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Our Environment

We take our environmental responsibility very seriously…

The spectacular setting and wealth of wildlife on and around the River Dart Country Park are important to us. Our environmental policy is such that we wish to enhance this. The company has dramatically reduced its Carbon Footprint by constructing our own hydro-electric generator using water from the river. This means we are self-sufficient for 8 months of the year and it reduces our electricity consumption in the busy summer months. The unique hydro-dynamic screw (the first in the UK) was a finalist in the South West Regen Awards 2007 and won the DEBI (Devon Environmental Business Initiative) Renewable Energy Award for 2007. In 2009 we won the prestigious BCE Environmental Award in the SME category in recognition of the work that we have put into reducing our carbon footprint. Our efforts continue to be recognised as finalist in the DEBI Low Carbon Business category in 2011 and Winner in the English Riviera & South Devon Tourism Awards for Sustainable Tourism.

See our promotional video on YouTube  

We have saved, from April 2007 until July 2013, over 1000 tons of carbon and have generated over 2,000,000 kWh of electricity worth in excess of £200,000 from our hydro.

See our company environmental policy.

Biomass Boiler and District Heating Scheme

In the spring of 2010 we installed a 133 kWh woodchip boiler with underground district heating pipes which provides hot water to both the Woodlands and Meadows amenity blocks, heating to The Old Sawmill, hot water and heating to Holne Park House and The Coach House Bed & Breakfast.

Saving 200 tons of carbon and £20,000 annually. Replacing 11 oil and LPG boilers.

Solar PV Scheme

In 2023, the solar panels were installed, with the power generated supplying the Old Sawmill, Holne Park House, Woodlands amenity block, and part of the campsite. The panels generate 45, 000 kilowatts of power per hour.

Recycling and Waste

Our aim is to have a “Zero waste to Landfill” policy. To assist with this goal, we have constructed recycling points on the campsite and around the Park (made from our own estate timber). We ask that all visitors and guests respect the Park and do their bit by keeping the park and campsite clean by not dropping litter and sorting their waste accordingly.

We use a range of Vegare compostable food packaging and utensils at The Old Sawmill. Reusable pint cups are also available.

We also encourage a plastic bag free environment and our very own River Dart Country Park reusable bags are available from our on-site camping shop.

Eco-friendly packaging and utensils.
Plastic Bag Free Environment
River Dart Country Park Paper Bags

Conservation of Resources

We have a rolling program installing low-energy light fittings, better insulation, dual flush WCs and percussion taps to reduce our consumption of power and water. We ask that visitors and guests use the plugs provided in basins and sinks – particularly when doing the washing up!

Cleaning Products

We aim to use cleaning products that are environmentally friendly.

Eco Trail ACTIVITY

Eco Trail at River Dart Country Park

The Eco Trail is a free activity available on the River Dart Country Park app using a smart device, or without a device, by locating the Eco Trail boards around the site.

Venture across River Dart Country Park with Eco Ed while learning about all the things we are doing to help our environment!

Each location details fun information on environmental aspects unique to that specific spot. Look out for the Eco Trail boards at each location! The Eco Trail starts at the Observation Tower.


Finished the Eco Trail? Download your Eco Trail certificate below!

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DOWNLOAD A BROCHURE

Click on the link below…
Campsite & Holiday Park Brochure 2024

Click on the link below…
Day Visitor Leaflet 2024

LATEST EVENTS
Oktoberfest 2024 (4th – 6th Oct 2024)

Oktoberfest's a real one off...A completely unique VW event in the UK - indeed,…

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