White Acres Holiday Park in Cornwall has been granted an Award of Special Distinction by David Bellamy Conservation Award Scheme. This is in addition to the gold award the park holds for their dedication to good environmental practice and well-kept natural settings.

White Acres achieved the Award of Special Distinction, created for 2009, by demonstrating innovation and commitment to engaging young people’s interest in food and its source, through cookery and the park’s own produce. White Acres is amongst a small number of parks to receive the award in its first year.

In light of increasing childhood obesity figures and the movement to reduce our carbon foot print and save money, the new award recognises the holiday park’s efforts in working towards encouraging children to eat their 5 a day by involving them in fun interactive activities, learning about growing fruit and vegetables through to cooking their own meals.

White Acres earned their award through its Treetops Grove kids’ club, hosting green fingered activities for 4 – 10 year olds, planting and picking their own produce at Multi’s Allotment. Home grown delights are then used in the popular pizza making activity at the park’s Pizzeria.

This is a fantastic achievement that everyone at Parkdean are extremely proud to have won.

This is what David Bellamy had to say…

“Anything that gets kids in touch with nature and encourages them to get their hands mucky gets my vote. White Acres is promoting real hands-on natural history, and healthy eating, and for that I applaud them.”

Visit the White Acres Holiday Park homepage for more info.

Think two weeks might not be long enough to get in a great caravan holiday across the UK? If so, read on and let us put your mind to rest.

May is officially the first month of the year where you are allowed to let your imagination of the upcoming summer holidays run free without guilt. Even if you keep your holidays till the end of summer, you can still count down the weeks from here. Before now, it all seemed a little too far away to get excited about, didn’t it? Sure we all daydream of golden beaches in Devon, the ruggedness of Scotland and the rolling hills of Wales year-round, but May is finally the month where giving your holiday notice to the office transforms your imagination into the planning stage!

Dust off and saddle up the family caravan, take two weeks off this summer and stay at home for the ‘staycation’ summer of 2009! For those fortunate enough to have two weeks off and a caravan to get you from A to B, here’s our recommended itinerary. This summer, let the best of Scotland, Wales and England’s West Coast remind you how great holidaying in THIS country can be!

Two weeks in a caravan is plenty of time - the key, like most things in life, is proper planning. If you need a little guidence to get the ball rolling, allow us to provide you with an example itinerary to go by…

From NORTH TO SOUTH (just reverse the order if heading the other direction!)

DAY 1
Grannie’s Heilan’ Hame Holiday Park - Dornoch Firth, Scotland

Ready to go?! This is where you you begin your 2 week southwards caravan journey to the south coast. Set in an idyllic location, Grannie’s Heilan’ Hame offers direct access to stunning Embo Beach and its white fine sand – you may even be lucky enough to spot dolphins and seals. Nice start!

DAY 2
Nairn Lochloy Holiday Park - Moray Firth, Scotland

At Nairn Lochloy you’re in a glorious spot nestled between a pretty marina, two championship golf courses and the sand dunes of East Nairn Beach

DAY 3
Tummel Valley Holiday Park - Near Pitlochry, Perthshire, Scotland

Tummel Valley is the perfect retreat to enjoy the great outdoors and stunning scenery. This scenic woodland park, set on the banks of the River Tummel in the heart of Tay Forest, is where you can really get away from it all.

DAY 4
A well needed day to yourself. Not far to go to your next scheduled stop, Sundrum Castle Holiday Park

DAY 5
Sundrum Castle Holiday Park - Ayrshire & Arran, Scotland

Head to Sundrum Castle for a fun filled holiday! This five star park has plenty on offer to keep everyone entertained including an indoor pool with flume and toddlers’ pool. Off park, Ayrshire has plenty to see and do with over 30 castles, sandy beaches and rolling countryside.

DAY 6
Free day to play. Glasgow or Edinburgh? You are minutes away from either.

DAY 7
Southerness Holiday Park - Dumfries & Galloway, Scotland

Situated just steps away from a beach that stretches for over two miles with views overlooking the Solway Firth and minutes away from a choice of great golf courses, you’ll never be short of things to do.

DAY 8
Another free day - but you need to move a little this one! This is the only day you’ll need to drive a fair amount, so hopefully you’re ready for a trip through beautiful Wales down to Swansea, the next stop.

DAY 9
Pendine Sands Holiday Park - South West Wales

At Pendine Sands, you’re a short walk from miles of glorious sandy beach and surrounded by stunning Welsh countryside, and otherwise relax from yesterday’s driving.

DAY 10
Ruda Holiday Park - Croyde Bay, North Devon

Ruda has it all; golden sands, world class surfing and excellent park facilities set in the charming hamlet of Croyde. Learn to surf with the school on park, explore the coastal path to Baggy Point for stunning views of Lundy Island or ‘go wild’ in the park’s indoor Tropical Adventure Pool.

DAY 11
Holywell Bay Holiday Park - Newquay, Cornwall

This park is ideal for beach lovers with the famous Gull Rocks of Holywell Bay beach just a short stroll from the park.

DAY 12
A lazy day on your own. Not so much travelling to do today, just take it easy. There are so many options here, go wherever the breeze takes you. Whatever you decide to do, get ready for the last two stops on your caravan adventure - Torquay and Hayling Island!

DAY 13
Torquay Holiday Park - The English Riviera

Torquay is set in a superb hillside location, surrounded by rolling Devon countryside with stunning views in every direction. This park is a great base for exploring the English Riviera, its stunning beaches and the nearby resorts of Paignton, Brixham and Torquay.

DAY 14
Hayling Island Holiday Park - Hampshire

Your caravan itenerary ends (or, begins!) at one of the treasures of the south coast, Hayling Island. Hayling Island’s stunning location is perfect for exploring the south coast and the award winning beaches nearby. This area is one of the UK’s top locations for sailing and watersports.

SOURCE: Parkdean Holidays