Environmental Awareness
The David Bellamy Conservation Award
This scheme was set up in 1996 in consultation with Professor David Bellamy, with the aim to make holiday parks more conscious of the local environment. The scheme encourages parks to improve their environmental management practices, which in turn helps to encourage growth of local Wildlife. To date, more than 500 parks have gained The David Bellamy Conservation Award.
Conservation has always been important to Searles. When the Scheme was first introduced Richard Searle, who was at that time the National Chairman of the British Holiday & Homes Parks Association, was part of the committee that encouraged Professor David Bellamy to put his name behind the scheme. Searles have been a member since 1996 and has been a Gold Member since 1998. Searles maintain many areas of the park in accordance with the scheme including the entrance, the boundary and the formal gardens, protect the wildflowers and wildlife park wide, as well as managing how pitches are laid out, use of lighting, use alternative energy, water wisdom and refuse management.
Recycling
The use of green boxes has led to an increasing level of recycling at home. Searles is continuing to use Biffa Waste management to remove the waste from the resort then deliver it to a transfer station to be sorted and recycled. New green bins have also been placed round the park to increases peoples awareness of recyclable materials. We have a Ramblers passport, as well as a ‘Sydney says’ sheet for the children regarding protecting the environment, and plans for a nature trail, where people have the chance to spot and note down the local wildlife.
Water
Conserving water is very important. Water butts have been placed to collect rain water, and are then used in watering many plants and flowers around the park. We have installed push type taps and showers in our amenity areas. We have also invested in new equipment that reduces the amount of water used per minute without comprising the performance, which also means both electricity and gas costs are reduced, as you do not have heat so much water.
Electricity
We endeavour where possible to use low energy bulbs and also keep unnecessary lighting usage around the park down to minimum. You can conserve electricity by switching off appliances such as televisions and DVD players at the socket rather than leaving them on stand by.
Formal Gardens and Wildlife Areas
Spread around the park are many formal gardens, which add colour and attract wildlife. There are also areas which we leave to grow as nature intended, such as to the side of the golf course road, areas in and around both Golf Courses and areas between our Lodges at 204-221 and both Rookery and Gower Court. Areas where Buddleia and similar plants were introduced have attracted increasing amount of butterflies as well as other wildlife.
Keep the Norfolk Coast special - some ways you can help
Leave the car behind
Explore at a slower pace. Some of the best ways to do this is on foot, by bike, or use our Land Train to travel to the Town Centre, The Lighthouse or Old Hunstanton Beach. There are paths and quiet lanes inland and buses or trains can take you further a field. The Coast Hopper Bus Service, which runs from King’s Lynn railway station, stops at Searles as it heads around the coast on its way to Cromer. Bring the family by rail and enjoy a relaxing, fun filled holiday at Searles! If you do use the car, drive and park carefully. The coast roads are often narrow and winding, so great care and slower speeds are needed. Please park only in designated areas, and not on the verges. Take care not to block gateways or access points.
Shop Locally
The shops in the area sell excellent fresh produce, local specialities and products. By buying these and shopping locally, you will be helping local producers and shops keep their communities thriving. Other services such as public transport, taxis, pubs and other local businesses also need your support.
Keep dogs under control
Preferably on a lead as this helps prevent disturbances, particularly to nesting birds in the summer. Livestock and game will also be protected, and children and other visitors won’t be upset. Finally, please always clear up after your dog.
Leave nesting birds in peace
Please keep to the paths, and play on the beach, not in the dunes. The dunes and shingle areas at the back of Norfolk’s beaches are sensitive areas. N.B. All of the Hunstanton Beach Area can be used for beach activities as it is designated for this purpose.
Support Organisations
In 2016 Searles was nominated as a finalist for the West Norfolk Mayor’s Business Awards for Contribution to the Community. You can support organisations which care for the area, from conservation bodies to local societies, church appeals to local charities, by making donations, becoming a member, supporting local events or even giving some time. Help from volunteers is very gratefully received by many organisations. View the Towns Heritage by visiting the Heritage Trail. Details are available at the Tourist Information centre at the Town Hall. We, at Searles are continually looking at the carbon impact our park has on the environment. We are aware of the big challenge this represents, but we also recognise everyone is becoming more mindful and informed to the
issue of conservation.