We are constantly trying to to protect and
enhance our beautiful environment, both locally and globally.
Large scale measures like installing a sewage treatment plant, together
with several positive changes to management procedures have been
well received by our campers and Caravanners. Working together we
hope we have achieved a greener more eco-friendly environment.
ENVIRONMENTAL MEASURES AT GREENDALE
To
replace the generated part time electrics we inherited, it was
necessary to bring mains electric more than half a mile from the
village. To keep the attractive nature of the lane this was done
underground. If you guessed a fraction of the price of this you
wouldn’t complain about the cost of electricity on a campsite ever
again!
The
ailing septic tank was replaced by a sewage treatment plant.
The water is supposed to come out very clear but to be sure it is then piped
underground to a soak-away in a neighbouring farm field, well away
from the brook.
With
the complete refurbishment of the toilet block in 2004, new taps
were, reluctantly, the push type but this does prevent the 2003
problem when hot taps were often left on. Toilets are all much
more efficient with dual flush, saving considerable water. The
men’s urinal has a Sensiflow system, which just flushes
[automatically] after use. The internal lights are very bright but
are only 25-watt long life bulbs.
Internal ceilings put up in the shop & toilets improve heating
insulation.
Increased wildflowers – both
naturally and planted. Planted includes: small scabious, lesser
knapweed, greater knapweed, field scabious, perennial flax,
poppies, teasels, various thistles, foxgloves etc.
Herb
garden, mainly mint, created next to the water tap. Marjoram
[great for the butterflies] & mint planted in hedgerow bottom
elsewhere. Several further buddleia plants & two honeysuckles.
Numerous spring bulbs have been planted, mainly outside along the
road; a hundred plus English bluebells have been on the bank of
the brook [but with only limited success [as yet!] & a selection
of other plants around the site such as redcurrant, echinacea &
cottage garden plants.
Solar
panels, on the roof, now heat the swimming pool to a very pleasant
level, replacing an electric heater.
Flower beds left with seed heads for wild life benefit.
Birds:
There are bird feeders visible from all pitches
and a variety of seeds and nuts are on sale from the shop.
11 bird boxes are placed in the trees. One was used by
bumble bees in the first year but they are generally used by tree
sparrows & great tits. Watching them fledge is fascinating even if
you are not usually interested in birds! In conjunction with
Wildhomes, bird surveys
are conducted with nesting boxes and the data sent to BTO. This is
the fourth
year of tree sparrows breeding successfully.
The hedges are alive with nests of other birds: blackbirds,
yellow hammers, robins etc
