Campingninja Blog

Dernwood Campsite

What makes a 'Green' Campsite?

Eco campsite, sustainability, green awards, bio-diversity? Where to start!

We have an amazing variety of campsites here in the UK from Back to Basics to an all singing, all dancing Holiday Parks but what makes a campsite ‘green’. The answer comes from the passion and ethos of the people who run them.

Statistics show that here in the UK 68% of us will make a green choice if it’s presented in front of us.

Here are our Top Green credentials you should look out for to find the Best Green Campsite for you. 

Recycling

Something many of us do automatically
at home and yet not all businesses and campsites supply recycling points. It can be very frustrating to see all your recycling waste like glass go to
landfill. Look out for campsites that do recycle. Many provide multiple
points around the park.

Green Awards

There are 2 big awards to look out for in the camping industry. David Bellamy Award and the Green Business Tourism Scheme. Both of these offer Gold, Silver and Bronze awards. Both look at a whole range of criteria from renewal energy to the purchasing of goods. These 2 awards are not exclusive as they do require a membership of various organisations. There are also many local awards run by National Parks, Local business schemes or Regional Tourist Boards.

Local Produce

Can be one of the great highlights of
camping. Trying fantastic regional goods supplied almost at source. Look for
campsites that are proud to source and sell local produce. Some grow their own veg, some link
up with local butchers and offer BBQ packs, some bake their own bread on site.
Some support Local Farmers' market nearby and will be happy to pass on opening times to you.

Renewable energy

Solar and wind power are being used more and more by campsites owners. Some may use it for powering the site. Others use it to help heat swimming pools and provide showers. Using it to top up and therefore reduce their overall usual energy usage.

Back Packer rates

Forward thinking campsites offer back packer rates to those arriving on foot
or by bike. Makes sense as well. Someone carrying their camping gear brings smaller tents, takes up less space, no vehicles = less damage to the land, more likely to buy local produce rather than shopping in Tesco. Look for campsites that actively encourage people arriving by Public Transport , on foot or by bike. These campsites offer discounted rates and don't punish you by charging you the same rates for large tents or in some cases caravans.

Wildlife programme

Many campsites develop wild flower areas and encourage natural habitats on their land. They then promote these Wildlife Programmes by providing walks, guides, signage boards and even in some case guided walks and nocturnal nature visits with a ranger. Great for kids and adults alike.

The David Bellamy Award is a big advocate of Bio-diversity and those campsites which are members of the scheme are encouraged to look at their parks and surroundings with fresh eyes and encourage the fostering of natural habitats.

Biodegradables used

Having a campsite in a stunning location, perhaps on farm land, in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty or a National Park, can have a huge impact on the environment especially when hundreds of campers descend for the week or weekend. All taking showers, washing up and using toilets. Many campsites take their role as land owners very seriously and will source biodegradable cleaning and other products. To do
your bit think carefully before you go away. What do you need, what can you bring. For an example Packing List try ours.

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