Caravan and Motorhome Club Launches “Switch Off, Give Back” Sustainability Trial at Ashridge Farm Club Campsite, Hertfordshire

The Caravan and Motorhome Club is proud to announce the launch of an innovative new sustainability initiative, “Switch Off, Give Back” at its Ashridge Farm Club Campsite in Hertfordshire. The trial is designed to show how small changes by many can add up to a meaningful impact - both environmentally and within the local community.

Previous insights indicate that when electricity is charged separately on campsites, consumption can reduce by around 40%. This trial will explore whether similar reductions can be achieved through behaviour change alone, with a target of reducing on-pitch electricity usage by approximately 30% during the trial period. 

As part of the Club’s ongoing commitment to its Green Tourism goals, the Ashridge Farm Club Campsite trial is about focusing minds on reducing on-pitch electrical power consumption, where traditionally it is regarded as free and included in the pitch price, but in reality is costing everyone something. Plus, guests also have an option to save up to *£1.70 per night and opt out of electricity entirely with the non-electric Saver offer.  This empowers members to take simple, everyday actions to reduce energy use and have a shared community goal. The primary focus of the trial is on how members can reduce electricity use through simple behaviour changes while remaining plugged in. 

Small Changes, Collective Impact

At the heart of “Switch Off, Give Back” is a simple idea: small habits across multiple pitches can create a powerful collective contribution. Guests will be encouraged to make easy changes during their stay, such as only boiling the water they need, switching off appliances, turning down heating slightly and avoiding leaving heating or lights on when away from their unit or outdoor lighting overnight unless needed.   By making these changes together, we will support a local biodiversity and conservation project.

Throughout the Club Campsite, messaging will highlight how these actions add up, for example:

• Boiling only the water you need not only makes a better cuppa, but it also helps support local environmental initiatives.
• Dialling the heating down by just one degree keeps you cosy, while supporting projects that protect the natural spaces we all enjoy.

• If every guest on site makes one small change, together we can support a local conservation charity by the end of the season.

Progress will be shared via a community Sustainability Board at reception, helping members and guests to see the difference their actions are making.

Giving Back to Local Causes

As part of this initiative, the Club will make a donation to Greening Ashwell. This local conservation project directly links members’ actions on the campsite with positive outcomes for the surrounding area. The Club will collaborate with the project to enhance habitats in and around the site through improved planting, nature support, and community volunteering days. 

“Our members already care deeply about the environment,” says Natasha Shane, Head of Strategic Product Development and Sustainability at the Caravan and Motorhome Club. “Switch Off, Give Back is about making that connection visible - showing how small, everyday actions can come together to create something meaningful for the places our members love to visit.”

A Sustainable Future for Touring

The Ashridge Farm Club Campsite trial forms part of a wider sustainability roadmap for the Club, focused on making touring more environmentally responsible without compromising on comfort or enjoyment. By encouraging simple behavioural changes, the Club aims to ensure that the freedom of the open road remains sustainable for future generations.

The trial will run for an initial six-month period, with learnings helping to shape future initiatives across the Club’s network of 145 UK campsites. To find out more, visit camc.com/sustainability 

For further information about becoming a member of the Caravan and Motorhome Club or to book, please visit www.camc.com or call 01342 318 813.

ENDS 

*based on two adults and a pitch travelling in June 

About the Caravan and Motorhome Club   

With over 1 million members and 119 years of experience, the Caravan and Motorhome Club is the UK’s No 1 touring club - as rated on TrustPilot - and helps its members get more from the great outdoors, whether glamping or touring.   

• Membership: £69 per year   

• Access to 2,600+ campsites across the UK and Europe   

• Escorted tours in Europe, North America, Australasia & Africa   

• Expert travel advice and member offers   

• Visit UK holiday deals & offers to see the range of offers   

Find out more or join:  www.camc.com | 01342 318 813   

More Ways to Stay: Experience Freedom   

Want to try glamping?    

Experience Freedom, from the Caravan and Motorhome Club, offers luxury stays in safari tents, glamping pods, yurts, motorhome hire, tent camping and more – across 10 beautiful UK locations. Open to both members and non-members, Experience Freedom combines comfort with the great outdoors. Operated by the Caravan and Motorhome Club, the brand benefits from decades of expertise in high-quality campsite management. Club members enjoy up to 20% off glamping stays for themselves and their guests.   

Find out more or join:  www.experiencefreedom.co.uk | 01342 777533   

Media Contacts: 

Caravan and Motorhome Club - Nikki Nichol - nikki.nichol@camc.com | 07771 834443   
Four Agency (Helen Coop, Manav Hartono, Maja Bull) - camc@four.agency