A sustainable campsite in the New Forest

Water from our showers, washing-up areas and composting loos flows into a specially designed wetland planted with willow. Willows are thirsty trees: they draw up the water and the nutrients in it, and release the water into the air through their leaves.

At the same time, natural processes break down the contaminants, helped along by sunlight, wind and beneficial microbes. The result is a system that treats the campsite’s waste water using nothing more than the restorative power of willow trees.

The willow bed stops pollutants, including nitrates and phosphates, from reaching local streams, rivers and the sea. Too many of these nutrients feed the growth of algae in the Solent and the rivers that run into it, which harms fish and other wildlife, so keeping them out of the water really matters here.

The willow bed has also become a new wetland habitat, teeming with wildlife.

Yes. All the power on the campsite is generated by our solar energy system, which delivers clean, renewable power to the on-site facilities.

Our composting loos are hand-made from cedar wood, which gives them a lovely natural aroma, so they smell much better than even chemical loos. They use far less water than flushing toilets, keep waste out of the mains sewerage, and are cleaned regularly. There are no flushing loos on the campsite, so do let your group know before you arrive.

Beyond the campsite, we farm the way nature intended. Our flock of around 200 Romney cross ewes grazes pasture enriched with white clover, a natural nitrogen fixer that reduces the need for artificial fertilisers.

We also manage around 60 acres of woodland to support local wildlife. Since 2001 we have:

• Cleared invasive species such as rhododendron
• Created 700 metres of new rides and restored ponds
• Planted 3,500 native trees and around 2,000 metres of mixed native hedge