AA Campsite of the Year celebrates with ‘50 Trees for 50 Years’ in Wykeham
A series of commemorative tree planting events have been taking place at St Helens in the Park, all part of celebrations marking fifty years of the award-winning caravan and camping site, located in Wykeham on the outskirts of Scarborough.
One of the first trees to be planted was part of a moving tribute to the late Paul Hutton, the land agent whose vision helped shape the site that visitors know today.
“When we see the site today, it can be very hard to imagine what it was like,” explains Simon Roe, Manager of St Helens in the Park. “This landscape looked very different. What was created here was the result of foresight, planning and determination - brought to life in no small part thanks to Paul's skills.”
Paul was appointed land agent at Wykeham in 1965, inheriting what he once described as a ‘moonscape’ - a worked-out sand and gravel quarry. From this unlikely starting point, an ambitious vision grew, to create something new for the area in response to the growing tourism within the North York Moors National Park.
Paul's role was integral from the start. "From carefully designing the new buildings to overcoming practical challenges, such as access beneath the railway and improvements to the A170 junction, Paul’s influence can still be seen throughout the site today,” said Simon. “We were delighted to welcome back Paul’s three children to St Helens in the Park for the commemorative planting, where a tree kindly donated by Wykeham Mature Plants now stands in tribute to his legacy.”
Other special guests at the event included Councillor David Jeffels alongside Lord and Lady Downe. A second tree planting event saw the park welcome Alison Hume MP during a visit around the Dawnay Estates. Alison described it as her “very first time planting a tree as an MP”.
The events form part of the park’s wider ‘50 Trees for 50 Years’ anniversary initiative, which is also raising money for Macmillan Cancer Support, with £60 from each sponsored tree going to the charity. For Simon and the team, the planting events have carried an additional importance beyond simply marking an anniversary year. “It's very much in keeping with the ethos of the park and conservation efforts across the site,” said Simon. “We’re constantly working to encourage wildlife and biodiversity here, creating spaces where nature can thrive alongside tourism.”
This approach has been recognised over the site's history, including this season when the site has been named ‘England and Overall Campsite of the Year’ 2025/2026 by the AA, a highly prestigious accolade and a fitting reward after five decades welcoming visitors to the edge of the North York Moors National Park.