|
Fen Farm
has been owned by the Lord family since 1918 and the first tents were pitched
in 1923, so the park has grown rather than been developed.
The
proximity of the Essex marshes gives a unique tranquil atmosphere and
the presence of many birds and wildlife adds to the ambience.
A
continuing commitment to protect the environment has resulted in the award of a
David Bellamy Conservation Gold Award annually since 1999.
Every
year customers are invited to send comments to the David Bellamy
Conservation Award scheme. These are some of the comments from 2009.
'Fen Farm is a lovely haven for many types of wildlife.
The birds are a real treasure, we have seen species that we do not
usually see and spend as much time outdoors as possible. The park is
kept as natural as possible with lots of trees and bushes. The reeds in
the marshes attract reed warblers and a marsh harrier too. All in all a
wonderful place.'
'Fen Farm is a truly peaceful and beautiful site, the residents and
staff make real efforts to encourage wildlife to the site by planting
flowers and shrubs, and even fruit trees. On my stay I have seen many
butterflies and birds, and also a healthy stock of rabbits. I feel that
a great appreciation of wildlife is undertaken on this park.'
'I stayed at Fen Farm, I thought it was brilliant. The people were nice
and helpful, it was clean and tidy. I saw lots of wildlife - painted
ladies, peacock, meadow brown, comma, gatekeeper and cabbage white.
Also crows, pigeons, harris, oyster catchers, swallows, sand martins,
there were lots of rabbits and dragonflies. George - Aged 8'
'We have been camping at the park since 1953 and have always been
interested in wildlife and nature. To the best of our knowledge all the
plants, butterflies, insects, bird and animals are the same varieties
we knew then. We saw turtle doves nesting in the mid 50's - still
around now. Woodpeckers still in the same trees on site. I saw 6
different bumble bee types in 2 hours within 50 yards of my caravan. We
now also see egrets and the mushrooms and blackberries are still as
good.'
'Great areas set aside for wildlife, lovely atmosphere, a good
selection of widlife listed in the reception journal.'
The new
toilet block, completed in 2005 is also designed with conservation in mind with
solar powered water heating (backed up with gas when necessary). Sun pipes provide light in the daytime.
An
important part of the block is the wheelchair accessible toilet and shower, the
family toilet and shower room and the laundry room with coin-operated washing
machines, tumble driers and iron. There
is also a freezer for ice blocks and sinks for washing up. With no
pool or clubhouse, a favourite occupation for children is crabbing in the
creeks on the marshes or enjoying the beach and the sea.
There are
also two play areas with swings, slides, etc, and there are two open fields for children to play on nearby.
Dogs are
welcome and there are dog walks, with bins, all around the park. There are also many footpath walks nearby as
well as the beach.
The “Dog
and Pheasant” public house is a few minutes walk, and a little further away is the village shop and the
“Pick Your Own” fruit, flower and vegetable farm.
Cudmore
Grove Country Park is just a few minutes walk away with an abundance of
wildlife to be seen, and just 8 miles away is Fingringhoe Wick Nature
Reserve.
Mersea Island Vineyard and Brewery, with its Courtyard Cafe is within three miles.
Nearly all
the 90 owner-occupied, fully serviced static caravans have a view of the
sea. Some of the holiday home owners
have created a garden, and some choose to have a fence around the caravan. The trees and shrubs remaining from the
agricultural days give a rural, intimate atmosphere.
Every
caravan sold on site is on a concrete base, fully plumbed in with water and
electricity, steps and TV aerial.
The annual
site fee includes rates and winterising the caravan so the only extras are
insurance, gas and electricity by meter.
Static
caravans may be occupied between mid March and mid November.
It can be
taken as a compliment to Fen Farm that many of the people who have stayed here
have fallen in love with Mersea
Island
and now live here.
|
