Serena Pettigrew-Jolly, Business Support Manager for the Trust says,
“We would urge all tourism businesses that encourage space for nature and promote wildlife to their customers and guests to enter the awards. Taking part is a great way for us to help you to improve your existing business and focus on best practice for the future. Whether you have entered before or decide to do so now, this is your opportunity to shine.”
The award has been developed to allow local businesses to showcase and celebrate their commitment to helping to support environmental growth in Cornwall, for the enjoyment of their guests. It seeks to inspire a greater recognition by the tourist industry of the value of our environment in attracting many visitors to Cornwall. The county’s unique landscapes and beautiful coastlines provide many opportunities to stimulate the curiosity of locals and visitors alike. Whether it’s exploring the rockpools on our beaches, or spotting birds and butterflies in the countryside, there is something for all ages to enjoy.
This year the category is sponsored by the Environmental Growth for Business (EG4B) project. This is an exciting new partnership project enabling the Trust to work with and support local businesses to identify opportunities to grow their business, as well as improve their environmental performance. The project will help small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) of all kinds by advising on a variety of measures such as habitat creation and improvement, supply chain optimisation, energy generation and better waste management opportunities. This ground-breaking project is in partnership with University of Exeter, Cornwall Council and Cornwall Development Company.
Catherine Pinney, Business Advisor for the EG4B project at Cornwall Wildlife Trust says,
“This project is a fantastic opportunity for local businesses to take advantage of free advice from business and environmental experts, as well as access to possible grant funding for on-site improvements at a later date. If you are interested in doing your bit to contribute towards Cornwall’s environmental growth, and growing your business as you do so, then we want to hear from you.”
Dee Reeves, Trustee at Cornwall Wildlife Trust says,
“Our Wildlife Friendly Business Award showcases good practice and our category highlights the importance of businesses that make a significant contribution to protecting our environment and its wildlife. After all, our natural environment is the reason many people come to Cornwall in the first place.”
Perran Sands Holiday Park, part of the Bourne Leisure Group won Gold accolade in 2017. The self-catering holiday park based at Perranporth sits within the stunning Penhale Dunes; the largest sand dune system in Cornwall which is designated both a Special Area of Conservation and a Site of Special Scientific Interest.
June Donnery, Perran Sands’ General Manager is delighted to have won the award, as she has initiated a whole host of developments to protect and enhance their premises for wildlife.
June says,
“Our beach, ocean and sand dune is at the heart of the business, without it the product we offer would be diminished. This would impact directly on return visits and advocacy which contribute a great deal towards our profitability. For example, the team works tirelessly to litter pick. Attention to detail means the strandline habitat is left undamaged and prevents plastic from entering the ocean. Holidaymakers see the team leading by example and this helps to change behaviour. “
Tourism businesses who would like to enter must do so by 22nd May 2018.
Please see the Cornwall Tourism Awards website, with full details of how to enter, top tips and entry forms - www.cornwalltourismawards.org.uk.
For more information about how your business can work for wildlife with Cornwall Wildlife Trust, please visit www.cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk/business.