Environmental and Sustainable Ethos
Being a custodians of the land is something that comes naturally to the Lawrence family at Andrewshayes. Long before there was talk of environmental policies, Andrewshayes was a place where bio-diversity and sustainable practices were flourishing.
As farmers, caring for the land was just as important as caring for livestock. As the caravan park developed in the 1960’s, this attitude was held firm. Some visitors will remember watching the cows being milked and queuing up first thing in the morning at the shop for a pint of the freshest milk you could wish to drink.
One of the key features of the caravan park are the mature trees and shrub borders which provide nesting sites for many birds and insects. This theme was extended in 2007 with the planting of a small woodland, full of native trees and shrubs like wild cherry and spindle berry, which makes a lovely walk at any time of year.
Click of the tabs in the table below to to find out more about our environmental policies and measures we already have in place. We continue to reduce park’s carbon footprint and donate to The Word Forest, a tree planting scheme in Kenya.
- Renewable Energy
- Recycling
- Local Suppliers
- Electric Car Charging
- Bio-diversity
- Woodland Walk
- Environmental Policy
Solar Power
The holiday park has invested in a large area of solar panels on the redundant farm buildings which makes a huge contribution to the park's electricity supply. Excess is fed back into the national grid.
The swimming pool is heated using a combination of solar panels and a heat pump to reduce the reliance on fossil fuel.
The large greenhouse like structure over the swimming pool and a good overnight cover have both significantly increased the heat retention of the swimming pool and helped reduce the need for heating .
Water Conservation
The park has it's own sewage treatment plant with a reed bed which is an absolute wildlife haven.
Bore holes supply much of the park's water reducing the demand from the national water system.
Light
Sensor lights have been fitted where possible and bulbs are gradually being replaced with LED bulb.
Domestic Waste
Recycling facilities are provided alongside our made refuse points to encourage our customers to use these facilities.
You can recycle glass and cardboard (collected by Bottleman) as well as tins, cans, and plastic collected by Suez.
Our general waste contract has also moved to Suez who have a zero to landfill policy.
In addition, where possible, the park recycles rubbish from the day to day running of the business such as office and packaging waste, ink cartridges etc. We also aim to reduce waste at source so refill options are used where possible for cleaning products and swimming pool chemicals .
We are keen to use local suppliers where possible especially for our shop. We actively seek out Devon and Dorset companies for your day to day basics as well as holiday treats.
Examples of the these include Devon Fudge, Norcotts Cider and Moores Dorset Biscuits. For our shop supplies we use Hunts Foodservice who have recently been B Corp certified as well as Devon based wholesalers Otterdene and Youings.
We also always use local tradesmen and local suppliers for building and park maintenance supplies such as Bradfords, AJ Supplies, Blampayne Sawmills, Mole Avon and Spot On Supplies.
Andrewshayes has 3 charging points on the park.
Two are overnight chargers 7kWh - ideal if you are not in a rush.
If you want a quick top up before heading to the beach then the 22 kWh medium fast charge unit from Rolec is also available.
Both use the popular VendElectric system which can be easily accessed using the VendElectric App.
The charge unit rate is are kept lower than many public charging sites.
Please note we do not permit charging from EHU points on our touring and tent pitches or from static caravans - if you are seen doing this there will be a £25 excess payment charge.
The park has always striven to enhance the environment and bio-diversity for wildlife with the development of habitat areas, leaving field boundaries wild and the planting of native trees, shrubs and wild flowers.
We are Gold Award winners for the David Bellamy Environmental Scheme, members of the Blooming Marvellous Scheme as well as being awarded Honey Bee Friendly Status and special commendation for our woodland.
Around the park we have nature interpretation boards so families can learn more about our local wildlife.
The park has a lovely woodland walk suitable for the whole family which is filled with birds who can feast on the wild.
Our Orchard Retreat is named after the avenue of apple trees along side it. These are a mixture of heritage eating and cider apples. The Orchard Retreat has also been planted with native trees and for the millennium we planted a Mulberry tree.
The park is Members of the Devon Wildlife Trust making regular donations.
Outdoor events and ideas for local walks, maps and days e.g. at local nature reserves are shared in our well stock information room.
You can also learn more about how we are reducing our carbon footprint by linking up with The Word Forest Organisation and planting trees in Kenya.
The Word Forest Organisation
First Planted in 2006, our small woodland is a lovely place for a stroll where you are surrounded by native trees, shrubs and flowers and birdsong is all around you. Access is opposite the main park entrance.
Have a look at our short video on the Woodlands, Click Here to see our Woodland walk video
Read our full Environmental Policy here.
Environmental Statement
Our aim is to continually improve all aspects of our park to ensure that:
a) we minimise the collective impact our park and its visitors have on the environment
b) we actively seek ways to improve the natural environment and wildlife of the park
c) consider our staff, the local community and local economy
d) consider the impact our purchasing actions have on other communities
The aims of the statement will be carried out in the following areas.
1. SUSTAINABILITY AND RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
We will assess the environmental impact of all our future developments. We also continue to look closely at our current operations, adopting eco-friendly measures where possible, in order to ensure our efforts to minimise our carbon foot print and be sustainable are the best we can manage.
We are committed to reducing the pollution and waste produced by our park.
We aim to reduce the consumption of raw materials, energy and supplies on our park, using sustainable alternatives where ever possible.
We expect high environmental standards from all our suppliers and contractors.
By providing recycling facilities and local information we hope to encourage our customers to respect the environment and encourage guests to reduce their carbon footprint.
2. WILDLIFE
Andrewshayes actively enhances the environment and bio-diversity of the park wildlife by enhancing habitat areas, continuing to plant native trees and shrubs and local species. We hope to encourage insects and birds, including owls e.g. by providing suitable nesting sites and habitats.
We ask visitors to respect the plants and wildlife and instruct children not to harm them.
Andrewshayes has signed the Honey Bee Pledge, ensuring that we actively promote and develop habitats to secure the future of the honey bee and other pollinators.
Interpretation and Information
We aim to encourage visitors to learn more about the local wildlife through interpretation boards and by providing details of nearby wildlife nature reserves and events.
3. PEOPLE
Ensure fair and equal pay to all members of staff. Support staff with training including on environmental matters and accessibility.
Employ local staff and tradesmen and suppliers for site work where ever possible.
Help educate staff to make sustainable decisions during day to day activities around the park.
4. SUPPORTING THE LOCAL COMMUNITY
Ensure noise and light pollution are kept to a minimum and hedges for screening well maintained.
Maintain an updated web site with clear directions to avoid visitors getting lost and driving through the lanes.
Provide seasonal touring pitches which reduce the need for towing.
Promote Things to Do within 10 miles of the park and local Information is provided in the information room. Advertise local independent shops, pubs and restaurants.
Provide details of dog walks / footpaths / local walks and public transport to reduce use of cars whilst on holiday.
Encourage and support local and environmental charities, we are members of the Devon Wildlife Trust.
5. PURCHASING
Andrewshayes will consider the environmental consequences of all our purchasing decisions.
Use local suppliers where possible and have local produce and environmentally friendly items for sale in the shop.