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ISLAND HOLIDAY PARK SCOOPS DAVID BELLAMY CONSERVATION AWARD

An Isle of Wight holiday and conference resort has been awarded a top eco award by Professor David Bellamy OBE.

The world-famous botanist said that Gurnard Pines Resort, Conference and Leisure Club in Cowes had made "amazing achievements" to help protect the natural world.

It was, he said, a thoroughly deserving winner of the David Bellamy Conservation Award at its top gold level when he made his announcement this week.

Set in 55 acres of wooded countryside, Gurnard Pines has 60-plus luxury holiday lodges and bungalows for hire, and an additional 40 dormitory-style lodges used by school and youth groups as well as businesses for team-building events.

David Bellamy praised the steps taken by the park to help protect the rich diversity of wildlife in the grounds which includes red squirrels, owls and badgers - plus many species of indigenous trees and shrubs which provide valuable food and breeding resources for birds and animals.

Professor Bellamy said he was also delighted at the steps taken to encourage visitors to make their own natural discoveries through wildlife trails, interpretation boards and children's activities.  Gurnard Pines has also achieved a substantial reduction in its own carbon footprint through increased recycling and energy savings, plus the use of environmentally-friendly cleaning and other materials.

David Bellamy said that the park was making a major contribution to the Isle of Wight's ambition to become recognised having the lowest carbon footprint in England by 2020.

Gurnard Pines is currently offering great savings on November and December breaks.  For more information, telephone Gurnard Pines, tel. 01983 292395, or visit www.gurnardpines.co.uk