its important to support other local small businesses. They have helped support Farm Yard Ales, also based in the same village, who are the Moss Wood’s main supplier of beers and lagers.

Moss Wood’s very own Henry Wild has said that, according to the local tourist board research, his park in responsible for generating over £1.2m of visitor spending each year. A lot of this figure helps other family run companies in north Lancaster, according to Mr. Wild. A lot of these companies are heavily dependent on tourism for their businesses to survive and flourish each year.

Moss Wood use many local companies for products they use on site. Now Farm Yard Ales has joined a long list of local suppliers that sell to Moss Wood, who buy a wide range of food products from potato crisps to black pudding to toffees, something the park specialises.

The micro-brewery was brainchild of Steven Holmes who works on his family’s long-established
farm just outside Cockerham where Farm Yard Ales is based. It began brewing just eight months ago ago, part-funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development, and has since won an enthusiastic following in and beyond the county

English Tourism Week is designed to put the spotlight on England’s ever-expanding tourism sector, and the £127 billion annual contribution it makes to the UK economy.

According to Henry, whose father Syd started the business over 40 years ago, small enterprises are among the biggest winners from tourism’s success story: “People coming on holiday are always looking for new experiences, and that includes enjoying local food and drink in pubs and restaurants, as well as buying it in shops such as ours.

“Lancashire has some of the very best producers in Britain, and visitor spending helps them expand, take on new staff, and broaden their distribution throughout the UK.

“Many of our guests are already getting the taste for Farm Yard Ales as well as our other local goods, and often leave with shopping bags full of memories to take back home!” he added.

Moss Wood provides pitches for touring caravans and motorhomes, as well as holiday homes to own – and has received a raft of awards for its high quality standards.

The park has also won accolades for its care of the natural world, and was described as “a wildlife wonderland” by botanist David Bellamy in his annual Conservation Awards last year.

There is more information about Moss Wood Caravan Park at www.mosswood.co.uk