Skelwith Fold is a social hormone; a place where families can come, learn, enjoy and experience the natural environment
Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
Sustainable Tourism is a very large subject with many opinions and assumptions. Many cannot agree on what in fact it actually means. We believe that to try is worthwhile and adopt the view of the Brundtland Commission of the United Nations in March 1987 who said, “sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs”.
This helps give us a direction and later in 2005 at the World Summit it was stated that “Sustainability requires the reconciliation of environmental, social and economic demands”.
We believe that the Caravanning product in all its guises and the product we provide at Skelwith meet both of these statements.
An indication that this is a reasonable assumption is suggested by ongoing work on the Carbon impact of our operation on the environment done by a reputable consultancy.
Skelwith Fold was once described by Professor Bellamy as a social hormone, a place where families can come, learn, enjoy and experience the natural environment in a controlled informed manner. A place where people are free to see, touch and smell without unreasonable constraints.
Sustainable Tourism at Skelwith Fold
At Skelwith Fold, we’re more than just a place to stay – we’re a part of the beautiful Lake District, and we’re committed to protecting it for generations to come. Our dedication to sustainable tourism isn’t just a trend; it’s a core value that shapes everything we do.
Our Story: A Legacy of Green Thinking
Our journey began in Lancashire in 1972 with Syd Wild’s vision of providing an escape to the countryside in our sister park, Moss Wood. This love for nature was passed down to his son, Henry, who brought that same environmental focus to Skelwith Fold when he took over in 1995. We were one of the pioneers in the industry, becoming one of the first parks to join the David Bellamy Conservation Award Scheme and achieving the top ‘Gold’ level for over 20 consecutive years.
What Makes Us Different: Our Sustainable Practices
- Minimizing Waste, Maximizing Resources: We’re committed to reducing our environmental footprint. Our innovative reed bed system, installed in the late 1990s and the first of its kind in Cumbria, treats our sewage naturally, so only clean water is discharged back into the environment. We also repurpose materials like wood from storm-felled trees for various construction projects such as the wooden cladding around our central Reception building and our new nature hide.
- Protecting Wildlife: Skelwith Fold is a haven for native wildlife, including the iconic red squirrel (our mascot, Sammy!). We actively manage and protect their habitat, providing both naturally grown and artificial homes, and replanting native shrubs to support a thriving ecosystem.
- Empowering Our Guests: We believe in inspiring our guests to join us on our sustainability journey. We share tips and information on sustainable practices through our social media, newsletters, and even gifts like wildflower seeds and acorns at special events to encourage action at home.
- Supporting Local and Ethical Businesses: Our Skelwith Fold Advantage Club scheme partners with a wide range of local businesses that share our commitment to ethical and sustainable practices. This encourages our guests to explore the local area, support the local economy, and reduce their carbon footprint.
- Renewable Energy: We utilize solar panels to generate electricity, enough to power our main buildings on clear days, and use a 100% renewable energy tariff to top up the rest of our park’s needs.
Our Commitment to Continuous Improvement
We’re always looking for ways to improve our sustainable practices. In recent years, we have:
- Recovered from Storm Arwen by creating eco-piles for wildlife and repurposing fallen trees.
- Overhauled our shop to increase the amount of locally sourced products from 30% to 70%.
- Introduced a new app for our guests to further promote sustainable local businesses and attractions.
- Supporting staff in their civic duties and charity work, recognizing the importance of social responsibility.
Looking Ahead: Our Future Goals
We’re excited to introduce even more initiatives in the coming years, including:
- A new Nature Trail to educate guests about the park’s wildlife, featuring an interactive storybook about Sammy the Squirrel.
- A program to reduce waste cooking produce by turning used oil and fats into bird feed.
- A “Wild Day” event to showcase our conservation efforts and inspire guests to take action.
At Skelwith Fold, we believe that sustainable tourism is about creating unforgettable experiences while protecting the planet and supporting our local community. Join us in our commitment to a greener future!