A proposal has been submitted for the creation of a new campsite at Weston Park Farm in Weston, near Hitchin, under a notification sent to North Herts Council.
The development is being proposed by Woodland Champions Club, a not-for-profit membership organisation that works with landowners to establish small-scale campsites in natural environments throughout the United Kingdom.
The organisation recently wrote to the local council to advise them of the plan and invite any objections or concerns. In a letter accompanying the notification, club secretary Ben Carden stated:
“Woodland Champions Club is a not-for-profit members’ organisation which facilitates landowners to run small, superior quality campsites in woodland or other natural habitats around the UK.”
According to the Comet, he also added: “Otherwise known as ‘glamping’, we promote the use of alternative temporary structures such as pods, shepherds’ huts and tree tents on these sites.”
”The objectives of the club are to support small business, and promote healthy active outdoor recreation, as well as actively encouraging the planting of new mixed-species native woodland. We achieve this in collaboration with The Woodland Trust.”
The club has the authority to issue one-year certificates that allow landowners to operate limited-size campsites. These certificates permit the hosting of up to five caravans and 10 tent pitches per site.
While the proposed site is in the early stages of the notification process and does not currently require formal planning permission due to its size and scope, the council’s input will be considered before any certificates are issued.
For professionals in the outdoor hospitality sector, this development reflects a growing trend toward low-impact, small-footprint camping and glamping options that integrate nature conservation with tourism.
The model employed by Woodland Champions Club can be especially relevant for landowners seeking to diversify farm income, as well as for operators looking to expand into woodland-based or nature-focused accommodations.
The partnership with The Woodland Trust also underscores the increasing importance of environmental stewardship as a component of outdoor hospitality offerings.