Our Green Story
"Every idea starts with a seed" - Arthur Mount
How it all began...
When John and Wendy Hunt purchased Tyddyn Isaf Caravan Park in 1975 the camping and caravan fields were bare and windswept, devoid of any hedgerows or woodland. Despite the lack of vegetation, the vast open landscape evoked a sense of calm and tranquility. It was this potential that Arthur recognised when he joined his in-laws a few years later, inspiring him to embark on a mission to transform the camping and caravan park into something extraordinary, significant, and beneficial.
Arthur's ultimate goal was to build a lasting legacy that would span generations, and become a cherished childhood memory for many returning families. The inspiration for shaping Tyddyn Isaf into what it is today stemmed from Arthur's beloved childhood recollection of strolling through the enchanting Bluebell Woods in Eastleigh, Hampshire - foraging for damsons and blackberries whilst watching the local farmer tend to land.
It became important for him to encapsulate the unique and personal emotion of reminiscence and nostalgia, as Tyddyn Isaf would be a location for people from all walks of life to experience throughout their lifetime, and for many following generations.
"Hedgerows are the highway of the countryside" - David Bellamy
The first hedgerow planting took place to establish perimeter space and serve as a windbreak. As the hedgerows flourished, they transformed the landscape into distinct field areas.
Throughout the years, Arthur and his team have planted extensive stretches of hedgerow. They have refined their planting, resulting in hedgerows that now boast a variety of native vegetation, including blackthorn, hawthorn, beech, hazelnut, berries, and hazel. In autumn, the blackthorn yields sloe berries, a key ingredient of sloe gin.
The hedgerows also provide a home for an abundance of wildlife such as red squirrels, hedgehogs, ducks, birds, rabbits, butterflies, field mice, voles, and a plethora of interesting insects.
10,000-12,000 trees were first planted.
In 1992, an exciting grant opportunity emerged for tree planting, leading to the Wendy Wood mature woodland project. The planting involved the cultivation of over 10,000 trees. Arthur's initial selection focused on native varieties, including sweet chestnut, oak, and ash, marking another monumental moment of Tyddyn Isaf's commitment to sustainable and diverse forestry.
As Arthur planted the trees, he reminisced of the trail winding through Bluebell Wood. His intention was to create a pathway, inviting others to leisurely stroll through Wendy Wood, mirroring the cherished experience he once had in Bluebell Wood many years ago.
Over the course of time, we've consistently planted a diverse array of trees, cultivating over 30 distinct tree and fruit species. Among these are wild cherry, sweet chestnut, sycamore, wild honeysuckle, English oak, greenage, and damsens. Additionally, our orchard boasts a rich selection of apples, ranging from crabapples and dessert apples to cider apples.
Where we are now...
Sustainability is a journey, not a destination.
Three decades have passed since Arthur planted the first tree, and the idea he sewed many years ago has been continuously nurtured. It has been enriched with progressive and proactive ideas aimed at being as sustainable as possible.
We take great pride in our ongoing efforts and remain committed to cultivating a sustainable future for Tyddyn Isaf, our local community, and the planet. By practicing responsible management, and actively engaging with our community, we aim to make a positive impact on our environment.
At Tyddyn Isaf, we have a collection of 200 ground-mounted solar panels capable of producing up to 50 kW per hour.
The green renewable energy source effectively powers our main building, gym, offices, and restroom facilities across the entire park, contributing to our commitment to eco-friendly practices.
Our expansive recycling facility boasts multiple bins exclusively designated for various recyclable materials such as glass, cardboard, and plastic, along with a large green compactor. This compactor processes general waste and undergoes manual sorting on a picking line to ensure any mistakenly discarded recyclables are separated from the waste stream.
We repurpose both corrugated and flat cardboard packaging from our deliveries and recycle them in our compost, enriching the soil and creating optimal plant growth across the park.
Our cooking oil is also recycled which is then recycled into sustainable bio fuels.
We have installed low-flow showerheads and taps, harvesting rainwater, and using drought-resistant plants in our landscaping.
Our amenity block showers operate on a timer controlled by guests key fob. The water automatically turns off after a designated duration and can be reactivated using the fob. This system effectively minimizes water overuse.
We use electric vehicles and scooters to navigate various sections of the park, resulting in a decrease in our carbon footprint.
We have also installed a couple of EV chargers on-site, accessible for both guests and visitors.
Wendy Wood, our mature woodland, undergoes consistent year-round management and upkeep.
Each year, we introduce new trees and flowers to promote increased wildlife activity across all seasons.
Dedicated to safeguarding local wildlife and biodiversity, we've established on-site wildlife habitats such as bird boxes, bug hotels, and wildflower meadows. These environments serve as homes for a diverse array of local wildlife, including birds, insects, and small mammals.
We have invested in a range of energy-efficient systems such as LED lighting, low-flow water fixtures, and high-efficiency heating and cooling systems, which significantly reduces our energy consumption and carbon footprint.
