infrastructure

WHY WILDFIRE RISK IS THE NEW CHALLENGE FOR UK CARAVAN PARKS

Posted on May 6, 2026

For decades, UK holiday park operators have focused on water-based risks such as flooding, storm surges, and coastal erosion. Most have robust flood evacuation plans and invest in drainage and coastal defences. However, a new threat is emerging at the opposite end of the spectrum: wildfire.

The Summer of 2025 highlighted the danger. Following England’s driest Spring since 1893, the UK recorded 117 wildfires – more than double 2023’s total. One near-miss occurred at Grouse Hill Caravan Park on the edge of the North York Moors, where a wildfire spread rapidly toward the site.

Only a change in wind direction and the heroic efforts of North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue prevented a catastrophe. Caravans are particularly vulnerable. Plastic and thin cladding, close proximity of units, and LPG cylinders create a “domino effect” risk.

Many parks are surrounded by forests, heathland, or long grass, which become fuel beds during dry spells. Compass Insurance data shows fire claims peaked at over £165,000 between June 2022 and May 2023 – a six-fold increase from the previous year.

PROACTIVE RISK MANAGEMENT IS NOW ESSENTIAL:
1. Defensible space: Clear vegetation and maintain buffer zones to slow or stop fire spread.
2. LPG and safety equipment: Store gas bottles upright in shaded areas and equip units with fire blankets and extinguishers. Regularly check smoke alarms and fire equipment.
3. Infrastructure and access: Ensure roads allow fire service access, hydrants are clearly marked and tested, and evacuation routes are never blocked.
4. Evacuation planning: Establish rapid communication channels and plan for residents with mobility issues. Wildfires move fast – unlike floods, there may be no warning.
5. Resident responsibility: Preventable causes such as careless barbecue use, improper cigarette disposal, and electrical overloads remain a major risk.

Temporary bans or designated zones can help Climate change is intensifying these risks. As insurers, we see that prevention is the most effective protection. By treating wildfire risk with the same attention as flooding, parks can remain safe for visitors and residents. Proactive planning, careful site management, and clear safety communication are essential to protecting property, people, and peace of mind in an era of extreme weather.

Compass Insurance
0344 274 0276
www.compassparks.co.uk

A NEW CENTER PARCS BREAKS GROUND

Posted on May 5, 2026

£450 million village to create 1,200 jobs, new forest, and a landmark destination...

Work has officially begun on Center Parcs’ £450 million Scottish Borders development, marking a major milestone for one of the UK holiday park sector’s most significant upcoming investments. The project, located between Hawick and Selkirk, was formally launched with a ceremonial tree planting attended by John Swinney, alongside local schoolchildren and Center Parcs CEO Colin McKinlay.

The new village is expected to create around 1,200 jobs and contribute £75 million annually to the regional economy, underlining the growing role of large-scale leisure developments in driving rural growth. The Scottish Government has also committed up to £30 million in infrastructure funding to support the scheme.

A defining feature of the project is the creation of an entirely new forest— marking the first time Center Parcs has established woodland from scratch. Hundreds of thousands of trees will be planted, with more than 30 species, forming the natural environment that underpins the brand’s short-break offering.

SCHOOL CHILDREN HELP KICKSTART the creation of Center Parcs Scottish Borders’ brand- new forest, by planting the very first saplings.

For operators, the development highlights the increasing importance of environmental integration and long-term sustainability in new park schemes. Alongside up to 700 lodges, plans include signature Center Parcs amenities such as the Subtropical Swimming Paradise and Aqua Sana Forest Spa, as well as nature-led features including wetlands, wildflower meadows and activity trails.

The scheme also reflects a broader trend towards destination-led experiences, with two new lochs, a nature and heritage centre, and a strong emphasis on outdoor recreation designed to diversify appeal and extend dwell time.

Industry stakeholders have welcomed the investment, with regional development agency South of Scotland Enterprise highlighting the potential for supply chain opportunities and SME growth. Set to open in 2029, the Scottish Borders village will be Center Parcs’ first new UK development since 2019— offering a clear signal of confidence in the long-term strength of the domestic holiday market.

For more information log on to: www.centerparcsscotland.co.uk

THE NEW VILLAGE WILL FEATURE Woodland, lochs, meadows, and nature trails, blending recreation with biodiversity.

THE OPEN ROAD TO OPPORTUNITY

Posted on July 31, 2025

There’s a quiet revolution rolling through the British countryside, and it’s running on diesel, solar and wanderlust… Motorhome ownership is booming and with it, a new kind of traveller is reshaping the tourism landscape.

Forget tour buses and pre-packaged trips, today’s explorers prefer self-sufficiency, open roads, and the freedom to choose their view each morning. For holiday park owners and managers, this is not a trend to watch from the sidelines.

It’s a golden opportunity to attract a growing, engaged and self-reliant audience that’s ready to spend, if you’re ready to welcome them.

WHY MOTORHOMES ARE NOT JUST PASSING THROUGH
Once considered the preserve of retirees and festivalgoers, motorhomes have gone mainstream. Driven by post-pandemic shifts, environmental awareness, and a craving for flexible travel, today’s motorhome owners are families, digital nomads, adventurers and comfort-lovers alike.

They’re skipping airports and checking out of hotels, opting instead for clean air, control, and communities on wheels. But here’s the catch: while they love the open road, they don’t want to rough it. They’re looking for safe, scenic, and well-equipped bases and that’s where you come in.

TODAY’S MOTORHOME GUESTS bring everything they need and they’re happy to pay for the things they value most: safety, service, and the freedom to roam.

FROM STATIC TO STRATEGIC
Traditionally associated with static caravans and summer getaways, holiday parks are now transforming into dynamic hubs for motorhome tourism. With the right facilities, you don’t just become a stopover, you become the destination. Motorhome travellers value:

• Full-service hook-ups: Electricity, water and waste disposal make extended stays easy.
• Flexible booking options: Cater to both overnight visitors and those settling in for the season.
• Modern comforts: Think laundry rooms, Wi-Fi, EV chargers, and even co-working areas.
• Scenic and secure settings: Gated access, helpful staff and quiet hours go a long way.

Add a view of the coast or countryside, and your park suddenly offers something that no roadside lay-by or city car park can.

WHY IT MAKES BUSINESS SENSE
Let’s break it down. Motorhome owners bring:

• Self-sufficiency: They don’t need you to provide beds or bathrooms, but they’re happy to pay for a clean, safe, connected space.
• Off-season income: Many tour year-round and actively seek out parks with winter availability.
• Repeat business: A good stay = loyalty. Many return to favourite parks annually or recommend them in active online communities.
• Low overhead for high reward: Unlike static units, touring pitches require less infrastructure and turnover.

With a little foresight, even under-used parts of your park can be turned into attractive hardstanding motorhome pitches, creating new revenue without major redevelopment.

WHAT MOTORHOMERS REALLY WANT (AND HOW TO DELIVER IT)
Meeting the needs of the motorhome market doesn’t mean luxury spas and nightly entertainment (although some will love that!). What matters most is a balance of autonomy and amenity. Here’s what they’re looking for:

• Ease of access: Wide, drive-through pitches and clear signposting.
• Solid ground: Hardstanding with level areas beats a boggy field every time.
• Connectivity: Reliable Wi-Fi and good mobile reception are now non-negotiable.
• Family & pet-friendliness: Play areas, dog walks, and fenced zones make a big difference.
• Social touches: BBQ spots, fire pits, or communal lounges help build community.

Add an online booking system (ideally with app functionality), and you’re ticking all the modern motorhomer’s boxes.

WHAT TYPE OF PARK ARE YOU?
It’s worth considering your niche. There’s space for everyone in the motorhome market—but your park doesn’t have to appeal to everyone.

• Family parks: Offer excitement, entertainment and practical convenience.
• Adult-only parks: Promise peace, quiet and curated experiences.
• Eco-retreats: Cater to conscious travellers with natural, minimalist setups.
• Luxury resorts: Attract those who want the comforts of a hotel with the freedom of the road.

By defining your offer, you can attract the right kind of motorhome guest, and keep them coming back.

DON’T GET LEFT BEHIND
So, if your pitches are ready, your facilities welcoming and your park easy to find and book, you’re not just accommodating motorhome guests, you’re becoming part of their story.

In return, they’ll bring loyal custom, word- of-mouth buzz, and a whole lot of wheels to your gates! It’s time to open up your park and your thinking, to the power of the self-sufficient traveller.

Motorhome Trader
www.themotorhometrader.co.uk

INSURANCE SUMS MUST ADD UP

Posted on August 3, 2023

INSURANCE SUMS MUST ADD UP

A PROFESSIONAL SURVEYOR will undertake a review to determine what business insurance values should be.

If the worst happens, and you suffer a loss to one of the buildings or infrastructure on your Park then the amount you are insured for becomes an important number. With rising costs of materials and labour, knowing how much to insure for is difficult. There is a lot of focus at present on the rising costs in construction, and in particular in the leisure industry.

Whether it’s replacement caravans and lodges, the cost of timber or the cost of labour. In their latest report on Building Repair Costs, Sedgwick, one of the leading global Claims providers, forecast that the cost of insurance repairs in relation to buildings will rise 10.5% through the first part of this year.

Known as the Insurance Repair Specific Index (IRSI), it monitors the four main cost components typically found in insurance repairs: Labour, Plan, Materials and Waste disposal. If costs of rebuild and replacement go up by 10%, is a 10% increase in your sums insured sufficient?

Or would 15% be more appropriate for you? A reliable source of information, The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, also measure the cost of construction materials and in late 2022, they recorded a 12.7% increase. The most robust way to determine sums insured would be to engage a professional surveyor to undertake a review for you and use their report to determine what those values should be.

You may wish to check with your insurer to see if they offer a valuation service. If you have a policy with Compass, we have an exclusive Valuation Service, which will help to give you peace of mind by providing a range of options for professional valuations of all the buildings on your park. It offers solutions from remote desktop surveys to on site physical valuations, all designed to give you the insight and information you need to insure your business.

The service includes:
• Choice of desktop review or on site survey(depending on the size of your business and specific needs).
• Full reports with declared value, rebuild and sum insured estimates.
• Discounted follow up reports at 3 and 5 years.
• Access to quarterly building cost indices and reports.

Prices start at £150 + VAT for a desktop review and £800 + VAT for an onsite survey and are linked to the size of your business and the sums you need to insure for. To find out more about the service you can speak to your Regional Account Manager,
contact us via:

COMPASS INSURANCE
0344 274 0276
enquiries@compass.co.uk
www.compassparks.co.uk

IDYLLIC RETIREMENT

Posted on February 16, 2022

IDYLLIC RETIREMENT

Priory Court is a private and separate gated park home village…

 

THE GROUNDS of Priory Park are beautifully landscaped and include a lake.

It’s hard to imagine a more idyllic location in which to relax into retirement than Priory Park - a mixed residential and holiday park - in coastal Suffolk.
Visitors and residents enter the park through automated security gates before venturing into 115 acres of private, south facing parkland, surrounded by rolling pastures and ancient woodland that flows gently down to the water’s edge.
The beautifully landscaped grounds feature immaculate lawns, lily ponds, wildflower meadow, woodland walks and panoramic river views across the River Orwell, a tidal estuary that leads out to the charming seaside town of Felixstowe. The Priory Park estate has been owned and run by the Little family for over 40 years.
“My Father, Peter, purchased Priory Park from Ada Buckingham in June 1981,” explains Priory Park Owner James Little. “Known as Alnesbourne Priory at that time, it enjoyed a mixed reputation and after years of neglect was a far shadow of what you can see today.
Over the past forty years, our family has poured three generations’ efforts into transforming potential into reality and creating the fabulous haven Priory Park is today.”
James and his wife, Lisa, have lived at Priory Park since 1986, first in a Pinelog Virginia and for the past 20 years in the house they built in the grounds. Priory Park has also been home to their two children, Jake and Sophie, who have both worked at the Priory during school holidays in their younger lives.
With Sophie now of to university and Jake continuing to take on more responsibility in the family business that he has worked in for the past five years, the future of Priory Park looks secure for future generations of the Little family.

TIP-TOP STYLE
Ensuring Priory Park is kept in tip-top condition is very much a team effort. James explains that the family is assisted by a team of 15-20 staff depending on the time of year:
“As you can imagine, keeping a 115-acre estate - the buildings, roads, infrastructure, flora and fauna - looking at their best involves a lot of effort from our teams. Thankfully we have great staff, most of whom have been with us for many years, who are all proud to be part of Priory Park.”
Within Priory Park, Priory Court is a private and separate gated park home village for residential use. Catering for the fifty plus age group, with no resident children, Priory Court comprises 100 bespoke bungalow-style homes. South facing and terraced with attractive brick walling, each home has its own private drive and generous landscaped plot.
Priory Court offers the best of both worlds for residents. They enjoy the security of their own private community whilst being part of a larger whole and benefiting from the grounds and facilities of the rest of Priory Park.
Within the grounds of the Park there are tennis courts, a heated outdoor pool, a nine-hole par 31 golf course, a popular Clubhouse bar and restaurant in a building dating back almost 1000 years, numerous woodland trails, and direct access to the shore of the River Orwell.
The homes within Priory Court are complemented by wide drives, grass verges and Victorian style streetlamps. With a wide range of homes, each is positioned at different heights and aspects to create an attractive, unregimented environment.
The variety of homes and the individualised nature of each was a conscious decision as James explains:
“Priory Court has been completely redeveloped over the years and we have sold homes from all of the main park home manufacturers. The redevelopment was all about customer choice which we felt would also make for a more interesting development. On the holiday home side of things, we have tended to work in the same way and have examples of most of the mainstream caravan and lodge manufacturers represented.”

HOLIDAY HOMES
The Little family were pioneers in the UK lodge market in the mid-80s and the holiday home side of the business caters for privately owned caravans and lodges where use is strictly limited to owners and their families. James says that “this enables us to maintain high standards and ensure the Park runs in a particular way.”
He continues: “There are several different holiday home planning consents within the 115 acres. At the moment we have 170 holiday homes in situ including our flagship Friars and original Abbots developments but do have planning for a gradual increase which over time will provide space for a further 125. As we have always tended to see development more as gradual evolution, this should keep Jake busy for the next twenty years!”
Four years ago, the Little family purchased a neighbouring small caravan park business to secure Priory’s boundaries. For now, and notwithstanding the rigours of running a business during Covid times, the focus is on maintenance and upkeep of the existing buildings to ensure all is in good order before starting the gradual redevelopment of Orwell Meadows. In time this will provide 40 new caravan holiday home plots which may well become a further lodge development, subject to planning in the future.
According to James, the Little family run Priory Park “in a low-key fashion without much fanfare.” It’s a very customer-centric business.
“Our aim is to be the best we can, providing a secure and exclusive environment for our customers to enjoy. We try to make the most of what nature has given us with the beautiful setting and treat our customers how we would like to be treated ourselves. Ultimately it is all about the people; without our customers or staff there is no business!”