ECO-FRIENDLY PARK AIMS FOR GOLD

An eco-friendly Lincolnshire residential park recently invited its oldest occupant to cut the green tape on its latest conservation initiative.

    The Elms in Torksey has just completed the development of a woodland walk which will take residents on a fully-interpreted discovery tour of the park's outstanding flora and fauna.

Declaring the walk open was well-known resident 80-year-old Jack Smith who moved to the park 25 years ago.
Now The Elms has been nominated by world-famous conservationist David Bellamy for his prestigious 2012 gold conservation award.

Covering more than 60 acres of quiet countryside, the gated estate provides more than 300 park homes for people in or near retirement, starting in price at £65,000.

The Elms was established just over 30 years ago by former farmer John Kinch, now aged 83, who still plays an active part in its day-to-day management.

John's enthusiasm for the natural environment has also been taken up by his children - Stuart, Tracey, Ann and Johnny - who now help run the business.

Bird boxes and specially-created habitats for hedgehogs, owls and bats are helping to swell wildlife numbers and the area has been sown this year with wild flowers.

The pollen-rich varieties will, it is hoped, help increase the butterfly population and introduce a larger number of insects which will provide a food source for birds.

Over the years, the Kinch family has planted thousands of trees and shrubs at The Elms, and managed the park's three lakes set around ten acres of protected parkland which act as a magnet for birds and aquatic life.

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