A Chat with Callum Stephens, Head of Maintenance at Silverbow Country Park
Caring for Nature and Wildlife
At Silverbow Country Park, we’re passionate about not just offering beautiful holiday homes but also creating a peaceful, nature friendly environment for our guests. This week we caught up with our Head of Maintenance, Callum Stephens, to talk about the incredible work that goes into making Silverbow such a special place.
Q: Hi Callum! Thanks for joining us. Can you tell us a bit about your role here at Silverbow Country Park?
Callum:
Hi and thanks for having me! As Head of Maintenance, I oversee the park’s day to day upkeep, from the facilities to the grounds. But one of the most rewarding parts of my job is working closely with the natural environment. We take great pride in making sure our park not only looks great but also thrives as a haven for local wildlife.
Q: That sounds wonderful. How does your team support nature at Silverbow?
Callum:
We do a lot! One key focus is protecting and enhancing the local biodiversity. We plant native wildflowers and shrubs that attract pollinators like bees and butterflies. We also maintain hedgerows. And natural corridors that provide safe spaces for small mammals and birds.
Q: Do you have any recent projects you’re particularly proud of?
Callum:
Absolutely. One of our recent projects involved installing bird boxes and bat boxes around the park to encourage nesting and roosting. We also created a small wildlife pond attract amphibians and insects. It’s amazing how quickly nature responds when you give it a helping hand!
Q: That’s fantastic! Do you get to see the wildlife using those habitats?
Callum:
All the time. Our owners often tell us about seeing rabbits, foxes, deer and green woodpeckers, in fact we have two mated pairs that reside on site. It’s great to know that our efforts are making a real difference and it’s lovely that our guests get to share in that experience.
Q: How do you balance the needs of the owners and guests and the needs of the wildlife?
Callum:
It’s all about balance. We make sure to keep our grounds neat and welcoming while also leaving areas a bit wilder in the right places. For example, we mow pathways and open spaces for guests, but we let some corners grow naturally, providing homes for insects and small animals. We also educate guests about our approach so they know why certain areas might look a bit wilder.
Q: That’s a brilliant approach. What would you say to guests who want to get involved or learn more?
Callum:
We love it when guests want to get involved. We are always happy to chat about what we are doing. We also have information boards dotted around the park that explain the habitats and wildlife that you might see. And of course, if guests are curious, I’m always around to answer questions or share a story or two.
Q: Thanks so much for sharing your insights Callum. It sounds like Silverbow Country Park is a real haven for people and wildlife!
Callum:
It really is! We are proud to be a part of a place where people can relax and reconnect with nature. That is what Silverbow is all about.
Want to see our nature friendly park for yourself? Visit www.silverbow.co.uk to explore our beautiful holiday homes, peaceful surroundings, and everything we do to support the local environment.
