Wick Farm wins Bellamy silver for conservation

The Old Oaks caravan and camp site at Wick Farm — named for Gog and Magog, trees possibly two millennia old on the farm — won a conservation award from David Bellamy. He judges the contest personally, studying thorough reports from independent assessors who visit sites with checklists. They consider how well designed the site is in conjunction with its environment and look out for extra touches such aas birdboxes. More trees, ground cover, low-voltage lighting and recycled litter are among items checked. Rather than cash, the prize is prestige — a strong selling point for the park to put in its brochure.

The Old Oaks also won the Calor Gas award in December for the most improved park in England. Judges were impressed by underground cabling leaving uninterrupted views, wildflower areas, a Victorian reed-bed sewage system and a “delightful fishpond in a natural setting which enhances the peacefulness of the park as a whole.” The owners, Jim and Sally White and their four sons, will use the £1,000 prize for more work on the pond area, further planting to encourage wildlife, and highlighting natural features in the dog-walk area.