Devon Park Has Owling Success

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By William Coleman

England is a nation of bird lovers. Weather you’re partial a Robin Red Breast, a Chaffinch or a Bird of Prey we have something for everyone. My particular favorite native bird has to be the owl and that is why story really stuck out for me. Disclaimer- These owls are an American import and not a native owl, but i love owls. End of disclaimer.

Recently, at Woodlands Family Theme Park near Dartmouth in Devon, two owl chicks hatched and will now me thrust to fame by joining the parks flying display team. The two chicks, who have been named Ernie and Els, will be joining there mum and dad at the sites popular falconry centre. The parents of the new hatchlings, Bonnie and Clyde, are a family favourite at the park’s zoo far which also houses a whole host of other heart melting creatures both great and small.

The baby burrowing owls are the first chicks hatched by Bonnie and Clyde since they arrived at Woodlands three years ago. The burrowing owl is native to the North and South Americas and are so called because they live in burrows underground. They also use burrowing as a method of catching prey, as they will dig out something to eat and use the prey’s howl has a home.

They were named by Woodland’s falconer and keen golf player Lyn Goss after the South African golfer Ernie Els on whose birthday the first of the owls hatched in January.

Lyn and head falconer Gail Greenwood will now be looking to build a close and special bond with Ernie and Els, as they have with other residents of the falconry centre.

In doing so, they will win the trust of the birds as they are trained to earn their wings and become fully fledged members of the flying display team at the park.

Set in 90 acres of Devon countryside, the family-run park is a wildlife wonderland with its ever-growing menagerie of domestic and exotic species, and 40-plus birds of prey.

Among Woodlands’ many other attractions is a dinosaur park complete with prehistoric monsters which recreates the sights and sounds of a landscape more than 160 million years ago.

A member of the Best of British parks group, Woodlands’ accolades include the Alan Rogers “Best Family Campsite in Europe” award, and the “AA Campsite of the Year” award.

So if you, like myself, love Devon for its wildlife and idyllic holiday locations this spot certainly combines the two. I would find it hard not to stay at a holiday park that t has a zoo on its grounds.

CAMC Film Location Sites And Holidays

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By William Coleman

On the opening day of the Scottish Caravan, Motorhome and Holiday Home Show we caught up with Nick Lomas, The Director General of The Caravan and Motorhome Club. We spoke with Nick about The Club’s sites in Scotland that are pitched on locations that film fans will certainly recognise.

Nick also gave us the rundown on The Club’s ‘Adventure Outside’ campaign which will include the Cycle Fest. We have a full article of CAMC’s CycleFest.

For those who love films here are a few of The Club sites that have been given the Hollywood treatment. Some of these are contenders for list of all time greats. The films are good too.

The Highlands: Film- Stardust
Kinlochewe Club Site

Set at the bottom of the rugged slopes of Beinn Eighe and along the shores of Glen Docherty, Kinlochewe Club Site is somewhat famous on the network. The Site played host to the stars of 2007 romantic fantasy film Stardust; including Robert de Niro and Michelle Pfeiffer, when it was used as a base camp for filming in this beautiful region. Kinlochewe offers a slower pace of life and is a great spot to wind down after a busy day outdoors exploring the surrounding mountains. This Site is also popular with bird lovers trying to get a glimpse of the golden Eagle at nearby Beinn Eighe National Nature Reserve.

From £18.70 per standard pitch per night based on two adults sharing

Glencoe: Film- Skyfall
North Ledaig Caravan Club Site

Home to one of the most famous battles between Scottish Clans, Glencoe also played host one of the most recognisable Special Agents in the country. Featuring in the 2012 film Skyfall, the childhood home of James Bond, Skyfall Lodge, was set and filmed in the natural beauty of Glencoe. For 007 fans, combine a visit to this stunning landscape with a stay at the North Ledaig Club Site. This 30-acre Site is located on two miles of sandy beach and has been awarded the David Bellamy Conservation Award. The Site is ideal for those who love watersports and is only a 40 minute drive to Glencoe.

From £20 per standard pitch per night based on two adults sharing

Fort William: FIlm- Harry Potter
Bunree Caravan Club Site

Deemed one of the most iconic film locations in Scotland, Fort William and the surrounding area welcomed the magic of the Harry Potter movie series for over ten years of filming. Muggles will recognise the infamous Rannoch Moor in the area, where the dementors boarded the Hogwarts Express in the first instalment of the final movie. The West Highland Line also runs through Fort William with services from Edinburgh and Glasgow and will be familiar to Potter fans as the route of the Hogwarts Express. For those looking to be close to all of the enchanted action, Bunree Club Site offers a great pit stop. The Site is only a 20 minute drive from Fort William town centre and is on the water’s edge of Loch Linnhe.

From £17.50 per standard pitch per night based on two adults sharing Mon-Thurs during mid-week discount periods

Perth: Film- Braveheart
Balbirnie Park Caravan Club Site

Situated just north of Edinburgh, Perth plays host to the filming location one of the most iconic Scottish movies of all time, Braveheart. Some of the best known scenes of the 1995 classic starring Mel Gibson, were filmed at Loch Leven in Perth including the famous mountain walk of William Wallace after the killing of Mornay. For the perfect Scottish getaway this year, combine a trip to Loch Leven with a stay at nearby Balbirnie Club Site only a 30 minute drive away. The Site is set within 400 acres of parkland and is a popular stop off point on the network with hikers, cyclists and dog walkers.

From £13.50 per standard pitch per night based on two adults sharing Mon-Thurs during mid-week discount periods

CaravanTimes Spends A Day With the V Line Sport By Auto Trail

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By William Coleman

CaravanTimes presenter extraordinaire Alessi is back again. This time we send him out in the field with an AutoTrail V-Line Sport 365 with two extreme sporters Simon and Faye for a spot of wakesurfing at the New Forest Water Park.

Simon and Faye usually hitch up and tow a caravan when they go on their adventure. This time round they got a chance to use a van conversion camper. They were both very pleased and surprised with the ease of the camper. They were able to simply pull up to their destination, park their leisure vehicle and then get straight into their day’s activities.

Using a camper van for an activity like this is exactly what the touring lifestyle is about. Find a location, find an activity and then go and explore. After a long day dipping in and out of the waters of the UK you can step into a nice, warm and cosey V-Line sport. Have a hot shower and use the heating system to stay before enjoying a warm home cooked meal.

We CaravanTimes reporters never shy from a challenge and are not afraid to get our hands dirty for the sake of journalism. Alessi suits up and gives wakeboarding a run for its money, well kind of. The extreme sport duo show off their skill set on the water which leads to the brave Alessi taking up a board and diving in head first. By the end of it I think there was more water on our presenter than in the lake. Once Alessi crawled out of the depths he was able to make great use of all the facilities found inside the V-Line Sport.

This fantastic Auto-Trail really is perfect for anyone who wants to get involved in the touring community.

The V Line Sport By Auto Trail

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By William Coleman

Have you tried to van conversion? For me it is the leisure vehicle that has a dual purpose. You can use it for your leisure time and holiday but they can also be used for your day to day travel.

The new Auto-Trail V-Line Sport boasts a U-shaped lounge area with a transverse bed which provides a fantastic double bed. Auto-Trail have used the very defeniton of compact living to create this fantastic touring home.

This is just a short so keep an eye out next week for the full feature length video.

How To Make Your Motorhome Energy Efficient And Save Money

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By William Coleman

Living in a Motorhome, even if it’s just for a weekend is a highly enjoyable experience, however one major downside can be the cold. As you may discover, the cold can sneak into your portable home from anywhere, which can lead to miserable days and freezing nights inside your home on wheels. So, what can you do to make your Motorhome more energy efficient? We have put together some actionable tips which could see temperatures rise and your energy bills plummet.

Test Your Windows
While windows are great for observing the beautiful scenery from the comfort of your own motorhome, they can also play a big part in letting the elements inside. A small draught can lead to expensive problems if it is not dealt with appropriately. If it seems as though one or more of your windows are allowing cold air to enter, it may be worth placing seals around the faulty windows in order to trap the heat inside your motorhome. If you plan on keeping your existing windows, start by checking for any leaks or draught entering your RV.
If your Motorhome is relatively modern, it is likely than their windows are double skinned. However, if your RV is slightly older, this may not be the case. Single skinned acrylic windows can be a major culprit if your Motorhome is lacking in warmth. If this isn’t the case, you should consider replacing your windows with a modern upgrade. If the cost of installing new windows is too expensive, an alternative technique you could use is to attach thermal screens to the windows of your motorhome. The thermal screens are specifically designed to increase the internal temperature of an RV.

Insulation is Important
When it comes to motorhomes, it’s not just the walls and roof which are important to insulate. The floor of your motorhome is a majorly important factor in determining the internal temperature. Replacing or installing insulation in the walls can be a major task, which may not always produce highly desirable results. Using warm carpet with a foam backing can be a great way to increase the temperature inside your RV. This will take considerably less time than insulating your walls and you will likely benefit just as much.

Using Ionic Shower Heads
When using your Motorhome in the countryside, warm showers are always an absolute luxury. However, it is important to make the most out of what warm water you have. By installing a power shower head, you can improve the shower pressure and reduce the amount of water you are using. This can be really useful, especially if the amount of water you have access to is limited. Once such shower head from Shower Stream can improve water saving by up to 30% and increase water pressure by up to 200%.

Use what sunlight you have
Sunlight can be a rare sight in the UK, but you can make the most of what sunlight you have by adding solar panels to your motorhome. While this may be an expensive initial investment, the cost will eventually even out if you plan on using your motorhome often and long term. Solar panels can also be useful as they will also be able to recharge your battery if and when electricity is not available.

Motorhome Skirting
If you’re living in a static caravan or motorhome, skirting is vitally important in protecting your home from the elements. By leaving the sides of your caravan open, they are vulnerable to the elements, which can lead to lower temperatures during the winter months. By adding skirting to your static, you are essentially adding an extra barrier between you and the cold. The underside of your caravan will really benefit. Less cold air will be able to travel from underneath your floor and into your home. Skirting can also really improve the look of your caravan if fitted correctly.

Protect your pipes
If your water is failing to heat up quickly, it could be caused by the temperature of your external pipes. It can be costly to re-heat this water with either gas or electricity. By insulating your pipes, you are preventing the cold from dropping your water temperature and therefore you will require less energy to heat your water, as it will have a higher initial temperature. Before travelling anywhere in your Motorhome, make sure you check that you do not have any frozen water sitting in your pipes. If you do, ensure that you thaw them straight away.

Swift Kicks Off 2018 With A Strong Start

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By William Coleman

How is it February already? It was Christmas Day, then I blinked and now it is February. So as we fly through and finish the first month of the New Year do does Swift as they start 2018 with some amazing numbers.

Swift has seen a massive influx of business across the entire business following what was an standout year in 2017. Last year the company saw a double digit growth across the board. In the first few weeks of 2018 the East Yorkshire leisure industry leader has seen some fantastic number. Swift are, without a doubt, the UK’s largest manufacturer of caravans, motorhomes and holiday homes.

Nick Page, Swift Group Commercial Director, has said: “We’ve started the year extremely well. This is due in no small part to the show offers currently available across our entire range of caravans and motorhomes. The show offers, always popular, have really captured the imagination this year, with dealerships reporting a strong uplift in sales and increased interest.”

There are a lot of offers available to buyers that comes with a wide range of benefits, from free caravan motor movers to engine upgrades and cash back on select models of motorhomes. Dealerships have reported great success from these offers too. Once dealer commented: “The show offers have been great. We’ve seen lots more visits to our website, and also a rise in people asking specifically about Swift products, leading to a record January for sales.”

The show offers are available from Swift’s exclusive dealer network and across all major industry events until 25 February 2018, when the Caravan, Camping and Motorhome Show draws to a close. Swift is expecting this show in particular, at the Birmingham NEC, to be a great success. “The February NEC is one of two premier events in the leisure vehicle industry calendar,” explains Nick Page. “It’s where we historically record a significant proportion of our annual sales. All the signs are positive for a great performance this year.”

So what was a bumper year in 2017 seems to be carrying on over into 2018. It is great to see such a massive success this early on in the year. I cannot wait to see what else 2018 has in store for the industry.

Meeting Marquis South Yorkshire

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By William Coleman

Like many people who adore the touring holidays a trip to a dealership is always an exciting day out. Mine was made even more exciting as I knew that I would be walking away with 67 plate Auto-Sleeper Kingham, so to say that I was a little on the happy side may have been a slight understatement.

I made my way from London to South Yorkshire at around 6am, as I wanted to make the most of the day once I picking up my touring home. After a 4 or so hour drive I arrived at the Marquis South Yorkshire branch. I was worried that the weather was not going to hold up but the sun was shining very bright when I arrived which made the white sparkle of the caravans and motorhomes that much better. There really is nothing like motorhome shopping on a bright sunny day.

The dealership was a hive or activity and had a really good buzz. Which I feel is such an important part of the buying process. Many times in the past I have walked into a dealership or forecourt and either not been greeted, sometimes not at all, which makes me instantly lose interest. Everyone seemed genuinely happy to be at work, which makes you feel very reassured that you’re at a dealership where people care.

I was greeted by Martin, who is in charge checking the vehicles before they leave the forecourt. Martin also ensures that before the customers leave they have a clear understanding of how the vehicles operates. Although I had been in a fair few leisure vehicles over the years I had never used a van conversion so I was more than happy to be given the tutorial.

First of all Martin showed me around the Kingham just to give me an idea of the overall size and shape of the van. One thing that stood out to me was just how much Auto-Sleeper have been able to fit into the Kingham, without removing anything or condensing the practical space inside the living quarters. Auto-Sleeper is known for the quality build and the luxury of their touring homes and the Kingham stands out as a luxury.

So once me and Martin gave it a once over he then showed me some of the technical details I would need to know before setting off, and this is where I really impressed. I knew that Auto-Sleeper would not skimp on anything at all when it comes to adding the highest if quality fixtures. I won’t go into too much detail at this stage but let’s just say all the industry leading manufacturers are present. So once I was shown where all the hookups and pipes were I was then shown, in great detail, how to use them. There were a few subtle differences but anyone who is a seasoned tourer should have no trouble transferring their knowhow from a motorhome or caravan to a van conversion.

After this we moved to the inside of the Kingham. Once inside I instantly fell in love with it and could not stop thinking about all the little getaways this van conversion could make possible. For something the size of a long wheelbase van it really does have everything you need and it is clear it has been built for luxury not utility. I must admit that before collecting the Kingham I did have an image in mind of what I could find. I was wrong. This has everything a touring home needs and it is presented in style. Again I will not go into too much detail as the full review is not finished. Once I was shown how to use the washroom and cooking facilities I was ready to go. On my way out was introduced the the dealership manager, Andrew. The paper work was completed and so my adventure began.

Stay tuned for more coverage over the next few days.

CaravanTimes V-Line Sport Teaser

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By William Coleman

We get a little sneak peek at the AutoTrail V-Line Sport 365 as CaravanTimes presenter extraordinaire Alessi goes into the field with two extreme sport enthusiasts.

This is only a small preview of the V-Line but the video does give a good insight into the wide range of activities that owning a camper can provide. One of the main selling points for me is the maneuverability of the V-Line, which is something that our two extreme guys loves about this model. I won’t go into too much more detail as this is just a teaser so be sure to check back next week when we present the full feature length video article.

Creative Camper For Your UTV

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By William Coleman

I am always on the lookout for something wacky, and creative and I think I have found the perfect combo of convenient and fun. The quad buggy with sleeping quarters is a sight to behold.

The CAMPLITE hard sided UTV camper has been designed using a Aluminum and Composite build. The sidewalls and floor are all formed using aluminum and even the cabinet framing uses the same materials. For anyone who may worry about the structural integrity of the dwelling the roof is vacuum bond laminated for high grade strength and durability.

At this stage it is unclear if this is going to go into production or be halted at the concept stages of development. I can see this being a lot more popular in places like the USA or Australia. The UTV market is a lot smaller in the UK than in bigger farming countries.

Having spent a fair bit of time on quad bikes and other types of UTV I can see the appeal of something like this. But if I’m being totally honest with myself I cannot see this ever going into production. The main reason being the size of it, how could you actually sleep in something the size of a large quad bike? It really does not seem like the most comfortable night’s sleep you could have under the stars.

It does look fake but it does look fun.

CAMCs French Touring Guide

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By William Coleman

As much as there is to do in the glorious shores of the UK there is still a lot of fun to be had just cross the pond in sunny old France. Now The Caravan and Motorhome Show are expanding their holiday experiences to several places throughout France. If you want to take a stroll around the streets of Paris or tour around the Loire Valley. The Club are ensuring that will ne something to suit everyone’s tastes.

Travel independently to France with your caravan, motorhome or campervan and meet with fellow Francophiles to discover some of France’s best known sites as well as going off the beaten track with a knowledgeable guide.

Here are four of the Club’s most popular French tours for 2018:

Paris City Break

A firm favourite with old romantics, Paris is one of the world’s best loved cities. The city provides the hustle and bustle of any capital city but also the option of some down time with a river cruise along the Seine. The 5-night escorted tour with the Caravan and Motorhome Club includes a visit to the Palace of Versailles, hop on-hop off bus tour around Paris’ major landmarks, as well as time to explore the most famous street in Paris, the Champs-Elysees. The tour will be based at Camping Indigo Paris which is situated alongside the River Seine and is only a 20 minute drive to the Eiffel Tower. This campsite has great facilities that will keep everyone entertained with a games room, play area, restaurant, takeaway and bike hire available on site.

From £689 based on two people and a caravan or motorhome travelling 19 May 2018

Picturesque Provence

Located in the heart of south-eastern France, visitors always fall in love with Provence. Famed for its historic sites and seas of lavender fields, the region is popular in summer with its hot temperatures and location on the Mediterranean Sea. The 15-night escorted tour with the Club includes a visit to Valsaintes Abbey, Pont d’Arc Cave and Gorges du Verdon. This tour provides the best of both worlds with the chance to stay at two of the best campsites on the network. The first eight nights are spent at Camping l’Hippocampe with over 28 acres of land. This site is set alongside the River Durance and is within walking distance from Volonne, a beautiful village nearby. The additional seven nights are spent at Camping Les Ranchisses, which boasts a mix of sports facilities like mini golf and tennis courts, a restaurant serving local cuisine, spa and extensive swimming pools.

From £1,425 based on two people and a caravan or motorhome travelling 21 June 2018

Châteaux of the Loire

In the heart of central France, the Loire Valley offers a combination of stunning scenery and a region steeped in history. The area is renowned for its array of vineyards, orchards and Châteaux bordering the banks of the Loire River. The 11-night tour with the Caravan and Motorhome Club is a great opportunity to explore the ‘Garden of France’ with its wine tasting activities and picturesque old towns. This tour includes an 11 night camping stay at Les Saules which is great for those who like active adventure, as it has a fitness trail and nature trail on site. Popular with nature lovers, over 50 species of birds have been seen from the site.

From £985 based on two people and a caravan or motorhome travelling 6 June 2018

Lot, Corrèze and Dordogne

Now in its second year, this tour is back by popular demand. The landscapes of Lot, Corrèze and Dordogne are just waiting to be explored. This scenic French area is best known for their tasteful wines, delightful cuisine and medieval history. This 12-night escorted tour includes a visit to the underground lakes and rock formations of the Gouffre de Padirac and a stop at the famous market of Sarlat where visitors can try local delicacies. This tour will stay at Domaine de la Paille Basse which is located in a beautifully restored medieval village. As a rural and secluded site, it is idyllic for those wanting to switch off at the end of a busy day exploring.

From £1,079 based on two people and caravan or motorhome travelling 8 May 2018

So for anyone who wants to take a tour of France be sure to check out what The Caravan and Motorhome Club has to offer. If we have a great summer across Europe, like we did last year, then a guided tour seems like an amazing idea to me.

Badger Puts Halt To Leisure Vehicle Storage Plans

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By William Coleman

When it comes to expanding your business you have to take a lot of things into consideration. There is the time, the money and then the impact it will have will have on the surrounding area. This company has run into a little four legged black and white snag. Otherwise known as a badger.

The owner of Forest View farm wants to expand his farm to include a site for caravan storage, but is in need of permission as part of a diversification of the land off Peckleton Lane in Desford. His initial plans of creating a 160 pitches on his 0.98 hectare site has had a real spanner thrown in the works by a cete of badgers.

Badgers have been a protected species in the UK since 1992. The act also protect the land that they live on and use as a habitat. The necessary act that protects the badger means the site will only be able to built with the capacity of 121 vehicles, and that is if the approval is actually given.

The farm was left to Roger Neep, who inherited the farm and its land in the mid 2000s, and has been running the farm as an arable operation, which has not seen the best success. Roger intends to turn the business around with the addition of the new camp site.

The agents for the land prepared a statement in support of the park extension: “It was identified at the time that alternative means of income to secure the future of the farm were needed. Alternative commercial use of the barns within the existing farmyard was secured which has brought in much needed income to support revenue from the farming operation.

While the financial situation of the farming has improved the applicant has identified that further diversification is necessary to continue to support the farming enterprise and to further future proof the far.”

The caravan storage area would sit adjacent to the farmyard commercial centre. There is already a HGV/haulage company, staircase manufacturer and glass fibre manufacturer located on the property.

The planning statement says that the site has the appearance of waste ground and has been used as a dumping area for battered farming vehicles, heavy rubble and waste soil. So not the most positive of statements. The early plans by Hinckley and Bosworth was to have the pitches created over two phases.

The ecological reports that were completed on the site revealed the active presence to badgers. Due to the badgers taking up residence on the site it means that the amount of fans would be cut down to avoid any interference with the animals. There would need to be a 15 meter buffer between the storage area and the location of the badger sets.

Due to the laws protecting the badgers you can find yourself with fines of £5000 and even prison time should you be prosecuted for harming the animals or damaging their setts.

There was an original application for permission, that was withdrawn last summer, but now a new one has been re-submitted for a smaller development.

CaravanTimes Presents – 5 Easter Caravanning `facts`

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Easter inspiration.

By Dan Cartwright

In-line with the forthcoming easter bank holiday we know your bags are already packed and your plans made so we thought we would do something a little bit different with some interesting easter trivia for your journey.

1. The first easter egg was produced by Fry’s of Bristol in 1873. As we all know Bailey caravans and motorhomes are made in Bristol close to the old Fry’s site but unfortunately they are made out of Alu-Tech rather than Chocolate… which leads on to your next interesting easter fact…

2. The tallest easter egg recorded was made in Italy in 2011 and dwarfs just about any caravan on the market today. The egg was 10.39 meters tall and weighed 7200KG. We assume this was a hollow egg so presumably a hot knife and you could install some windows and doors and use it as a caravan.. you’re gonna need one big tow car though.

3. Americans love Jelly Beans at easter and consume more than 16 million jelly beans over the Easter weekend. That’s enough Jelly beans that laid end-to-end would wrap around the world. The UK’s consumption is unknown but if you want an easter challenge then a jelly bean is 2cm and the average single axle caravan is 6 meters so if you eat 300 jelly beans you will have eaten the length of your caravan this easter.

4. Easter ethics… When it comes to Chocolate bunnies 76% of people eat the ears first but more than that, Florida state this year re-legalised the dying of chickens for easter. So if you are touring in florida and you see what looks like a tandoori chicken walking around – that’s all fine.

5.Easter is celebrated at different times by Eastern and Western Christians. That’s because the dates for Easter in Eastern Christianity are based on the Julian Calendar. Whilst this is ecclesiastically contentious and has been for many decades between the two churches it does mean that if you’re big in to Easter you can organise a motorhome or caravan road trip across europe to celebrate two Easters.