Center ParcsStudent Information Pack

HISTORY AND GROWTH OF CENTER PARCS Center Parcs was established by Dutchman Piet Derksen in 1967, under the original name of Sporthuis Centrum Recreatie. Piet had been a pioneer in the sports and leisure industry since the fifties with his chain of innovative and spectacular sports shops. The first village to be opened was in the South of Holland with just 30 villas and an outdoor swimming pool. The 'villa in the forest' idea was born out of Derksen's love of getting away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and escaping back to nature. Professor Jaap Bakema, an eminent Dutch architect, was asked to design the first all-season holiday village. He formulated a design which used simple, natural materials. There was to be nothing that did not harmonise with the woodland and strong emphasis was given to features such as large windows, which brought nature closer - guidelines which are still followed today. The company, which operated 14 villages - 5 in Holland, 2 in Belgium, 2 in France, 1 in Germany and 4 in the UK, was owned by Scottish & Newcastle from 1989–2001 when it was sold. The Continental European Villages were bought by a partnership of Pierre & Vacances and Deutsche Bank Capital Partners and Center Parcs UK was acquired by Deutsche Bank Capital Partners. Whinfell Forest, the fourth of the UK Villages, joined the Center Parcs Group in September 2001. In 2003 there was a management buyout and Deutsche Bank Capital Partners became MidOcean Partners. In August 2003 Pierre & Vacances signed an agreement with MidOcean Partners on August 19th 2003 to acquire the latter’s 50% stake in Center Parcs Continental Europe for a price of 270 million Euros. Pierre & Vacances, which has held 50% of the capital in Center Parcs Continental Europe since March 2001, thus acquired total control of the European company. MidOcean Partners retained full ownership of Center Parcs UK. Therefore Center Parcs UK and Center Parcs Continental Europe were now being run as separate companies. On 4th December 2003 MidOcean Partners, the current owner sold Center Parcs to a consortium of investors and the company was floated on the Alternative Investment Market (“AIM”); the deal was initiated by the city brokers Collins Stewart. Share dealing in Center Parcs (UK) Group Plc commenced on December 11th /12th 2003. September 2005 heralded Center Parcs’ move from the AIM to the main market listing on the London Stock Exchange. Center Parcs revolutionised the holiday market in Holland over 30 years ago and did the same in the UK when it opened its first village here at Sherwood Forest in July 1987, by offering short break holidays (i.e., midweek breaks from Monday to Friday and weekends from Friday to Monday) on a year round basis, in addition to longer stays. Indeed, its success can be seen by the occupancy figures of over 90% at all Villages and repeat bookings of more than 60% within a year. Center Parcs offers high quality accommodation in fully equipped villas, apartments and lodges, which are set amongst the trees and streams of the forest, each one with its own private patio. The Villages offer a mix of bars, restaurants and retail outlets, and a range of indoor and outdoor sports and leisure facilities themed into a natural environment, with woodland and water the essential elements. Center Parcs' target market is; affluent families with children, young professionals and empty nesters.

DEVELOPMENT IN THE UK SHERWOOD FOREST: Sherwood Forest in Nottinghamshire, which opened in July 1987, was the first Center Parcs village in the United Kingdom. It currently has 794 villas and 41 apartments set in 400 acres of woodland with capacity for up to 4,278 guests. Recently 10 new exclusive four bedroom villas, offering two-storey luxury accommodation and set in private grounds with steam room, sauna and outdoor hot tub, have been added to Sherwood Forest. A new family raft ride, ‘Grand Cascade’, has been created in the Subtropical Swimming Paradise (the first of its kind in the UK). A new Nature Centre has also been launched, providing the opportunity for guests to learn about and interact with the flora and fauna on site. The village offers guests a choice of 11 themed restaurants and bars, six retail outlets and more than 80 different indoor and outdoor sport and leisure facilities. There is also a Country Club with an additional restaurant, bar and sports facilities, including a golf driving range. Sherwood Forest has an Aqua Sana, the state-of-the-art new spa concept developed by Center Parcs, which offers indulgent spa experiences and beauty treatments. Children and teenagers can be entertained at the Time Out Club. The new Grand Cascade raft ride at Center Parcs’ Sherwood Forest opened in July, combining the thrill of water tubing with white water rafting and is the first of its kind in the UK. On the Grand Cascade, four people share an inflatable tube which whirls down a roller-coaster of rapids and whirlpools and at over 450 feet long, the ride is longer than two jumbo jets.

ELVEDEN FOREST: Elveden Forest opened in August 1989. It currently comprises 744 villas and 88 apartments set in over 400 acres and can accommodate up to 4,216 guests. The site has a stunning open Village Square which features a beautifully contoured Mediterranean landscape, with a cascading stream dividing the Piazza on one side from the extended Sports Plaza on the other. Elveden Forest re-opened with brand new facilities in July 2003 and 10 exclusive four bedroom villas, offering two-storey luxury accommodation set in private grounds with steam room, sauna and outdoor hot tub, have recently been added. The village has 11 restaurants and bars and six shops which are mainly located in the centre of the Village, in a spectacular covered Piazza. The Piazza is linked to a Balinese themed Subtropical Swimming Paradise and Sports Plaza by walkways, landscaping and water features. Elveden Forest also has a separate Country Club, with restaurant, bar and sports facilities, with a nine-hole, par 3 golf course close by. In addition, it has an outstanding Aqua Sana built in a Balinese theme, a Time Out Club for children and teenagers and crèche for babies.

LONGLEAT FOREST: Longleat Forest is the smallest of the four villages in terms of accommodation, with 713 villas and 60 apartments for up to 3,956 guests. The village is set in 400 acres of woodland and opened in July 1994. This year at Longleat Forest the Sports Café has been redeveloped and offers a relaxing place to enjoy a drink or meal, with the choice of a table, inside or outside, on a beautiful terrace overlooking the lake. New treatment rooms were also added to the Aqua Sana to enable the Village to meet increasing guest demand. Major refurbishments are also taking place in the Plaza, with the extension of the Italian restaurant, Luciano’s, and the introduction of a new Coffee Shop and Hair & Nails salon. New treatment rooms were also added to the Aqua Sana to enable the Village to meet increased guest demand. The village has 12 restaurants and bars and six shops, spread throughout three main centres. The Plaza is home to the Subtropical Swimming Paradise, along with several restaurants and bars and most of the shops. There is a separate Village Square where the restaurants La Sapinière and Grand Café are located. The Jardin des Sports, which offers indoor and outdoor leisure activities, is in another part of the Village, near the Roman-themed Aqua Sana and the Watersports Lake.

WHINFELL FOREST: Whinfell opened in 1997 and was acquired by Center Parcs in September 2001. It currently has 773 lodges and 79 apartments over 400 acres and accommodates up to 4,668 guests. Despite having much in common with the other three villages, Whinfell Forest has its own distinctive character which Center Parcs is committed to maintaining and enhancing. The past year has seen the redevelopment of the central Butterfly Centre, with the upgrade of three shops – ‘Treats’, ‘Natural Elements’ and ‘Funtastic’, and three restaurants – ‘Luciano’s’, ‘Café Refresh’ and the Pool Bar. The village has 12 restaurants and bars and seven shops, the majority of which are situated in the glass covered Village Centre alongside the Green Room, where live entertainment and shows take place. The Metropolis Family Entertainment Centre and the Subtropical swimming paradise are also situated in the same area. Whinfell Forest is home to one of the UK’s few surviving colonies of red squirrels. These protected animals live in a reserve at Whinfell Forest and Center Parcs works closely with Red Alert North West to protect them.

EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING

So now you have a job at Center Parcs what happens next? Each Center Parcs Village employs approximately 1,500 full and part-time, permanent staff, the vast majority (over 90%) of whom - including management - are recruited locally. The company has its own in-house training programs. The following diagram illustrates a typical training path for a member of staff.

Induction

Health & Safety Training

Guest Care

Job Specific Training

Basic Food Hygiene Computer Course (if applicable)

Further technical or professional training

Training activities within the company can be divided into 5 main categories:- 1 Core Training This category includes the following: - Induction, Health & Safety Training, Guest Care, and Cash Handling. All new staff are required to undertake the 'induction training' before commencing work within their designated unit. The other programs are completed depending on job roles. 2 Job Specific Training Duration varies according to job role - Initial training is completed "on-job" and is spread over an 8 week period (approx 20 shifts) All employees again, regardless of contractual status, complete a job specific training program, tailored to individual needs. These programs are continuously evolving, to incorporate not only relevant 'technical' information, but also different techniques. 3 Health and Safety Training All employees complete a series of refresher programs, usually lasting a few hours, during their employment. These include Fire Training, Manual Handling, Control of Substances Hazardous to Health, Dangerous Equipment.

4 Technical and Professional Training Further specialist programs are also sponsored for individuals, which may result in a qualification and requires company financial assistance. This type of training is normally run off-site i.e. college, but can be run on-site by specially trained and / or qualified tutors. 5 Manager in Training (MIT) – Management Development In 2004 Center Parcs introduced a structured management development program for its employees. This program has 2 levels- Level 1 develops team members into team leaders and supervisors and Level 2 develops assistant managers into managers. Each village selects their future managers through a structured selection procedure and places are then awarded to undertake the training program. The course blends formal off-job training modules supported by a portfolio of directed on-job learning in conjunction with their manager. All delegates are able to achieve a nationally recognised qualification by the Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM).

MARKETING The Center Parcs Marketing Department's main aim is to identify and satisfy guests' needs and demands for their short break holiday. Guest questionnaires are provided in each villa to provide valuable feedback on our total product offering. It allows us to assess the success of Village operations and consequently plan developments and marketing activities at each Village with an integrated approach to enhance the Center Parcs brand. The Center Parcs experience is marketed via an annual brochure, television advertising and the website. The television campaign is timed to support the brochure mailing in September with a heavy emphasis in January, a key period for planning holidays. The company has its own in-house Reservations department which deals with both bookings and brochure requests.

Direct Marketing is becoming increasingly important to Center Parcs as more and more of our guests are repeat visitors. Communication with our guests takes many forms e.g. booking incentives during off-peak periods; informing guests of Village improvements; and encouraging repeat bookings.

The Company's database provides a foundation for all strategic mailing activities and by utilising customer profiling tools such as geo-demographics and customer lifetime values, the marketing process can be executed with precision.

The brochure request line is 08705 200 200 and Reservations Department can be contacted on 08705 200 300. The Website address is www.centerparcs.co.uk The computerised system can handle up to 5000 calls per day. Obviously, much of the information concerning Center Parcs' marketing strategy is commercially very sensitive and circulation is therefore restricted to limited personnel within the organisation.

MISSION STATEMENT

"Every day, the perfect break, naturally” The mission statement is designed to remind staff that every day is precious to Center Parcs guests. They naturally expect Center Parcs to deliver its promise to create the perfect break through our skilled and dedicated staff. And the natural forest environments are a unique part of the Center Parcs experience. Success will be measured by how well Center Parcs satisfies its guests, staff and other stakeholders, by the value created for shareholders and by its environmental standards.

Center Parcs UK - Values & Culture

We give guests a unique and positively memorable experience We respect and care for guests and treat them individually We provide relaxation, exhilaration and fun in a safe, natural environment We provide a short cut to quality time We aim to surprise and delight our guests, and thereby exceed their expectations We provide experiences not found in normal, everyday life We are obsessed with value, guest satisfaction and quality All investments are value engineered to optimise impact through guest satisfaction/revenue/cost/health and safety standards We are commercial, but not to the extent that we alienate valuable guests or compromise service and safety standards We are ‘best in class’ at yield management We sell assertively through the call centre We make it easy to ‘buy’ on-site We get the details right We apply as much resource as necessary to execute tasks effectively We value high quality staff and the contribution they make in achieving guest satisfaction and value, recognising employee commitment drives business success We invest in training and work hard to retain good performers We have in place recognition and succession planning programmes We care for our staff and treat everyone fairly and with respect

We recognise both individual and team contribution through appropriate reward systems We develop talented and motivated employees through training, development and succession activity We work as teams to innovate and improve the business continuously We experiment and learn from the results We focus individually on where we can add most value We are open and honest with each other and we seek out and actively embrace new ideas and challenges to our own ideas We work in teams and expect team output to be superior to that of individuals We actively learn from things that don’t work by sharing concerns early, facing up to failure, analysing mistakes and applying the lessons without looking to apportion blame We work in cross-functional teams right from the beginning of a process Guest is King We give guests a unique and positively memorable experience We are obsessed with value, guest satisfaction and quality We Value Our Staff We care for our staff and treat everyone fairly and with respect We apply the highest ethical standards in all that we do We value honesty and integrity We will not knowingly contravene legal constraints . We are world leaders on ecological/environmental issues We provide a workplace that is properly regulated and resourced We communicate to all, at all times as appropriate Effective briefing and cascade processes We are open and honest in our dealings with employees, guests and customers We listen to the views of our staff and guests – Ideas Direct, Village Voice and guest questionnaires

We Set High Standards We apply the highest ethical standards to our supplier relationships, demanding the highest quality of service and their consistent adherence to mutually agreed product/service specifications We value and reward by long-term relationship those suppliers who demonstrate their ability to empathise with our culture and ethos whilst providing competitive terms We set demanding and stretching goals and achieve them We benchmark ourselves against the best both internally and externally We deliver what we market and sell We constantly review and monitor performance against targets We apply a “can do” attitude to all that we undertake We demonstrate perseverance and determination We have authority and are accountable We delegate effectively and are rewarded for success and suffer for failure We empower the organisation to act appropriately - All decisions are driven by evidence of their impact on value (perhaps indirectly via guest satisfaction), and are taken swiftly We obtain and use necessary data (both financial and non-financial). Everyone understands the link between their decisions/actions and value We use steering groups and brand champions to ensure the best decisions are always made

ECONOMIC IMPACT

Local Economic benefits of a Center Parcs Forest Village • A Center Parcs Forest Village employs approximately 1400 staff, operates 365 days a year

and attracts over 300,000 guests during that period. • The economic benefits of having a Center Parcs Forest Village in the area are numerous

and both tangible and intangible; they can be broken down as follow:

- Initial impact of construction

The injection of income into the local area during the construction of a Village is around £40million. This provides enormous economic benefits to the contractors, suppliers and other local businesses who participate in the contract.

- Training

The wide range of employment and career opportunities offered by Center Parcs is significant. Approximately 80% of full-time positions are classified as skilled and managerial

- Supply of goods and services

Center Parcs purchases a significant proportion of its supplies and services from local producers and suppliers, which represent a financial injection of £7million into the community.

- Operational Impact

The major economic impact is generated when the Village is in operation. 1400 jobs are created, the majority of which are local, and which inject approx. £11million per annum in salaries directly into the local economy.

- Local tourism

Whilst the majority of Center Parcs’ guests tend to stay within the village, a proportion of their time is spent visiting facilities and attractions within the locality. Many other local services and tourism destinations also benefit from business generated by Center Parcs. It is estimated that Center Parcs’ guests inject a further £2.5million in local tourism income.

• In total, it is estimated that the presence of a Center Parcs Forest Village creates a total

income injection of approx. £23.5million into the local economy.

CENTER PARCS AND THE ENVIRONMENT

Concern for the environment is fundamental to Center Parcs' whole philosophy and plays a major role even before a site is selected for a Center Parcs village. UK Policy for the Enviro nme nt As a business, we recognise that the nature of what we do at Center Parcs impacts on the environment through our day to day activities, the development of our villages and the extension f our influence into the wider community. We acknowledge our responsibility to maintain legal compliance as a minimum standard and to protect the environment in every area of our work. Center Parcs will take a determined approach to continually improving its performance in:- Biodiversity The diversity of life on our villages is fundamental to the experience we offer our guests. We are committed to protecting and, where viable, enhancing the habitat and wildlife value of our villages. Climate change Center Parcs accepts its responsibility to manage the impact we have as a company on climate change. We are committed to managing our business and striving to work in ways that reduce our use of energies which produce greenhouse gases. We will achieve this by building energy efficiency into our designs, investing in energy efficient technologies and developing energy efficient ways of moving around our villages, including the development of Green Travel Plans for all our sites. Natural Resources The use of natural resources needs to be managed in ways that minimise wastage. Center Parcs is committed in all areas of its operations to wasting as little energy and water as possible and preventing over-reliance on the landfilling of waste. We are dedicated to actively empowering our staff to manage our activities in a way that increases our efficient use of these finite resources, whilst maintaining an exceptional experience for our guests. To this end, Center Parcs will recycle all that it is economically viable to do so. Conscious of our role and responsibility as custodians of valuable natural resources, we have developed processes and procedures that contribute to the prevention of pollution in land, water and air. Communication and Engagement Center Parcs will communicate its environmental policy and commitment to its stakeholders. We will continually strive to engage with them on environmental initiatives and to promote the importance and the benefits of environmental consideration. In this way, we will ensure that our guests can enjoy their short break in the certain knowledge that we at Center Parcs are managing our business in harmony with the environment and enabling them to get the most out of their experience of nature.

All these considerations will be managed in accordance with the requirements of ISO14001 and in conjunction with the wider agenda of sustainable development. We at Center Parcs will do our very best to provide a short break experience in a way that benefits the environment, society and the economy both now and in the future.

SITE SELECTION: To ensure that Center Parcs selects the least environmentally sensitive sites for any proposed new village, a team of ecologists and landscape architects, together with Center Parcs' own specialists, first makes a detailed inventory and appraisal of a potential site and, in consultation with both statutory and non-statutory bodies, identifies - environmental constraints and opportunities or each potential location. Landscape Architects carry out a visual appraisal, tree surveys, topographical and vegetation analysis for potential building locations and Ecologists survey both the potential site and surrounding areas to ensure its relatively low existing ecological value and identify any habitats of value which will require protection. Engineers appraise traffic and highway arrangements to ensure minimal disruption to the site and its environs. The criteria for a new site include that it should be medium aged conifer woodland for several reasons. The mature trees provide screening during both construction and operation, and provide a green backdrop all year round. The age of the trees allows them to be selectively thinned and interplanted with younger trees and more diverse species. Conifer plantations also have a comparatively poor diversity of indigenous plant and animal life, but considerable potential for enhancement. A detailed environmental statement is prepared bringing together the various studies carried out and used in consultations with not only the local authorities but also the local community, Countryside Commission, English Nature, and any other interested bodies.

DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION

Environmental constraints are vitally important influences on the planning process and ensure that areas of conservation and wildlife interest are protected. The siting and detailing of villa clusters, central buildings and the car park is meticulously carried out to ensure as many trees as possible are retained. Any areas identified by the landscape architects and ecologists as having particular interest, e.g., remnants of broadleaved woodland and particularly fine individual specimens are retained and protected during the construction phase and plans are incorporated to protect resident wildlife. During construction, the contractor is required to work within strict limitations to prevent damage to the environment. Routes for new waterways are used for access, avoiding unnecessary tree felling, prefabricated elements minimise on-site construction and any areas not affected by the construction are fenced off prior to construction starting. There is strict supervision, by Center Parcs' own Chartered Landscape Architect, consultants and also the contractor's Construction Project Manager to ensure plans are adhered to.

Landscaping is carried out throughout the construction of the village, commencing with thinning of the forest and underplanting with native broadleaved species. Seeding takes place with selected grass and wildflower species (e.g. cornflowers, poppies and wood sorrel, specific to the soil type and local flora.) and over 500,000 trees and shrubs are planted at each new Village. The network of lakes and waterways form key elements of a Village and the plants introduced to these areas arrive from local sources with all their indigenous insect life ensuring new habitats are quickly established. Bird boxes are introduced, to attract a wide variety of birdlife - Green and Greater Spotted Woodpeckers, Nuthatches, Tawny Owls and Woodcock can be seen, along with the scarce Nightjar. Bats are also encouraged with the introduction of nesting boxes.

OPERATION Concern for the environment doesn't stop at the end of the construction of a Village. A team of trained Forest Rangers supported by Center Parcs own Chartered Landscape Architect and Ecology Manager, manage the landscape ecological systems. Their role covers not only the day to day maintenance of the Village but encompasses the establishment and implementation of the Landscape Management Plan which includes habitat management, forest thinning and management. The Management Plans not only describe management on a rolling ten year cycle but also detail the means of achievement (such as defining species for planting and management unit philosophy); they also contain Biodiversity Action Targets linked to the UK Biodiversity Action Plan, and Mission Statement for Biodiversity. It should also be noted that the Forest Management plan is a dynamic. It can be influenced by annual ecological monitoring studies. Center Parcs also works closely with outside bodies such as the Forestry Commission, English Nature and local Wildlife Trusts. The Villages are traffic-free with guests' cars allowed further than the car park only to unload at the villa on arrival and load again on departure on Mondays and Fridays. During the rest of the week bicycles are the only form of transport.

Annual Ecological monitoring, which is co-ordinated by Center Parcs own Ecology Manager has been carried out in detail over the past ten years. Some of the notable achievements are: Biodiversity Action Plan Each Center Parcs village has their own Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP). The Action Plans were published in 1995 and then updated and re-published in 2003. Each Village are closely linked with their local BAP, where plans have been written for our local and nationally scarce habitats and species. Our action plans consist of targets we intend to achieve to safeguard and maximise biodiversity at Center Parcs. Birds at Center Parcs Every five years the status of birds in the UK is assessed by leading conservation organisations. The birds are the categorised into one of three lists, Red, Amber and Green. The Red list consists of birds that are globally threatened, whose population has declined rapidly in recent years or which have declined historically and not recovered. The Amber list species are those that have declined moderately in recent years, birds that have declined historically, but have recently started to recover or are rare breeders. Species that do not meet any of the Red and Amber list criteria are on the Green list.

Bullfinch Red Lesser Spotted Woodpecker Red Linnet Red Marsh Tit Red Skylark Red Turtle Dove Red Song Thrush Red Spotted Flycatcher Red Woodlark Red Yellowhammer Red Willow Tit Red Grey Partridge Red Dunnock Amber Firecrest Amber Goldcrest Amber Green Woodpecker Amber Grey Wagtail Amber Hawfinch Amber Kestrel Amber Mistle Thrush Amber Mute Swan Amber Redpoll Amber Stock Dove Amber

Swallow Amber Tree Pipit Amber Willow Warbler Amber Woodcock Amber House Martin Amber Wood Warbler Amber Cuckoo Amber

Biodiversity at Sherwood Forest Center Parcs Sherwood Forest covers some 400 acres of predominantly coniferous woodland, which was first planted in the early part of the 20th century. The timber provided was used mainly for the then thriving mining industry in Nottinghamshire. During the 13th to 17th century, the site was part of the old royal hunting forest of Sherwood, which at that time was an intricate mixture of woodland pasture containing mature oaks, heath and acid grassland. One of our key landscape goals is to transform the present coniferous woodland in to a species-rich mixed woodland, which we are continually working towards. Since the village was opened in 1987 over 500,000 indigenous trees have been planted and our own team of foresters can be seen in the winter months, thinning out weaker trees to create future majestic specimens. Thirty acres of lakes, steams and ponds have also been created as well as a mosaic of woodland clearings for heathland and grassland regeneration. To date we have recreated around 3,500 square metres of heathland on the site. Today as a result of our landscape management, as well as our rich abundance of bird species, we have 51 locally or nationally rare plants and insects thriving on our village and in our ponds. Species and habitats covered in Sherwood BAP are: - Soprano Pipistrelle bat Common Pipistrelle Daubenton bat Leisler bat Noctule bat Natterer’s bat Nightjar Badger Common Crossbill Kingfisher Common reptiles Brown hare Birds of Conservation Concern (red and amber list species) Lowland heathland with lowland dry acid grassland. Lowland wood pasture Broadleaved woodland Standing open water with associated fen marsh and swamp Neutral grassland Conifer woodland management Scrub management Protection of Special Areas/Species of the village – Biodiversity Sensitive Areas (BSAs)

Butterflies at Sherwood Forest Since butterfly surveys began at Sherwood Forest in 1994, a total of twenty three species have been recorded.

Flora Since recording of flora began at Sherwood Forest, seventeen plants have been identified that are within the Nottinghamshire Biodiversity Action Plan. Eight plants have been recorded that are in the Derbyshire Red Data Book (Red Data Book not available for Nottinghamshire) and a further six species recorded have been identified as locally scarce.

Mammals at Sherwood Forest

Many mammals have been recorded at Sherwood Forest; the species of mammals of most conservation concern that are present at the village are all from the bat family. We have an annual Pipistrelle bat maternity roost and also within our 131 erected bat boxes around the site, Daubenton’s, Leisler’s, Natterer’s and Noctule bats are present on the village. A further mammal of interest on the village is the Badger. The village took part in a re-introduction program in 1995 where 5 adult badgers were introduced to a man-made sett. The new colony settled very well and successful annual breeding now takes place. The population has spread to 3 further setts across the village. Moths at Sherwood Forest Since moths surveys began at Sherwood Forest, a total of 299, different species have been recorded. Of the 299 species recorded, 4 are nationally scarce and 19 are locally scarce.

Reptiles and Amphibians at Sherwood Forest Three species of amphibian and two species of reptile have been recorded at Sherwood to date. The Common Lizard is regularly seen on the heathland habitats of the village.

Recorded amphibians and Reptiles Common Frog Common Toad Smooth Newt Common Lizard Grass Snake LONGLEAT FOREST Biodiversity at Longleat Forest Center Parcs Longleat Forest covers approximately 400 acres of land, which originally was known as Aucombe Wood. The famous landscape architect Humphrey Repton was responsible for designing most of the park land on the neighbouring Longleat Estate in the early 19th century. Since Longleat Forest was constructed in 1994, 250,000 indigenous trees have been planted to create a village which is rich in species diversity. Amongst the many original trees on the site, the highlight is the magnificent Giant Redwoods. The woodland created provides a haven for many species, especially birds and the village now meets the threshold to become a SSSI for woodland birds. All the lakes and streams on the village have been created and by careful management, these areas have become a magnet for a rich collection of wildlife. The nationally scarce dragonflies Ruddy Darter and Black Darter are amongst some of the species that have been recorded to date.

Butterflies at Longleat Forest The recording butterflies started at Longleat Forest in 1995 and to date a total of 26 species have been recorded on the village; 3 of these species being locally scarce and 2 being nationally scarce.

Mammals at Longleat Forest Longleat Forest provides a habitat for 4 species of bat, all of which roost on the village. The species are Pipistrelle, Brown Long-eared, Whiskered/Brandt’s and Serotine. All species of bat are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. A strong badger population can be found on the village and they have been known to feed from villa patios close to their setts. Mammals recorded on the village to date are: - Badger Bank Vole Brown Rat Brown Long-eared bat Common Shrew Daubentons bat Fallow Deer Fox Grey Squirrel Muntjac Noctule bat Pipistrelle bat Rabbit Roe Deer Serotine bat Weasel Whiskered/Brandt’s bat Wood Mouse Moths at Longleat Forest Since moth surveys began at Longleat Forest in 1990 a total of 339 species of moths have been recorded. Of the 339 species recorded 28 are locally scarce, 4 are nationally scarce and there is 1 red data book micro moth (Stigmella samiatella). Reptiles and Amphibians at Longleat Forest Four species of reptile and four species of amphibians have been recorded on the village to date. Palmate newt Smooth Newt Common Frog Common Toad Grass Snake

ELVEDEN FOREST

Biodiversity at Elveden Forest Center Parcs Elveden Forest covers some 400 acres of the brecklands, an area with light soils and less rainfall and higher temperatures than most of Britain. Its open habitats and lakes (the Breckland Meres) supported many species found nowhere else in the country. The Village was originally dominated by a single-species conifer plantation planted in the 1950s and managed for a timber crop. A small part was an intensive pig farm. There was one windrow of older Scots pine and grassland edges which we preserved but otherwise the future Village supported virtually none of the scarce and rare species typical of Breckland. Since Center Parcs purchased the site in 1987 over 500,000 deciduous trees have been planted to create a mixed woodland to increase biodiversity. We have also made 32 acres of lakes and waterways and created open habitats around villas, buildings and lakes, near the Village entrance and in a special wildflower meadow. Now Elveden supports more than 14 rare and endangered plant species and no less than 160 species of nationally scarce and rare insects associated with open Breckland habitats as well as the woodlands and waterways. Our special Flower Meadow supports many of the scarce plants and insects and is the keystone of our involvement in a priority species recovery programme with English Nature and the Suffolk Wildlife Trust, but many of the plants and the great majority of other species occur naturally in other habitats over the whole Village. Even the car park is the breeding ground for eight rare insects. The birdlife and waterways are also strong contributors to Village biodiversity, although we cannot refresh the big lakes often enough for maximum diversity because this could take water resources important for other areas. Even the European rare woodlark, a Breckland speciality, has bred on the Village.

Butterflies at Elveden Forest Butterfly monitoring started at Elveden Forest in 1994 and to date a total of 28 species have been recorded. One of the highlights of this is the locally rare and declining Dingy Skipper. Flora at Elveden Forest The recording of flora on the village began in 1990. Since then 29 plants of local or national importance have been recorded all of which have occurred naturally. The floral highlight at Elveden Forest is the specially protected Fingered speedwell (Veronica triphyllos), for which the village is the only remaining active natural site in Suffolk for this plant.

Mammals at Elveden Forest Three species of mammal of conservation concern breed on the village on an annual basis. These are Pipistrelle bat, brown long-eared bat and brown hare. The first of these species is Pipistrelle bat (Pipistrellus pygmaeus). This is the UK’s most common bat, but is listed as a priority species of conservation concern in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan. The reason for this status is the extent of decline of this mammal as a whole across Europe, a concerning 70% decline recorded in the UK between 1978 and 1993. The second species of bat roosting on the village is brown long-eared bat (Plecotus auritus). This bat roosts throughout the year within the Flint Knapp Cottages. This is a well established roost and it is highly likely that these bats have been occupying this cottage since their construction, possibly some two hundred years ago. A survey of the cottages over 2004 by the Senior Conservation Ranger, not only confirmed the continued health of this roost area, but also was able to place an abundance assessment on the roost present. The third mammal of conservation concern on the village is brown hare (Lepus europaeus). Hare activity remained centred upon the traditional areas upon the entrance mounds. Mammals recorded on the village to date are: - Field Vole Otter Wood Mouse Grey Squirrel Short-tailed Vole Noctule Bat Common Shrew Pipistrelle Bat Mole Brown Long-Eared Bat Rabbit Daubenton’s Bat Brown hare Leisler’s Bat Hedgehog Fallow Deer Red Deer Roe Deer Muntjac Weasel Stoat Badger Fox

Moths at Elveden Forest Moth surveying began at Elveden Forest in 1991 and in that time a total of 620 species have been recorded, this includes 255 micro moths and 349 macro moths. Amongst the figure includes 71 important species, which are either locally scarce, nationally scarce or are listed on the Red Data Book.

Reptiles & Amphibians at Elveden Forest Three species of reptile and three amphibians have been recorded on the village to date. Adder Vipera berus Grass Snake Natrix natrix Common Lizard Lacerta vivipara Common Toad Bufo bufo Common Frog Rana temporaria Smooth Newt Triturus vulgaris

WHINFELL FOREST The Village joined the Center Parcs Group in September 2001, so has not been part of the Annual Ecological monitoring by Center Parcs as detailed above. The Village is part of the 1100 acre Whinfell Forest, a commercial conifer plantation for 100 years. Since its opening in [1995], the focus of management was to sustain and enhance the character of the forest, to protect and enhance existing wildlife and habitats, and to provide countryside access for visitors. Forestry practice was modified to ensure key areas retained permanent cover, which involved selective felling and replacement to promote natural regeneration. New landscape features were created with the introduction of lakes and waterways, which themselves provided new habitats. In addition, the opening up of the canopy where the lodges are sited provided scope for grass and heather glades.

Amphibians at Whinfell The village provides a rich habitat for 5 different species of amphibians. The 5 species are Great Crested Newt, Smooth Newt, Palmate Newt, Common Frog and Common Toad. The Great Crested Newt is a species of conservation concern and as such is protected by both National and European law. As part of our ongoing commitment to nature conservation, we are continually developing newt habitats and their terrestrial habitats.

Biodiversity at Whinfell Forest Center Parcs Whinfell Forest village covers 400 acres of woodland dominated by Scots Pine and Norway Spruce, which provide a haven for the endangered Red Squirrel. Whinfell Forest is only one of only 16 Red Squirrel refuges that remain in England. Center Parcs employs a dedicated Red Squirrel Ranger, whose job is to ensure the well being of the Red Squirrels on the village and in the surrounding woodlands, giving them protection from the persistent threat of the non-native Grey Squirrel. The village is situated in an area of Cumbria known as the Eden Valley. The name comes from the River Eden that flows close to the boundary of Whinfell. Other protected species at Whinfell are the Great Crested Newt, which is the only newt protected by national and European legislation and our badgers with setts located across the entire village. The floor of the forest is predominantly dominated by a carpet of heather and bilberry. Another floral highlight on the village is the scarce orchid Creeping Ladies Tresses, which can be found amongst this beautiful carpet of heather. Butterflies at Whinfell Butterflies monitoring began at Whinfell Forest in 2002 and to date 12 species of butterfly have been recorded. Recorded butterfly’s at Whinfell: - Ochlodes venata Large Skipper Lycaena phlaeas Small Copper Aglais urticae Small Tortoiseshell Inachis io Peacock Polygonia c-album Comma Vanessa atalanta Red Admiral Aphantopus hyperantus Ringlet Maniola jurtina Meadow brown butterfly Anthocharis cardamines Orange Tip Pieris brassicae Large White Pieris napi Green-veined White Pieris rapae Small White Moths at Whinfell Forest Moth surveying began at Whinfell in 2002 and to date 128 species have been recorded. 2 of the moths recorded are of some special interest, these are, the nationally scarce Welsh Wave (Venusia cambrica) and the locally scarce Slender Brindle (Apamea scolopacina) Flora at Whinfell A nationally scarce floral species we have at Whinfell is Creeping Ladies Tresses (Goodyera repens), which can be found in abundance across part of the village. Another locally scarce species we have at Whinfell is Bog Bilberry (Vaccinium uliginosum). This is a low growing shrub associated with acid heathlands. As it is locally common in central and northern Scotland, it does not achieve the same national status of Creeping Ladies Tresses, but in England it is only found in Cumbria.

Since surveying began in 2002, 216 species of flora has been identified at Whinfell Forest. Mammals at Whinfell

The most important mammal species on the village is our Red Squirrel population. The Red Squirrel was widespread across Britain, but declined dramatically over the last century due to the introduced American Grey Squirrel. Whinfell Forest is only one of the last 16 Red Squirrel strongholds that remain in the UK, and Center Parcs are proud to be involved with Red Alert, an organisation set up solely to conserve the remaining Red Squirrels with the UK. Another mammal that can be seen at Whinfell that is of conservation concern is the Brown Hare, which can often be seen grazing on the land adjacent to the Golf Driving Range. Mammals recorded on the village to date are: -

Badger Brown Hare Brown Long-eared Bat Feral Cat Daubenton’s Bat Pipistrelle Bat Rabbit Red Squirrel Roe Deer Stoat Weasel

RECOGNITION

For many years Center Parcs has been deeply committed to not only conserving the environment, but also enhancing it. In particular the company strives to create habitats that encourage the indigenous flora and fauna. It is generally accepted by ecologists and conservationists alike that Center Parcs' Villages form a richer, more attractive and better balanced ecological environment than existed before the company took over a site. Center Parcs has received the recognition of such bodies and individuals as the Government, the Secretary of State for the Environment and the Director of the Countryside Commission. It has received many awards, amongst others in 1988 Sherwood Forest Village was awarded the Business and Industry Environment Award and in 1990 the company received the English Tourist Board's inaugural Green Tourism Award. Center Parcs was also awarded the 1993/4 Business Commitment to the Environment Premier Award in recognition of its "human and social responsibility and environmental quality in respect of its development of its Villages at Sherwood, Elveden and Longleat Forests". 1988 'Business in Industry Environment' Award from Business and Industry

Panel for the Environment Center Parcs received the premier award in recognition of human and social responsibility and environmental quality in respect of Sherwood Forest.

1990 'England for Excellence Green Tourism' Award from the English Tourist

Board Center Parcs received the inaugural award in recognition of the importance placed on conservation and the environment.

1992 'Business in Industry Wildlife Pond of the Year from Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust Pondwatch' Award Center Parcs received this award for its outstanding wildlife awareness at its Villages at Sherwood Forest and Elveden Forest.

1993/4 'Business Commitment to the Environment' Premier Award from Business

Commitment to the Environment In recognition of its human and social responsibility and environmental quality in respect of the development of the Villages at Sherwood Forest, Elveden Forest and Longleat Forest.

1999 ‘ISO14001’ Accreditation

Certificate for the effective implementation of an environmental management systems

1999 ‘Chartered Landscape Institute 1999 Award for Landscape Management’

This award recognises Center Parcs on-going commitment to creating outstanding natural environments at each of its three UK Villages, demonstrating a fully coordinated and dynamic approach to forest management.

1999 Plantlife ‘Corporate Ecologist of the Year’ Awarded to Barry Collins

The award was conceived by Prof Bellamy after seeing the work Barry Collins had done in the recreation of a Heathland Glade at Sherwood Forest, and a

Breckland Wild Flower Meadow at Elveden Forest. 1999 TOURFOR Award

TOURFOR presented the award in recognition of Center Parcs’ implementation of an Environmental Management System for forest tourism and recreation.

2002 Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust ‘Green Guardians’ Award

Sherwood Forest was recognised in the Nottinghamshire Green Guardians Awards. The awards, run by Notts Wildlife Trust, recognises business and individuals that make a difference to the local environment.

2003 ‘ISO14001’ re-accreditation

Certificate for the effective implementation of an environmental management systems

2003 ‘ISO14001’ Accreditation Whinfell Forest

Certificate for the effective implementation of an environmental management systems

2003 Wildlife Trusts Biodiversity Benchmark

The Wildlife Trusts has created the pioneering new Biodiversity Benchmark for organisations across the UK, enabling them to assess their impact on the natural world, improve their contribution to the environment and demonstrate their commitment to biodiversity. The ten-point standard can be achieved through an independent process, adding value to existing management systems and integrating within systems such as IS0 14000 and EMAS.

2003 Envirowise Supply Chain Partnership Forum – Certificate of Excellence

The Rt. Hon. Margaret Beckett MP, Secretary of State for the Environment presented a certificate of excellence to Center Parcs for outstanding contribution to the supply chain partnership between Envirowise, the Dti/Defra sponsored programme which promotes waste minimisation and environmental best practice and the British Retail Consortium . Last year Center Parcs worked closely with 25 suppliers and identified over £510 000 worth of energy savings within their businesses.

2004 Forestry Stewardship Council Certification Issued for the sustainable management of our woodlands, this award is an

independently audited procedure against the United Kingdom Woodland Assurance Standard, recognised by the Forest Stewardship Council as the FSC (UK) standard. This in turn is an internationally recognised accreditation Center Parcs are members of the Independent Forestry Group Certification Scheme.

2004 Energy Information Centre – Environmental Energy Award For excellence in the integrating of environmental consideration into overall

business strategy.

ISO 14001 – A NATURAL STEP FOR CENTER PARCS

In May 1999 Center Parcs achieved the ISO 14001 certificate, an internationally recognised standard in environmental protection. The certificate for effective environmental management systems applies to thirteen of its fourteen villages, including Sherwood Forest, Elveden Forest and Longleat Forest in the UK. Whinfell Forest, which has joined the Center Parcs Group since ISO 14001 was achieved, is working towards the same standard. The company was the first in the leisure sector to be awarded the ISO 14001 certificate. The accreditation of ISO 14001 is a natural step for Center Parcs as care for the environment and offering our guests a natural background for their holiday has always been a core part of the Center Parcs philosophy. We can now be proud of the fact that we have an accredited management system in place which will ensure we continue to maintain the highest standards of care for our environment and that this has been earned by the dedication of our staff. As you will have read in the previous pages, Center Parcs has been re-accredited with the ISO 14001 certificate at each review. The most recent accreditation was awarded in 2005. Environmental Management Systems Examples of the general conservation procedures include: 1. At Longleat Forest a unique adaptation of a Reverse Osmosis has been installed, to recycle

back wash filter swimming pool water back into the pool main system, saving over 15,000m3 per year of water which would be lost into main sewerage.

2. All central building rainwater and surface water collection feeds into all waterways 3. Energy consumption is reduced by: • Air handling systems in the Subtropical Swimming Paradise cleaning and recycling heated

air. • Storage of heated pool water in reservoirs each evening avoiding reheating costs. • The use of low energy light bulbs in all buildings. 4. Recycling of glass, paper, and aluminium is being promoted to guests as well as staff, thus reducing landfill quantities. Center Parcs UK is an exemplar of sustainable tourism and achieving this accreditation recognises Center Parcs’ commitment to conserving and enhancing the environment it provides for its guests and employees.

TROPICAL LANDSCAPES

Center Parcs' environmental expertise also extends to the creation and care of its internal landscapes in the Subtropical Swimming Paradise, Plaza and Jardin des Sports. The plants are brought from all over the world by Center Parcs' own interior landscape designer who has developed a technique for putting the plants into hibernation during transportation. On arrival at the company's nurseries in Holland they are revived and gently acclimatised for anything from a month to a year, depending on the individual plant. More than 5,000 tropical plants from 800 species are selected for each Village, and themed to recreate, for instance, at Longleat Forest a Burmese wood, at Elveden Forest a South American tropical forest and a replica of the Florida Everglades at Sherwood Forest. As trade in endangered plants is monitored through the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species, Center Parcs take special care over which plants are selected and they will never take a plant if there are fewer than 100 specimens within the vicinity. Only environmentally safe sprays and organic feeds are used, with natural predators being used to eradicate pests - but it is essential that the right species are used as, for example, ladybirds from Europe will turn away from Brazilian bugs! The soil is checked regularly and gradually replaced to maintain its richness and all pruning and re-planting is carried out at night while guests are sleeping.