Awarded Gold
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Sustainable Holidays in Cornwall – Eco-Friendly Breaks at Tehidy
Why Sustainable Holidays Are Important to Us 💚
The answer to this question is simple – sustainable holidays are healthy for our environment, good for nature and great for our visitors.
After all, future generations should be able to experience the joy and wonder of exploring Cornwall, as we have 💚
Naturally, visitors come to Cornwall because of its amazing natural beauty and at Tehidy Holiday Park preserving this environment through sustainable holidays has been a key focus for the last 18 years. We like to think you can have your cake and eat it – as long as you choose the right ingredients💚
Taking our commitment to sustainable tourism seriously is at the core of everything we do – and we’re proud to be carbon neutral. What’s more, electric car drivers now have the convenience of a rapid rapid EV charging point on site. As a result, exploring Cornwall from our amazingly central location is easy and green.
“There is so much to admire at Tehidy Holiday Park, not least of which is the attention to detail and pride which underpins all aspects. There is such a relaxed and peaceful atmosphere here, no doubt much appreciated by guests. Pitches are well presented with good screening ensuring privacy for guests. The central area is a lovely asset and no doubt much enjoyed by families. A well-stocked shop, hard to believe it was once a forge, what a transformation! Impressive website as discussed, so helpful and informative with strong visuals. Lovely to see the recordings of animals and birds, reflecting the ethos here.”
Green Tourism Gold – Our Sustainable Holiday Credentials
We see Tehidy Holiday Park as being an extension of our natural surroundings and have always held an eco conscience at the heart of all we do. The carefully planned and managed setting is a haven for wildlife, and as such, we strive to have a gentle environmental footprint. Being close to nature is more important than ever, and we are keen to preserve our wildlife-friendly environment for the benefit of nature and to enhance the experience of our guests. Ultimately, it’s what makes a sustainable holiday at Tehidy so special.
What Makes Our Holidays Sustainable – A Taste of What We Do
Sustainable Habitats & Green Spaces
Cornish Hedging – A Sustainable Tradition
– we make these with local soil and stone, creating a wonderful habitat for plants and insects. In fact, some of our hedges are over 350 years old and are a part of ‘what makes Cornwall special’. Since then, we have created many more Cornish hedges.
Hedging and trees
– a wide range of hedging and trees, great for birds and insects. In addition, hedges act as windbreaks, naturally manage groundwater levels and are good for wildlife. Similarly, removed trees and branches can be used to make beautiful carvings, seats or wood piles. Over the years, we’ve also planted hundreds of meters of native species hedge.
Bird, bat boxes and feeders
– many different types of birds use our nest boxes. For instance, a nest box camera operates in reception, and we follow generations of blue tits. Furthermore, feeders support our birds all year round and allow guests to enjoy some bird watching too.
Flower borders
– flower borders allow rain to soak in and keep groundwater levels needed for healthy plants. We source the stone locally and consequently, the spaces between stones create a great habitat for plants and insects. On top of that, we use homemade compost from green waste for the flowerbeds which helps with water retention in dry summers too.
Wild borders
– wildflowers flourish in areas specially set aside for them. Meanwhile, we hand-pick out brambles and nettles from areas where people have access, such as around camping pitches. Our lovely bee hotel also helps overwintering insects, including many types of pollinators.
Wild Areas – Nature-Friendly Holidays
– nature is abundant in these wild spaces, so we manage them on a 3-year cycle to allow regeneration and diversity. Woodpiles create perfect homes for animals including hedgehogs, voles and insects. In fact, there are even handmade hedgehog houses tucked away for our little guests. Likewise, feeding stations and clean water supplies help our prickly friends too. The caravans have wooden skirts around them – they look better and also provide a safe refuge for birds and hedgehogs on their wanderings.
Orchard and wildflower areas
– bees, butterflies and birds love this area with wildflowers and fruit trees which provide us with a beautiful year-round backdrop. Naturally, the apples make great cider in the autumn too.
Eco hard stands
– traditional gravel hardstands and ‘green’ tracked grass hardstands are permeable, therefore letting rain soak into the ground and reducing water runoff.
Sustainable Energy & Resource Management
Green Energy for Sustainable Stays
– electricity is 100% green energy from renewable sources like wind and solar. We use low-energy ‘a’ rated appliances, and communal indoor rooms have occupancy sensors to reduce usage. Meanwhile, our cottages are super insulated to northern European standards, which is twice that of the UK and have super-efficient heating systems. Additionally, solar thermal heating provides hot water for our camper’s shower facilities.
Low light pollution
– outdoor lighting gives safe access and also minimises light pollution to help you enjoy the night sky. As a result, it’s perfect for looking out at dusk to spot an owl. Or search for our wonderful owl carving created by Matt Crabb, the UK chainsaw carving champion.
Recycling and Waste – Sustainable Practices
– we recycle over 40% of our waste through an easy-to-use recycling system in all areas of the park. For instance, in reception you’ll find reclaimed body boards, buckets, windbreaks and more, perfect for our guests to use on a day out. Best of all, they are free to use – we simply ask for a donation in a charity box. On top of that, you can even recycle batteries here too.
Cleaning products
– where possible, we use eco-friendly products that are kind and healthier for people and nature.
Reducing Waste & Protecting Our Environment
Plastic alternatives
– We’re phasing out plastic products across the park. Where plastic is still used, we bulk buy and refill containers instead.
The office and reception
– Reception was once the blacksmith’s forge for mining ponies and dates back to 1650. Accordingly, we choose eco-friendly products throughout. Recycled paper, ink cartridge recycling and emails all help save resources.
Water
– communal areas have push taps and we’ve fitted WCs with low flush options. Furthermore, water butts catch rain from gutters, and we use this for our planters. ACO drains catch surface water and divert it to soakaways to maintain ground water levels. Meanwhile, our gravel car parks allow water to soak in and reduce run off.
Stream and pond
– our small pond is a home for newts and frogs as well as many types of insects such as dragonflies. As a result, it shows a pond doesn’t have to be big to benefit wildlife. In addition, the stream bank is a corridor for birds and animals, such as kingfisher, dippers, fox and deer.
Key points of Gold Award
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Firstly, we are committed to supporting our staff’s health and wellbeing, our community, equality, diversity and inclusivity
- Secondly, we aim to provide an excellent customer experience
- Above all, our initiatives focus on improving biodiversity, supporting local businesses, using local suppliers and sustainable travel – it’s what underpins our approach to sustainable holidays
Find out more about the Green Tourism Award by clicking here
David Bellamy Gold Award – Recognising Sustainable Tourism
The David Bellamy Conservation scheme Gold Award was seen as the highest level of recognition for environmental practices. Although they no longer give this award, they do help businesses begin their journey in being sustainable. Nevertheless, we were proud holders of their Gold Award every year after we came to Tehidy and thank them for their support in our Green journey.
Cornwall Wildlife Trust – Supporting Sustainable Holidays in Cornwall
Tehidy is proud to support the wonderful work that the Cornwall Wildlife Trust carry out – it’s a key part of how we deliver truly sustainable holidays.
In 2025 we are supporting their Regenerate Temperate Rainforest Appeal by donating £10 to it for every booking of 7 days or over. The Trust is committed to creating places where wildlife can thrive and people can enjoy.
As well as being Corporate sponsors of the Trust we also raise funds for them through our ‘recycled beach equipment’. For example, in reception we have a variety of beach equipment that has kindly been donated by guests – it can be used by future guests for free, all we ask is for a donation in a charity box. As a result, last year we raised £300 for the Cornwall Wildlife Trust and RSPB through this scheme. Overall, we see it as a great way to reduce landfill, make a visit to the beach more affordable and support wonderful charity work. It’s a win-win!!