One of the 1988 winners repeated its feat in 1993 with a similar concept. Center Parcs is intended to provide an active holiday location in a natural environment that can be enjoyed all year round. Corporate and social responsibility was a key idea in running the park. Local biodiversity was the main attraction for guests, whether they realised it or not, Center Parcs recognised this and actively protected the local environment. Planting was done sympathetically with native broadleaf species and selected grass and wildflowers species. Where possible, local produce was bought and natural materials were used to build the villages.
Sherwood Forest Village was the first one to open in the UK in 1987. It had 794 villas, 41 apartments, and grounds of 400 acres. It offered a short break location in a tranquil forest location and gave people the chance to ‘get back to nature’ through various outdoor activities like walking, cycling and canoeing.
By 1993 there was another park in Elveden with another due to be opened in 1994 in Longleat. Both sites demonstrated an awareness of environmental issues and Center Parcs was awarded a Premier Award in 1993 for its efforts.
Center Parcs continues to demonstrate the same care for the environment in all four centres nationwide, this is illustrated by its mission statement ‘Every day, the perfect break, naturally’
Center Parcs is an example of how businesses were starting to realise that all of their operations had an impact on the environment. It was not interested in just one project, but incorporated environmental ideals into the whole lifecycle of the business.