Our New Touring Bollards & Why We’re Introducing Energy Metering

Some of you may have noticed our beautiful new touring bollards on our fully-serviced pitches.

For a long time, we’ve wanted to upgrade our hookups, water system and grey waste disposal. Previously, two pitches shared a hookup, meaning some guests were a long way from their services. Grey waste drains were also tired looking, hard to find, and in some cases positioned uphill from your caravan outlet which, as physics tells us, simply doesn’t work.

A Major Investment

In Winter 2025/2026, we decided to invest in new underground drainage, water pipes and cabling so that every pitch now has its own bollard - hooray!

We chose the Rolec Quantum bollards, which feature built-in lighting to make navigating the site easier at night. Each bollard is positioned at the back left-hand side of the pitch and includes:

• An electric hookup

• A tap

• A drain beneath the tap for grey waste

They are a significant improvement on our previous setup.

A Small (But Emotional) Setback

When the bollards arrived, we discovered they had been manufactured with the socket on the wrong side. I’ll be honest - I was incredibly upset (and yes, I cried).

All 27 bollards are technically wrong, but after discussions with our supplier we agreed to keep them as they are. Replacing them would have meant removing and reinstalling everything, which would have been hugely disruptive and extremely costly. It won't make much difference to you, but you might question why they weren't put on the more practical side - now you know!

Why We Invest Back Into the Site

This project has cost tens of thousands of pounds, but reinvesting in the site is something we take very seriously. Maintaining high standards and delivering a great customer experience matters to us, and we want you to feel confident that you get what you pay for when you stay here. In order for us to continue maintaining and improving the site, we have to make sure we're making a profit.

Which brings us to the reason for this post…

Why We’re Introducing Electric Metering

As part of the upgrade, we had the Metpow smart energy system installed in each bollard. This allows us to accurately monitor energy usage and better understand the true cost of providing electricity. It also provides an opporunity for us to be kinder to the environment, something we're passionate about.

We are also passionate about keeping our prices stable. With energy uncertainty, the only way we can do this is charge high energy users and protect low energy users. It makes it fairer for everyone, and helps keep our prices affordable.

Typical Energy Usage

In reality, guests use:

• Small units (VW campers, small motorhomes): 1–3kWh per day

• Medium units: 5–8kWh per day

• Large caravans, motorhomes & RVs: 10kWh+ per day

Higher usage usually comes from heating awnings, wet underfloor heating, and high-demand appliances such as electric hobs and fridge-freezers.

Rising Costs & Our Approach

Like many small businesses, we’ve faced substantial cost increases - from energy and wages to business rates and national insurance. As well as entering into a new energy contract in March 2026 with a much higher rate, our small business rates relief ends at the same time, adding increased pressure to our already tight margins.

Rather than continuing to raise pitch prices, we’ve looked for fairer alternatives. Energy metering protects guests who use very little electricity from subsidising those who use a lot, while helping us manage rising costs more sustainably, and be kinder to the environment.

What This Means for You

For most guests, nothing changes.

We now include 10kWh of electricity per pitch, per day, completely free, increasing to 14kWh in Winter months (November to February). This is very generous and the vast majority of our customers won't exceed this allowance.

If you exceed this allowance, you’ll simply pay:

• 27p per kWh in the daytime (between 7am and midnight), and 21p per kWh in the night time (between midnight and 7am) - this is the same rate we pay

• Plus a very small processing fee

How the Metpow System Works

Before arrival, you’ll be invited to download the Metpow app (some guests already have this from other sites).

On arrival:

1. Plug into your bollard

2. Scan the QR code using the app

3. Enter your departure date

4. Add a payment method

A small pre-authorisation (minimum £10) will be placed on your card, but no money is taken unless you exceed your free allowance. Once activated, your power switches on automatically.

You can monitor your usage in real time during your stay.

If the app feels daunting, don’t worry - we can set everything up for you at reception, just ask and we'll be willing to help. You don't even need to download the app if you don't want to.

Not a Profit-Making Scheme

We want to be very clear: this is not a money-making exercise.

Ofgem does not allow businesses outside the energy sector to profit from selling electricity. We are only permitted to charge what we pay, and we also cover the monthly Metpow subscription ourselves, as well as the initial investment.

This change is about protecting margins, not increasing profits.

For 2027, our pitch prices will not increase, we will simply ask high energy users to pay for excess usage.

Our Values Haven’t Changed

Since my mum started the business in 2012, our aim has never been to become a cash-cow. We exist to provide a welcoming, high-quality place to switch off and enjoy a proper break.

We know we’re not the cheapest, but we believe you get what you pay for: warm and spotless facilities, generous pitches, a commitment to the environment, a friendly welcome and a beautiful location. Any profits we make are reinvested back into the site every year.

Looking Ahead

In the long term, this approach benefits everyone:

• Fairer energy use

• No extreme pitch price hikes if energy costs rise

• Greater sustainability for the benefit of the site and the environment

Thank you for taking the time to read this post. If you have any questions regarding this topic, please get in touch.

We hope to see you soon.

Amy x