Press Release – National Parks trees and bees given a boost by Sykes Holiday Cottages

PRESS RELEASE

National Parks trees and bees given a boost by Sykes Holiday Cottages

6 July 2021:

Sykes Holiday Cottages has pledged its support of National Parks UK for a third year, funding projects to boost trees and bees across the UK through the National Parks Protectors Fund.

The partnership will see Sykes Holiday Cottages fund a conservation project in each of Northumberland and Snowdonia National Parks throughout 2021/22 together with supporting the launch of a National Parks photography competition in autumn.

Sykes Holiday Cottages and National Parks UK first teamed up in 2017 and the partnership has seen the Chester-based company not only support the crucial work that National Parks undertake but also seen their staff take part in volunteering activities including path clearing at Snowdonia National Park.

Gordon Watson, Chair of National Parks Partnerships said:

“The past year has seen a huge increase in people’s engagement with nature and highlighted the need to care for and protect our National Parks. We can’t thank Sykes enough for their continued support and look forward to seeing the outcomes of the projects that they are funding this year.”

Graham Donoghue, chief executive of Sykes Holiday Cottages, said: “We’re proud to be supporting National Parks UK with tree planting and bee conservation as part of their vital work protecting outdoor spaces and wildlife.

“’We first partnered with National Parks UK four years ago with the aim of giving back more to the community and the environment, and this year our colleagues are lending a hand to support two significant conservation projects at Northumberland National Park and Snowdonia National Park. We’re excited to continue our partnership and help to make a difference.”

The National Parks Protectors projects supported by Sykes Holiday Cottages are:

Pollen in Love – Northumberland National Park

A conservation project to provide early sources of pollen and nectar; planting goat willow to provide an early food source and working with farmers and landowners to increase the number of wild flower species in hay meadows and verges. The project will also enhance road verges for pollination by planting flowers including Honeysuckle once hedges are established. Through funding this important work, Sykes will be extending the bee season in Northumberland National Park, increasing the bee population, providing important habitats in which rare species can thrive and enabling pollinator surveys to take place so Rangers and volunteers can monitor progress.

Shaun Hackett, Northumberland National Park Ranger said:

“We are excited to be working with Sykes Holiday Cottages to help launch this important project which will help to improve biodiversity within the National Park and support the Authority’s aim for the National Park to be Net Zero by 2040.

Northumberland National Park is home to different types of bees, including the rare moss-carder bee, a bright ginger bee which likes clovers and wet meadows. Bees are pollinators and play a critical role in healthy ecosystems, essential for the unique and special landscape in Northumberland National Park to thrive and be enjoyed for generations to come.”

70^th Anniversary Tree Planting- Snowdonia National Park

Snowdonia National Park Authority will be working with volunteers and local communities on a celebratory tree planting project. As part of their celebrations for the National Parks 70^th Anniversary they are aiming to plant a tree for every child born in the National Park and for every person celebrating their 70^th anniversary.

There will be 5,000 trees planted in various locations across the National Park which will act not only as a boost for biodiversity but as a wonderful celebration of the Park’s anniversary and its residents.

Rhys Owen, Head of Conservation, Woodland and Agriculture for the Snowdonia National Park Authority’s said: “Trees are fundamental to life. Not only do they provide us with the oxygen we breathe, they absorb carbon dioxide from the air, and play an important part in flood prevention. Trees also sustain and provide an important habitat for a wealth of wildlife and biodiversity. As we celebrate 70 years since the designation of Eryri (Snowdonia) as a National Park, we hope the young and future generations of Eryri will continue to safeguard and nurture these trees”.

For further information please contact Lisa Sensier, National Parks Partnerships, lisa.sensier@nationalparks.co.uk,  07767 885824.

NOTES TO EDITORS:

About Sykes Holiday Cottages:

Sykes Holiday Cottages is one of the UK’s leading and fastest-growing independent holiday cottage rental agencies, offering over 19,500 holiday homes from property owners across the UK, Ireland and New Zealand. From romantic cosy cottages for two to larger properties that sleep 20 or more – couples, families and reuniting friendship groups can find something to suit them with Sykes.

Founded 30 years ago, Sykes is also one of the best-known travel brands, having won the British Travel Award for Best Large Holiday Cottage Booking Company for eight consecutive years.

About UK National Parks:

• There are 15 National Parks in the UK, spanning the length and breadth of the country. 10 in England, three in Wales and two in Scotland.
• National Parks cover almost 10 percent of England, 20 percent of Wales and 8 percent of Scotland.
• Each National Park is administered by its own authority, but that authority does not own all of the land within the Park. They are independent bodies funded by central government to:
  • Conserve and enhance the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage.
  • Promote opportunities for the understanding and enjoyment of the special qualities of national parks by the public.
• In carrying out these aims, National Park Authorities are also required to seek to foster the economic and social well-being of local communities within the national park.
• National Parks are free to enter and explore and have 104 million visits each year.
• For more information visit nationalparks.uk