Conservation & Wildlife

At Highfields, we are committed to encouraging wildlife and protecting the environment. After all - it is the natural surroundings and countryside setting which help to make Highfields so special. Therefore, we always do our very best to look after our environment and where possible enhance it.

Highfields is set in 120 acres and is fortunate to benefit from large areas of unspoilt grassland and woodland, which in addition to the lakes, offer very diverse habitats for all kinds of plant and wildlife to enjoy.

Nature reserve

There is a dedicated 14-acre Nature Reserve adjoining the holiday park development with mowed pathways throughout. The Nature reserve is an ongoing project but already hosts a variety of wildlife including Field Voles, Kestrels, Foxes, Sky-larks, Deer, Owls and a pair of Buzzards to mention just a few. Our long-term objective is to blend the woodland habitat into the grassland habitat using intermediate stages of different types of grass, trees and shrubs. Customer information boards will be erected alongside each project as it progresses.

Woodland

We also have the benefit of a 30-acre mature woodland, predominantly planted with Pine & Spruce but with quite a few broadleaf varieties scattered throughout. The woodland benefits from wide rides (pathways) allowing access for our customers to enjoy. Sadly, since being planted in the 1960’s the woodland has had little attention and maintenance. We purchased the woodland in 2006 and we are now working with the Forestry Commission’s guidance to restore and regenerate, encouraging more light to enter through the canopy above. This will provide new habitats for greater diversity. Again, the woodland is a long-term project and whilst it is accessible now, our customers will see many improvements over the coming years.

Below is just some of the wildlife you can expect to see at Highfields:

Foxes
Deer (including Stags & Albinos!)
Bats
Hares/Rabbits
Field Voles
Stoats
Greater Spotted Woodpecker
Green Woodpecker
Grey Heron
Sparrow Hawks
Kestrels
Buzzards
Mallard Ducks

As Highfields is a brand new development, we will this year be applying for the David Bellamy Conservation Award for the first time. We have held the David Bellamy GOLD Award at our sister site (Lowfields) for many years now and hope to achieve the same for Highfields – Visit our awards page for more details on the David Bellamy Award at Highfields.