Forestry England has acquired ten New Forest (United Kingdom) campsites in a deal that will see the body assume responsibility starting 2023.
As per a report, Forestry England (FE) and Forestry and Land Scotland have bought out its previous major partner, the Camping and Caravanning Club, within the Camping in the Forest (CiTF) business.
It manages 16 sites throughout England and Scotland, making the ten New Forest sites, comprising Holmsley, Roundhill, and Hollands Wood campsites, the largest portfolio.
Craig Harrison, FE’s deputy surveyor for the New Forest, said that campsites in the heart of the New Forest provide a fundamental way for people to connect with and appreciate nature.
“Taking greater control of these will allow us to continue to offer this experience and support local businesses while working more closely with our local partners to plan and develop their future,” Harrison said.
In its announcement, FE declared that although it bought the 72% shareholding shares to ensure a seamless transition, the club will still manage the campsites this season.
FE stated that the purchase means that its England and Scotland divisions will be able to manage their future forest camping program in the national forest amid the surge in staycations. It will also make the potential expansion of the network of campsites beyond existing locations possible.
The development comes following a debate over the camping club’s stewardship of local sites following the first lockdown.
In the beginning, it refused to allow campsites to open despite the fact that the government was encouraging people to go out and boost the UK economy—a decision which the minority partner, FE, challenged.
FE Chief Director Mike Seddon said it is an exciting time for Forestry England and Forestry and Land Scotland to develop the future camping provision in the forests.
We are looking forward to working closely with our partners at the Camping and Caravanning Club while they operate the CiTF campsites in the year ahead as we welcome back campers to our sites for the start of the camping season,” Seddon said.
He added that the commitment enables them to plan for the future. Across the nation’s forests, Forestry England and Forestry and Land Scotland will be better placed to provide overnight stays in beautiful forest locations, helping make memories that enhance health and wellbeing.
Sabina Voysey, the Camping and Caravanning Club director-general, said that they are pleased to be leaving the business in such a strong position, and the club will work closely with Forestry England and Forestry and Land Scotland to ensure the transition period is as seamless as possible for CiTF’s valued customers.
This story originally appeared on New Milton Advertiser & Lymington Times.
Did you know that Forestry England’s acquisition of New Forest campsites aims to enhance sustainability and introduce new outdoor activities? I’m intrigued about the potential for enriched camping experiences!