Christmas trees are often recycled, but the aftermath of this festive season will see a small forest of used trees replanted at Croyde beach as part of a crucial environmental project.

The dead trees are to be bundled together and “planted” under the sand dunes at the top of the beach to help prevent their constant erosion.

The project is being led by Parkdean Holidays, which owns the beach and it has enlisted the help of nearby primary schools to act as collection points for the discarded trees.

Norman Dennis at Ruda Holiday Park is co-ordinating the scheme and explained how the trees are bundled together, buried in the dunes lying down and then marram grass planted between the bundles to bind it all together.

“The damage to the dunes is caused by erosion but also the number of people using the dunes,” he explained.

“If this were left for another 10 years many a field would be flooded in Croyde. The dunes are under threat and we as land owners have to do something about it.”

Georgeham Primary School plus those of Caen, Southmead and Kingsacre in Braunton are taking part in the scheme and have arranged collection points for the recycled trees.

“We have been delighted how keen the schools have been to take part,” said Norman.

“A dead Christmas tree has wonderful sand holding properties so it’s a very green and environmentally friendly exercise.

“The trees do two things – stop people running through them while the grass gets established, plus it holds the sand long enough that the wind doesn’t blow the roots away.”

Once established, the grass develops an extensive root system that plays a key part in binding the sand dune together.

In the new year groups from each school will be joining Ruda staff to “plant” their trees amongst the dunes.

*Article written by Tony Gussin at the North Devon Gazette and published on 4 January 2012.

The filming in Cornwall is part of a new series due to air on BBC 2 this year. Monty joined the fishermen at Cadgwith – near Mullion Holiday Park, to highlight one of the most misunderstood industries in Britain. As the explorer joins the fishing fleet, viewers will be treated to some stunning scenes of the Peninsula.

In a recent article for The Mail Online, Monty Hall said of the Lizard Peninsula:
“Dotted along the coast of the Lizard are secluded inlets and craggy bays, many of which are home to small fishing communities…

Of these, perhaps one of the most resilient in its traditions is Cadgwith where, if you visit the pub on a Friday night, you’ll hear the singing of songs from the sea that make the hairs on the back of your neck stand on end. Go further afield and explore Mullion, Kynance or Porthleven, or simply go to sit on the banks of the Helford River – the most exquisite deep-water river channel in Britain bar none.”

The tradition and beauty along the Lizard Peninsula – whose lighthouse marks the most southerly point in Britain, is to be experienced. From Blue Flag beaches to coastal walks, lush green gardens to historic villages with a tale on every corner.

Take a look at Mullion Holiday Park – just a few miles from Lizard Point and Kynance Cove, and make the great escape to Cornwall this summer.

Four of our fabulous holiday parks are open this February Half Term (13-17 Feb) – there’s Looe Bay in Cornwall, Warmwell and Sandford in Dorset plus NEW for 2012 Trecco Bay in South Wales.

Just book by 22 January* and save up to £38 on selected short breaks. With prices starting from as little as £119 for the whole family, it’s not to be missed!

There’s a whole load of madness and mayhem going on… and it’s strictly for the kids! If they love to play all day and dance all night, our fun-packed parks will keep them busy.

There’s some great NEW activities this February Half Term:

• Under The Sea Theme Day
  Meet Neil Neptune son of the famous God of the sea for a fun filled Fishy Gameshow plus themed Art & Craft sessions
• Under The Sea Tots
  Sand and water fun with prizes to be won plus a story and song from Lizzie the Lizard.
• Sid & Lizzie’s Under the Sea Show
  The Hunt for Andy McPrize. Join Sid & Lizzie in their underwater adventure where they meet some new friends, but watch out for Gums the Shark…
• Parkdean Pop School
  Design your bands logo, learn a dance routine and star in your own Pop Video then perform live in Sid and Lizzie’s Mix ‘n’ Mash up Show.
• Sid & Lizzie’s Mix ‘n’ Mash Up Show
  Join Sid the DJ and Lizzie Ga Ga for their ultimate Pop Show!

Don’t forget, by booking direct with Parkdean your family can enjoy:
FREE kids clubs, swimming pools, indoor and outdoor play areas and much more including skiing at Warmwell.

So give the whole family something to look forward to, check availability and book today!

Hi everybody, Sid and Lizzie here, broadcasting to you live from Startown via our brand new website!

It’s totally wicked!

• Check out our new postcard sender, and send a cool postcard to all your family and even your friends at school!
• Play our fun games, send in your jokes straight to me via the play tab, and don’t forget to check out the holiday section.
• Read all about our new activities you can enjoy on your holiday and then, once you’ve stayed with us, create your own unique holiday highlights poster to print off and keep!
• There’s Starland TV ringtones, wallpapers and stories too.

Remember, once you’ve been on a Parkdean holiday, you’ll get a secret code (it’s not that secret really… its HOLIDAYS) which will reveal even more fab fan club content! Wow!!!

Have fun and we hope to see you this year at Parkdean!

Love Sid & Lizzie xxx

Hurry – book before midnight tonight and secure your 2012 holiday with just a £60 deposit to pay. Plus you’ll save up to a huge £70 per week, including the school holidays. Make sure you book early to save and get your first choice of accommodation and dates!

View our latest offers >

Cycling in Norfolk has never been easier, thanks to the route information available online, fancy new gadgets like GPS and fantastic new apps like the National Cycle Network (available from iTunes).

Explore the breathtaking countryside and woodland cycle routes in and around the Norfolk Broads by reading more on our cycling in Norfolk page. There’s routes to suit all abilities, from an easy 8 mile to a challenging 56 mile!

Keep an eye out for ratings and reviews from our very own holidaymakers too. Alternatively, if you’ve already explored a cycle route in Norfolk that we haven’t yet listed… let us know!

We have one holiday park in Norfolk – the wonderful Cherry Tree Holiday Park. So why not take a look at 2012 summer holiday and short break availability today!

Couple your 2012 short break or holiday with a day out at one of the many golf courses in Norfolk and relax on the greens before you head back to your comfortable caravan or lodge accommodation. Don’t forget, you and your family can always practice your swing on our crazy golf course!

With such a great range of golf courses near Cherry Tree Holiday Park we thought we would make it easier by showing you some of our favourites.

Also, if you’ve visited any of the golf courses in Norfolk, why not submit your own review to help others choose the best for their perfect holiday experience?

• Bawburgh Golf Club
• Caister Golf Club
• Caldecott Hall Golf Club
• Costessey Park Golf Club
• Dunston Hall Golf Club

If you’re looking for a golfing holiday in Norfolk, Cherry Tree Holiday Park has availability throughout 2012 – just check availability on the dates you’re looking to get away and book today!

The Shaolin Warriors are the only Shaolin performance troupe in the UK. Combining mind and body, incredible feats are presented, mixed with stunning martial arts and acrobatic skills. Direct from the Shaolin Temple in Hertfordshire (founded by Matthew Ahmet in 2009), the Shaolin Warriors UK team consist of both adults and children.

The Shaolin Warriors have featured on various TV shows (including Britains Got Talent), performed at various prestigious events and now have their own TV series coming soon to SKY 1 HD!

You can see The Shaolin Warriors during the Easter holidays at the following parks. PLUS if you’re quick enough to book a 7 night Easter holiday before 18 December you could save up to £30 per week!

• HAYLING ISLAND, Hampshire – 6th April – Check availability
• SANDFORD, Dorset – 7th April – Check availability
• PENDINE SANDS, South Wales – 8th April – Check availability
• TRECCO BAY, South Wales – 8th April – Check availability

Prices for our UK holiday parks in Easter 2012 start from just £138 per family, so don’t delay – book today!

Throughout the weekend Croyde Bay hosts a multitude of sports events – on the Blue Flag Beach and in the ocean. Just steps away and overlooking the Atlantic, the arena provides ticket holders with adrenalin zones, education kiosks, food and drink facilities by day plus the music stage by night – where over 20 bands will perform in the coolest festival setting!

Put yourself at the heart of the action at Ruda Holiday Park, just steps from the main arena and beach. Choose from caravan holiday homes and lodges with the option of double glazing, central heating and non smoking options from only £337 for the whole weekend! Or bring your tent or motorhome and pitch up from £40 per pitch per night, with standard and serviced pitches available.

Earlybird tickets are now on sale at the official GoldCoast Oceanfest website – but hurry, these are limited. Only 500 Earlybird tickets are up for grabs on a first come, first served basis. Watch this space for updates on confirmed acts and sport events…

There will be 1,018 villages, towns and cities on the route meaning over 95% of the population will be within just 10 miles of the Olympic Flame next summer. The street by street detail of the route will be confirmed next year.

Travelling by different methods of transport including horseback, bicycle, tram and steam-train, the Olympic Torch Relay will also include exciting moments with extreme heights, high speeds and breath-taking spectacles.

Did you know?

• Over 95% of the population will be within 10 miles of the Olympic Flame
• Over 1,000 communities will have Torchbearers carrying the Olympic Flame through their streets
• Every county in England and every Local Authority area in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales to welcome the Olympic Flame

Every county in England and every Local Authority area in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales will host the Olympic Flame.

Images of the Torch and a short film that gives a taste of the journey are available for download here. People are invited to view the interactive map at www.london2012.com/olympictorchrelaymap to find their nearest community through which the Olympic Flame will be carried.

The 70-day Olympic Torch Relay will start at Land’s End, Cornwall on the morning of 19 May 2012. On leaving Land’s End (near Mullion), the Olympic Flame will travel an estimated 8,000 miles around the UK.