Family holiday with an environmental difference

May 2, 2012 - PRLog -- The team at Rippledown, one of the UK’s leading environmental education centres, are launching an innovative new eco holiday package for this summer. So, if you are looking for an activity based holiday with a difference, then it’s time to head off to the beautiful countryside and coastline of White Cliffs Country in East Kent.

From 4th to 19th August this year, families will be able to make use of Rippledown’s high quality hostel accommodation and its stunning surrounding 3 acres of grounds, tailored for more than fifty different environmentally based fun activities, and enjoy a holiday where the children wont have a chance to say “I’m bored” whilst they connect with nature in a myriad of different ways and enjoy activities that will also gently guide them towards a more healthy and more sustainable future on the planet.

During the family eco-holiday fortnight, activities on offer can be for children and adults separately or as a whole family during your stay; meanwhile one and two-day courses, such as an Introduction to Sustainable Building, will be running throughout the fortnight.  For those wishing to fully embrace permaculture, a system for designing sustainable lifestyles, an in-depth course culminating in a certified qualification will be on offer.  So, while the children are getting back to nature and enjoying bush crafts and engaging with the natural world, mum or dad can gain the Permaculture Design Certificate (PDC).  

The word 'permaculture' comes from 'permanent agriculture' and 'permanent culture’.  Those who embrace it live not just sustainably, but more healthily and have plenty of fun along the way. It provides the tools and confidence to design and create healthy productive places to live, work, rest and play.

The course is run by Permaculture expert and author on the subject, Steve Charter and Permaculture Diploma holders Jo Barker and Nir Halfon.  It covers food, renewable resources, wildlife and beauty, sustainable communities, ecobuilding, sustainable energy, sewage, compost, appropriate economics, group work, design and implementation of projects.

Holidaying at Rippledown offers even more, with spectacular visitor attractions in one of Kent’s designated areas of outstanding natural beauty.

Why not explore the unique SSSI habitat of The White Cliffs Countryside excellent for fishing trips, bird watching, nature rambles and walking the historic Saxon Shore Way along the East Kent coastline.  

Five miles to the south is Dover with its fascinating Castle and other heritage attractions from over 3000 years of history whilst a couple of miles to the north is the picturesque town of Deal where you can also find two further English Heritage attractions of Walmer and Deal Castles and whilst staying in the UK for your holiday you can still take in the continent – a day trip (taking the Dover-Calais Ferry) beckons.

There are stunning local beaches and rock pools at St Margaret's Bay and Kingsdown - perfect destinations for Sea Canoeing, Windsurfing, Swimming and Bathing and for tranquility and relaxation visit the six acres of beautifully managed organic parkland at The Pines Garden and enjoy home cooked food at the Pines Tea Room.