Sussex campsite with yurts, England
How this holiday makes a difference
Environment
Wildlife: Wildlife conservation is an important part of our organic farm. We belong to the Stewardship scheme and have seen an increase in biodiversity on the farm. A local RSPB member has carried out a bird survey showing at least 35 different species supported by the different habitats on the farm. Camping guests will hear Little Owl, Tawny and Barn Owls; Nightjars during their stay. Look out for Buzzards, Red Kite, Sparrowhawk, Herons and all the smaller birds. We have hosted butterfly and moth studies with some unusual species being found. Our small mammal project has been great fun for the kids to see voles, field mice, hedgehogs. On bushcraft tracker workshops you will find signs of the larger mammals with plenty of deer, foxes, badger, and rabbits. The foraging days are an enjoyable way of learning what you can eat from the hedgerows and meadows.
The Stewardship scheme’s primary objectives are to:
Conserve wildlife (biodiversity)
Maintain and enhance landscape quality and character
Protect the historic environment
Protect natural resources (water and soil)
Promote public access and understanding of the countryside
Our farming practice helps us to achieve all these primary objectives.
Waste: On check in at reception you will be given a mixed recycling bag for clean plastic, tin, paper. Separate bins for glass recycling. Help us reduce waste by buying package free food when you can.
Water: Our compost toilets save water. We collect rain water for reuse.
Energy: We use Ecotricity green energy supply. Our wood for campfires is grown on site or sourced locally from waste wood.
Transport: We offer a discount to cyclists and campers arriving by public transport. Our car charge was introduced to make visitors think about reducing the number of vehicles through car sharing or just bringing less stuff.
Suppliers: We support local farm shops, cafes and pubs. We procure from local suppliers and environmentally sound suppliers in all areas of the business. Have a look on our website for local places to shop during your stay.
Community
Friends & neighbours: We know where to find all things local and we support and recommend our neighbours, spreading tourism income to those most in need. Pick up all your BBQ needs from the Old Dairy Farmshop or Townings Farmshop both very local family run farms; meet the producer Harry and daughter Bethan when you pick up some micro beer and Sussex wine from the Walled Garden at Sheffield Park, within walking distance. Do visit Trading Boundaries cafe and shops where Mike and Tracy and the team provide great food, music and ambience.
We support local projects and charities. Chailey Heritage School bring several students annually to enable them to experience camping in the countryside. We sponsor the Oyster project from Lewes for an annual camping stay which enables members an opportunity they might not otherwise afford. The Carers Centre for Brighton & Hove bring young carers for a well deserved break. We support the local Transition Town/Village project providing the venue for an annual gathering to exchange ideas and take forward projects.
We are fortunate to have some great local staff. Meet Rachel, Jools and Cassie in reception who will help you with lots of insider info and advise about this special area of Sussex. We provide a home cooked lunch for all our staff enabling quality time with good food and conversation.
We support local business people like our country craft professionals by providing them with a countryside venue to host their workshops.
Landscape
We are committed to keeping the country side unspoilt and alive with wildlife.
We enhance our guests experience by offering or promoting experiences in the landscapes that provide enjoyment and learning in ways that sustain these special places. We have hosted bat walks, butterfly and moth walks and have plans for dawn chorus walks for early risers.
Our workshop leaders are selected because of their specialist knowledge of this area of Sussex. They are trained professionals in their chosen fields offering foraging, bush craft, live willow weaving and basketry using materials and landscape here on the farm.
We value rural skills and want to share them with our urban friends. Keeping these skills alive by teaching others is important work.
Maps and tips for walks and places of interest are available in reception for an eclectic choice from steam trains to llama walks.
1of3
