Conservation at Sleningford 🌿

Caring for Nature at Sleningford Watermill

At Sleningford Watermill, caring for the countryside isn’t just something we do — it’s part of who we are. Our family-run caravan and camping park sits beside the River Ure in beautiful North Yorkshire, and we’ve always believed in protecting the land, wildlife, and natural spaces that make this place so special. Every tree, bird, bee, and blade of grass is part of what makes Sleningford feel alive — and we’re proud to share that with everyone who visits.

We’re honoured to have held the Blooming Marvellous Challenge, every year since 2000, along with the “Honey Bee Friendly Park” accolade. These awards recognise parks that actively protect habitats, use resources responsibly, and help guests understand and enjoy the natural world. For us, it’s a shared journey — working alongside local nature groups and our visitors to make sure Sleningford Watermill stays green, thriving, and full of life for generations to come. Read more below..

Proud David Bellamy Award Winners 🦋

Since joining the David Bellamy Conservation Award Scheme in 2000, we’ve achieved Gold Level every single year. The scheme has since been renamed The Blooming Marvellous Challenge of which we are still taking part. The scheme celebrates parks that show genuine commitment to sustainability — from energy use and recycling to wildlife protection and education.

We’re also proud recipients of the Honey Bee Friendly Park Award, recognising our work in creating habitats that support bees and other pollinators across the site. 🐝

Conservation at Sleningford isn’t just about meeting standards — it’s about nurturing something we love. In 2017, we hosted our first Nature Weekend, an end-of-season celebration dedicated to the incredible wildlife around us. It’s become a favourite tradition where guests can learn, explore, and reconnect with the nature that makes our park so special.


Our Ongoing ‘Green’ Initiatives 🍃

At Sleningford, we already have a number of conservation projects and eco-friendly facilities in place — but this is an ongoing process, and we’re continually striving to become even greener. Below are just some of our current initiatives:


  • 🌼 Wildflower areas across the park, providing vital pollen and nectar sources for insects.
  • 🐝 Dedicated bee garden to support solitary bee populations.
  • 🦇 Bird and bat boxes installed throughout the site to encourage nesting and roosting.
  • 🐛 Bug hotel, log cabins, butterfly garden, and tree identification trail for guests to explore and learn from.
  • 💡 Low-energy lighting with motion sensors in toilet blocks to reduce energy use.
  • 🚿 Water-saving push taps in facilities to minimise waste.
  • ♻️ Comprehensive recycling system — waste is sorted at a local depot where recyclables are extracted and other materials are incinerated cleanly, with ash repurposed into new products.
  • 🔋 Battery testing and recycling collection point available on site for guests.



Join Us in Caring for Sleningford During Your Stay  💚

Every little action makes a difference. We’re proud of the conservation work we do here at Sleningford Watermill, but keeping the park healthy and beautiful is something we share with our visitors. By following a few simple steps, you can help protect the wildlife, the river, and the natural spaces that make this place so special.


What Our Visitors Can Do to Help:


  • 🗑️ Leave no litter – please take all rubbish with you or use the bins provided.
  • ♻️ Recycle large items at home – damaged camping gear and bulky waste are best taken away for recycling.
  • 🐾 Always clean up after your dog and use the bins provided.
  • 🚭 Dispose of cigarette ends responsibly – remember how quickly fire can spread from a carelessly discarded cigarette.
  • 🔥 Use gas BBQs where possible – charcoal and wood BBQs can scorch the grass. We offer free BBQ stands from reception to help lift disposable BBQs off the ground.
  • 🍳 Avoid placing hot pots, pans or kettles on the grass – they’ll leave lasting burn marks.
  • 🚰 Please don’t pour fats into soakaways – they block the system and harm the environment.
  • 🌬️ Check BBQs are completely cool before disposal.
  • 🚌 Use public transport or share lifts whenever possible to reduce emissions.
  • 🌼 Protect the wildflower areas – please don’t trample, pick, or break plants and branches.
  • 🚶‍♀️ Walk to facilities – enjoy the stroll to the toilets, laundry, or shop rather than using the car.


Together, we can make sure Sleningford Watermill stays a thriving, peaceful haven for everyone — people, plants, and wildlife alike. 🌿