Putting back more than we take out.
We are very lucky to have such a beautiful site and surroundings. Not only are we located in the North Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty; we are set within Ancient Woodland and a designated Local Wildlife Site. Right next to Badgells Wood is a large area of recently restored chalk downland, sometimes referred to as ‘Europe’s rainforest’ as it is home to so many rare species of herbs and flowers. It is now maintained by sheep and goats providing conservation grazing.
Our approach to conservation and biodiversity is supported by working with Kent Wildlife Trust. They have helped set out the key measures to enhance the biodiversity of our site. Coppicing the trees has the largest benefit, but bats, badgers and bluebells are also high on the list.!
We aim to go beyond being an ‘eco-campsite’ to a place of regenerative tourism. Enhancing the condition of the woodland whilst bringing people as close to nature as possible.
“Regenerative tourism is bolder and more inspiring. It aims not just to do less harm, but to go on and restore the harm that our system has already done to the natural world, and by using nature’s principles, to create the conditions of life to flourish. It views wholes and not parts and is a very different way of looking at the world.
—Anna Pollock (Founder of Conscious Travel).
WELLNESS.
The benefits to spending time immersed in the nature are well known. We're hard-wired for it. Our brains can process more shades of green than of any other colour. But the research is now catching up to prove time in nature has a positive effect on the body, including the heart, lungs and immune system as well as psychological benefits of stress reduction and higher self-esteem. It even seems 2 days camping will reset your bodyclock and help you to sleep better.!
For the kids it’s even better. Improved eyesight, brain power and immunity levels are all reported. Not to mention replacing the screen with muddy knees, unstructured play and no sibling squabbles. Just quality moments together and the start of a lifelong love for the planet.
Best of all. Being in the woods is nature supercharged. It’s shot in the arm good for you.
The Japanese have been practicing ‘shinrin-yoku’, or forest bathing for decades. Connecting with nature through our senses of sight, hearing, taste, smell and touch. We have two experienced guides who can show you how to engage all your senses and get fully immersed in the all the trees, the soil and the wildlife have to offer.
SUSTAINABILITY.
We’ve covered the basics you’d expect from an eco-conscious campsite:
Solar panels to power our reception and office
Waste recycling - glass, plastic, metal & cardboard
Bio-degradable washing up liquid and shower gel is provided (good for our natural soak-away)
Composting WC’s - using waste sawdust from our sawmill and a little gift from you. We compost and put back onto the fields.
Local Firewood - all of our logs are from our surrounding woodlands and certified by Grown in Britain.
We employ locally.
Cleaning products are all environment-friendly.
Local produce is sold in our shop, including honey.
Building Materials - we build as much as we can using timber from the surrounding woods
