The Cumbrian family behind Britain’s first holiday park to win the UK’s highest honours for business have been presented with the official commemoration of their achievement.
The Quiet Site in Watermillock, near Penrith, was visited this month by the Lord-Lieutenant of Cumbria, Claire Hensmen, who made the presentation.
It was received by Daniel Holder and his son George at their park near the shores of Ullswater where “green tourism” has been on the agenda for over 30 years.
Ms Hensman was accompanied by Sarah Dunning OBE whose own Cumbria-based family business, Westmorland Family, also has sustainability at its heart.
Daniel received a certificate signed by The Queen and the Prime Minister, and a crystal glass vase.
The Quiet Site is also now permitted to fly the Queen’s Award flag for the next five years.
The Queen’s Award for Enterprise in Sustainable Development highlights Britain’s most environmentally responsible businesses, and this is the first-ever win by a holiday park.
“This is an immensely proud moment for us, and a fantastic spur to our efforts to allow people to enjoy this beautiful region without creating a negative impact,” said Daniel.
“Cumbria’s economy relies heavily on tourism to support businesses and provide jobs, and we believe this needn’t be inconsistent with protecting the natural world.
“For example, we have invested heavily in sustainable technologies over the years, including solar panels and biomass heating, as well as banning single-use plastics.
“We also operate a very popular zero waste food shop specialising in Cumbrian produce free from unnecessary packaging, and with the fewest possible food miles under its belt.
“The Quiet Site’s holiday homes, including our underground Hobbit holes, are highly insulated, extremely energy efficient, and built from sustainable materials. At the same time, they provide an exciting and memorable alternative to traditional holiday accommodation and are especially loved by young families.
“Hopefully we are also sending out the message that, by making even minor adjustments to our lives, it’s possible to make a real difference to our environmental impact.”
Last year, The Quiet Site scooped another major national green accolade when it took silver in the finals of the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence in the sustainable tourism category.
Since acquiring the park 20 years ago as a simple camping field, Daniel and his wife Anne have created one of the Lake District’s most celebrated parks.
As well as its Hobbit holes, the park offers camping pods, glamping cabins, holiday cottages, pitches for motorhomes and tents. The Quiet Site has also just completed a development of Gingerbread Houses which, says Daniel, actually create more energy than they consume.
