An award-winning holiday park near Beverley has won praise from renowned botanist Dr David Bellamy for enhancing the environment and boosting the local economy.

The environmental campaigner, who is also an author and TV presenter, visited High Farm Country Park, in Routh, during a tour of the region.

Dr Bellamy, who is also president of both the Caravan and Camping Club and British Homes and Holiday Parks, saw wetlands, pastures and wild meadows at the 130-acre site.

The country park, which provides "green" holidays, was established by leisure millionaire Pat Northgraves and now employs about 20 people.

It has already won the David Bellamy Conservation Gold Award and a five star tourist award for its farmhouse cottages.

Dr Bellamy welcomed green initiatives in the park.

He said: "Not only are there owl, kestrel and songbird nest boxes but there are also lakeside nesting houses for moorhens, ducks and other water fowl.

"There has been a lot of tree planting taking place and there's a great cycle route and a nature walk to keep everyone entertained."

The number of holiday makers booking caravan breaks is up by 36 per cent nationally this year, generating income for rural economies.

Dr Bellamy said: "This provides a major boost to local rural economies and helps pubs and shops, who will all benefit from the influx of visitors.

"People who choose to stay in this country instead of travelling further afield also cut down on the amount of holiday miles they travel, so you could say that the credit crunch is pushing us in the right direction environmentally too."

Owner Mr Northgraves said: "I am really thrilled that David Bellamy has taken time out to visit us.

"It was a fantastic opportunity for us to show him all the work we have done to create a rural idyll. This is all about what we are putting back into nature, we are breathing life back into the park for others to enjoy."