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.

 

Parks Make Places Day – Saturday 3 May 2025

We’re asking MPs, local councils, and community leaders to see this impact firsthand. On Saturday 3 May 2025, we invite decision-makers to visit a park in their area to understand how these businesses contribute to economic growth, housing solutions, and environmental progress.

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

Quite-Site

Sustainable transport in the Lakes

The Quiet Site in Ullswater is joining in sustainable, community-focused transport through SITU – Sustainable Integrated Transport for Ullswater 👉 https://zurl.co/zq9Qq

Key achievements of of the collaboration so far:
🛤️ A new footpath linking the local train station to the valley
🚌 A hopper bus service connecting accommodation and attractions – 9,000 passengers last year
🚴♂️ A new cycleway in development between the station and valley

With £60k raised and 1,200+ volunteer hours donated, this group project is driving real change for the community and environment.

Parks Make Places Post - Red Deer Village

Community Support in Action

Red Deer Village is committed to supporting its local community. From Macmillan coffee afternoons to free stays for unpaid carers through Respitality, the park plays an active role in giving back.

With holiday parks contributing to local economies, employment, and community wellbeing, MPs and Council leaders are invited to visit and see first-hand the positive impact parks like Red Deer Village have during the Parks Make Places Day of Action on Saturday 3 May.