Parks Make Places

Fields and Hills

Parks Make Places

Showcasing the vital role of holiday and residential parks

What is the Parks Make Places campaign?

Holiday and residential parks are at the heart of communities across the UK. They provide vital housing, drive economic growth, and support local businesses and services. The Parks Make Places campaign is a nationwide initiative to showcase the real-world impact of parks and celebrate the role they play in strengthening communities, supporting sustainability, and powering the economy.

Park visit image

Why parks matter

  • Housing solutions: Residential park homes offer a high-quality, single-storey housing option, addressing local housing shortages.
  • Tourism and economy: Holiday parks generate £12.2 billion annually for the UK visitor economy, providing jobs and boosting local businesses.
  • Community impact: Parks help keep vital rural services alive, from funding local transport links to supporting small businesses and running social initiatives like mother-and-baby groups.
  • Environmental leadership: Parks are investing in carbon reduction, flood resilience, and sustainable infrastructure to help protect the planet.

Get involved

  • Attend an event: Parks across the UK will host visits to demonstrate their impact. If you're an MP or local representative, contact us to arrange a visit.
  • Share the story: Follow the campaign on social media and use the hashtag #ParksMakePlaces to see and share how parks are making a difference.

 

BH&HPA members can find out more about getting involved with the campaign in our members’ area.

 

A new generation of park entrepreneurs

Parks are purpose-driven businesses, led by forward-thinking entrepreneurs who understand that social value and financial sustainability go hand in hand. By investing in their local areas, supporting jobs, and leading on environmental initiatives, these business owners are shaping a stronger future for UK communities.

 

Want to learn more?

To get involved or arrange a visit to a park in your area, contact us today. Together, we can highlight the essential role holiday and residential parks play in shaping thriving, connected communities.

 

The BH&HPA Manifesto provides further insight into the economic, social, and environmental contributions of holiday and residential parks. Key figures include:

  • The parks industry supports over 226,000 full-time jobs across the UK, underpinning local employment.
  • The sector contributes £7.2 billion in Gross Value Added (GVA) to the UK economy each year.
  • Parks play a key role in rural sustainability, with many providing essential infrastructure and funding local services.
  • Holiday parks alone generate £12.2 billion in visitor spending annually, driving regional economies and supporting hospitality, retail, and leisure industries.

 

 

Parks Make Places - Case studies

Clifton Sheffton residential park

Clifton Park: Celebrating Community at Its New Centre


The grand opening of the new Community Centre at Clifton Park was a wonderful success. Held on 28 June, the day featured a fun-filled gardening competition judged by a celebrity guest, with cash prizes and plenty of community spirit. Residents gathered for refreshments, connection and celebration — a true reflection of the park’s commitment to bringing people together.

Beverley Holidays

Beverley Holidays: Making a Difference in the Community


Beverley Holidays is showing how holiday parks can create meaningful social impact. As part of the #ParksMakePlaces campaign, the park hosted a Social Impact Day with local charity Play Torbay—raising over £5,200, running free events for schools and charities, and supporting play and wellbeing for families across the community.

Warren Farm Holiday Centre

Warren Farm Holiday Centre supports its local community

For years, Warren Farm Holiday Centre has shown how holiday parks can play an active role in their communities. By clearing footpaths, maintaining roadside grass banks, and supporting the village churchyard and hall, the team has invested over £10,000 to create a safer, more welcoming environment for everyone.

Raylands Park

Wildlife thrives at Raylands Country Park


For over 15 years, Raylands Country Park in West Sussex has been rewilding its grounds to support local biodiversity. With ongoing investment, the park has created thriving habitats for owls, kestrels, bats, bees and hedgehogs. Owned by Roundstone Caravan Depot LLP, it’s a powerful example of how holiday parks can make a lasting difference to the natural world.

Holme Valley Camping & Caravan Park

Holme Valley is growing green minds


Holme Valley Camping & Caravan Park is helping children connect with nature through its not-for-profit partnership with fairandfunky. From annual Eco Conferences and year-round outdoor learning days to free community workshops, the initiative has reached hundreds of young people — nurturing the next generation of climate-conscious citizens.

Sunningcrest Caravan Park

Sunningcrest Caravan Park Supports Breast Cancer Now


Sunningcrest Caravan Park has shown long-term commitment to its community, raising and donating nearly £4,500 to the Somerset branch of Breast Cancer Now since 2017. This ongoing support is a powerful reminder of how holiday parks play a meaningful role in the causes that matter most locally — through steady, heartfelt action.

Find more Parks Make Places - Case studies here