Forestry England has announced that it has acquired 13 Camping in the Forest campsites. It is hoped that in addition to supporting the organization’s sustainable management of the nation’s forests, the move will encourage an enhanced customer offer at these sites which may include experience-based activity packages linked to nature, wildlife, and recreation, and offer more choice for the types of camping accommodation available.
Forestry England’s campsites have over 4,000 pitches and include Sherwood Pines (Nottinghamshire), Bracelands (Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire), Postern Hill (Savernake Forest, Wiltshire), and a number of sites across the New Forest (Hampshire).
These hugely popular and market-leading campsites provide guests with forest immersion and direct access to miles of walking and cycling trails and other outdoor activities. Each site is individual, and they range from those without any facilities to sites with full amenity blocks, as well as some with cosy glamping pods and pre-erected tents.
With staycations on the rise, Forestry England decided to buy the existing campsites and hope to have more in the nation’s forests, enabling more people to get closer to nature.
“We are very excited about the new and exciting opportunities we could offer campers in the nation’s forests. Camping brings people closer to nature and heightens their appreciation for the environment and the wildlife these precious habitats support. We have a unique ability to provide overnight stays in beautiful forest locations across the country, helping make memories that enhance health and wellbeing,” Forestry England Chief Executive Mike Seddon said.
The 13 sites include:
- Aldridge Hill Campsite, New Forest
- Ashurst Campsite, New Forest
- Denny Wood Campsite, New Forest
- Hollands Wood Campsite, New Forest
- Holmsley Campsite, New Forest
- Longbeech Campsite, New Forest
- Matley Wood Campsite, New Forest
- Ocknell Campsite, New Forest
- Roundhill Campsite, New Forest
- Setthorns Campsite, New Forest
- Bracelands Campsite, Forest of Dean
- Postern Hill Campsite, Savernake Forest
- Sherwood Pines Campsite, Sherwood Pines
Forestry England is looking for new operators to run these sites but there will not be any disruption to the high levels of service and experience for customers during this transition.
If you are a camping operator or interested organization and would like to find out more about these opportunities, register your interest here.
Featured image from Forestry England/Crown.