Eco-friendly holiday park in Dorset
Green Camping Principles
At South Lytchett Manor, we have been running the park as a family for more than 18 years, and the way we care for these 20 acres of Dorset countryside has always reflected that. Sustainability is not a policy document here; it is the way the park works day to day. From the wildflower areas and native hedgerows we manage for pollinators, to the local suppliers in our shop and the bus stop at our gates, every decision is made with the park’s long-term health and our guests’ experience in mind. Our approach has been recognised with a VisitEngland Green Tourism Gold Award and recognition from Dorset Sustainable Tourism. We are proud of those, though we’d point to the deer in the meadow and the bees in the wildflower beds as the more honest measure.
Caring for the natural environment
Our park has been carefully developed to work in harmony with the surrounding countryside. We actively encourage biodiversity across the park through wildlife-friendly planting, native hedgerows, mature trees, bird boxes and dedicated wildflower areas designed to support bees and pollinators.
The team, with the help of students from Liveability College manage the seasonal planting and beautifully maintained grounds, which have earned us multiple Gold Awards in South and Southeast in Bloom. Our dedicated team work tirelessly, caring for our park, ensuring we are creating a healthy and beautiful environment.
Around the park, you’ll find:
- Wildflower and bee-friendly planting areas
- Bird boxes and wildlife habitats
- Native trees and hedgerows
- A duck pond and duck house encourage local wildlife
- Peat-free compost is used throughout our gardens and planters
- Natural alternatives to pesticides and slug pellets
- Deer roaming in the meadows
We believe that beautiful outdoor spaces should also support nature, helping guests enjoy a peaceful and environmentally conscious holiday experience.
Reducing waste and recycling
We actively promote the principles of reduce, reuse and recycle throughout the park. Recycling facilities are available for guests and our team continually looks for ways to minimise waste and reduce our environmental impact.
Some of the steps we take include:
- Recycling a large percentage of site waste
- Minimising single-use plastics where possible
- Visiting catering vans are asked to reduce single-use plastics
- Using recycled paper and refillable inks
- Encouraging reusable coffee cups
- Using china cups for guests dining in the café
- Water conservation initiatives, including water butts for irrigation
- Providing a book swap library to encourage book recycling
- Actively promoting the bus stop at our gates to visit local attractions
We encourage guests to join us in making small changes that collectively make a big difference.
Sustainable travel
South Lytchett Manor is ideally located for exploring Dorset without relying heavily on your car or van. A bus stop is conveniently located directly outside the park entrance, making it easy to travel to Poole, Bournemouth and surrounding attractions by public transport.
We also encourage low-impact travel by offering:
- Cycle hire facilities
- Recommended walking and cycling routes
- Easy access to local public transport and electric vehicle charging nearby
Many guests choose to park up on arrival and enjoy a more relaxed, sustainable way of exploring the area.
Supporting local businesses and the community
As a family-run, independent park, we consider supporting the local community incredibly important. We work closely with local suppliers and businesses wherever possible, helping to support Dorset producers and reduce food miles.
Our shop and café feature a range of local products, including 100 Acre honey, Coffee Mongers, With Love from Jams and Chutneys, Dorset tea, locally sourced produce and freshly baked goods. We also support local charities and community initiatives, including fundraising activities and local environmental projects.
Accessibility and holidays for everyone
Sustainability also means creating a welcoming environment for everyone to enjoy. We continue to invest in accessible facilities across the park, helping more people comfortably and confidently experience the beauty of Dorset.
Our facilities include:
- Accessible shower and toilet rooms
- Family facilities designed for ease of use
- Accessibility information for local attractions and days out
Award-winning commitment
Our ongoing commitment to sustainability has been recognised through several environmental and tourism awards, including the prestigious VisitEngland Green Tourism Gold Award, Dorset Tourism Sustainable Tourism Awards and Green Initiative recognitions.
These awards reflect our dedication to continually improving our environmental practices while maintaining the high standards and exceptional guest experience South Lytchett Manor is known for.
Looking ahead
Sustainability is an ongoing journey and we are always exploring new ways to reduce our environmental impact while enhancing the guest experience. Whether it’s encouraging biodiversity, supporting local suppliers or investing in greener initiatives, we remain committed to protecting this beautiful part of Dorset for generations to come.
We’re proud to offer holidays that combine comfort, quality and a genuine respect for the environment, helping guests enjoy the very best of Dorset thoughtfully and responsibly.