Meet the team: Mooring and Caravan Park Manager Mark
Forest Bank Moorings, our new flood-safe moorings on the River Avon, is opening in the Forest this month. Along with Dovecote Moorings, Dovecote Riverside Caravan Park, and our two licenced touring caravan sites, they provide a gateway into the Forest and income to support the work of the charity. Meet Mark, Mooring and Caravan Park Manager.
Joined the charity
April 2008
Role at the charity
Mooring and Caravan Park Manager
Tell us about your work prior to joining the charity
In the early 1980’s I worked at Stratford Marina, hiring narrowboats and a cruiser, and ran hotel boats from Stratford to Tewkesbury. After that I had my own restaurant boat, the ‘Lady of Camelot’, for five years.
From 1994 to 2003 I cruised France as a Pilot Captain on luxury barges taking in the Burgundy wine area, Champagne region and Alsace, plus areas of Holland and Belgium, before returning to the UK and working at Avon Boating.
What do you like most about working at the charity?
I love that my role is so varied, so no two days are the same. I deal with boat and caravan owners, both static and touring, giving them advice and making sure they have everything they need to make the most of their time in the Forest and local area. During the quieter times I can be found upgrading the sites, undertaking repairs and planning for the following season.
I am really proud that not only do we help to generate income to support the work of the charity to grow the Forest, we also provide a perfect spot for nature lovers to spend more time enjoying what is already the country’s largest new native broadleaf forest.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
One of my favourite pastimes is walking with Charlie, our border collie, and playing frisbee. The other is spending time with my daughter and 18-month-old grandson, especially days on the beach in Cornwall. I enjoy helping out at some of the charity’s events, particularly the fundraising open days at the Garden of Heroes and Villains.
Stay in the Forest
Extend your visit by staying at one of the caravan parks, moorings, or holiday cottages - Oak Cottage or Acorn Cottage - and have more time to explore the Forest and local area. Permanent river front static caravan pitches and longer term moorings are available. Find out more.
