David Bellamy Conservation Award
Message from David Bellamy,
"Welcome aboard and straight into gold. It’s obvious that you have been really busy over the last few years and I am deeply impressed by your continued commitment to conservation. I’d like to thank you and your staff for all the hard work you have put in on behalf of the environment. I am particularly pleased to hear from Phil (your assessor) that you are following the same principles as you do on Lowfields. He seems really impressed with all that you have done so far and the promise of what is to come has me really impressed with all that you have done so far and the promise of what is to come has me really excited. I really like the idea of a local fishing expert available to train youngsters in the art of responsible fishing practise. I am also fired up by the thought of caravans with solar panels in the roof.
Phil (your assessor) has fallen in love with this park and is sure that you will continue in the same successful vein as Lowfields when you consider anything new in the future.
Many congratulations again – please remember that everything you do is vital to the future of Britain’s wildlife: Keep up the great work and make 2010 your greenest year yet!"
The David Bellamy Conservation Award Scheme was set up in 1996 by Professor David Bellamy and is designed to recognise British Parks for their contribution and commitment towards the protection and enhancement of the natural environment.
The assessment of the Park covers many environmental issues - ranging from aspects such as the care of hedgerows and wild flowers to the sitting of bird boxes and the development and protection of reed beds, wildlife ponds and lakes. Professor Bellamy also looks at aspects of park management which do not directly affect the immediate environment, but which are important in overall conservation terms, such as sensible water management systems, the utilisation of long-life light bulbs and recycling of waste.
For many years, our initiatives at Lowfields (our sister site) have earned us the GOLD award. Activities have included recycling, using low level lighting around the site, encouraging wildlife in all shapes and forms through creation of new and maintenance of existing habitats and erecting bird, owl and bat boxes. High-nectar flower borders have been created, water butts installed and grassland management techniques have been successfully utilised. We conserve our lakes and keep a three dimensional appearance throughout the site which helps to create a haven for wildlife.
At Highfields, there is much more scope due to the amount and type of land available. We already have a reed-bed system in operation which helps to purify waste water and there is lots, lots more to come!
Woodland
