We’re extremely proud to have been awarded The Wildlife Trusts’ Biodiversity Benchmark for 17 consecutive years. This prestigious accreditation recognises the work we do to actively protect and enhance the biodiversity at our villages, with each village being visited annually by an auditor – as a result of our commitment to biodiversity, we have been awarded whole organisation certification.
Read feedback from recent audits below:
“This audit has taken place in the middle of a global pandemic. It is inevitable that this will have impacted on Center Parcs’ activities over the last six months and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future. Despite this, the robust biodiversity management system which Center Parcs has developed and refined over many years holds the organisation in good stead for managing the changes and uncertainties without a significant detrimental impact on biodiversity. The protection and enhancement of biodiversity remains a priority at Center Parcs Woburn Forest.” – Biodiversity Benchmark Surveillance Audit, September 2020
“It was apparent that the protection and enhancement of biodiversity remains a priority at Center Parcs Elveden Forest. As with all of the sites, Center Parcs has a robust biodiversity management system. The survey effort at Elveden Forest was particularly impressive with surveys including birds, reptiles, bats, butterflies, bees and wasps, aquatic invertebrates and fixed-point photography undertaken both in-house and by Suffolk Wildlife Trust. Evidence of biodiversity protection and enhancement on the site was seen during the site visit. Particularly commendable is the work undertaken supporting the rare Breckland plants in partnership with Suffolk Wildlife Trust. The auditor was able to view three notable plants which are benefitting from management undertaken on the site including the Spanish Catchfly, Tower Mustard and Basil Thyme. Communication to ensure that relevant people are aware of relevant legislation and biodiversity impacts is excellent.” - Biodiversity Benchmark Surveillance Audit, October 2019
“It is clear that the protection and enhancement of biodiversity remains a priority at Center Parcs Sherwood Forest. Examples of biodiversity enhancement seen during the site visit includes the following:
- Natural vegetation is encouraged surrounding the lodges wherever possible. An example of this was seen where gorse was planted and natural vegetation was protected by fencing near a lodge
- The heathland on the site is managed to reduce scrub, create log piles and create and maintain exposed sandy areas
- Clearance of trees alongside water bodies is undertaken on a rotational basis
- A new wildflower meadow area has been created
"The Nature Centre at Sherwood Forest is an excellent educational resource delivering a strong message of biodiversity to guests and encouraging participation.” - Biodiversity Benchmark Surveillance Audit, April 2019
“Staff involved in the management of biodiversity at Center Parcs Whinfell Forest continue to display excellent dedication and knowledge on the ground and this is backed up by an ongoing commitment from senior management towards biodiversity. The Biodiversity Benchmark quality assurance assessor continues to be delighted with the sustained effective management of biodiversity undertaken by Center Parcs. The positive observations are testimony to Center Parcs’ consistent commitment to biodiversity management.” - Biodiversity Benchmark Surveillance Audit, November 2017
