South Downs farm camping & caravan site, England

Planet

As farmers we are well motivated to protect the environment and the wildlife around us. We maintain the hedges and surrounding areas in a way that encourages wildlife and are careful in our use of fertilizers and sprays. We have been rewarded with an abundant array of animals from the red kites that circle over head and nest on the farm to rabbits, badgers and a variety of farmland birds. Some lucky visitors have surprised the occasional deer while walking on the farm. We know and love the land we work and live in. A little extra space for nesting and feeding alongside the hedges seems to have benefited wildlife enormously.

We source as much as possible of the produce and items needed for the farm from the local community including the village butcher and shop. Our houses are heated by wood-burning stoves which use wood from the locality and are highly efficient. We also have some solar panels to provide electricity.

Traveling around the area can be easily done by bus, cycle or on foot. The village with its shops, cafe and prize-winning pub can be reached in ten minutes and the walk is a lovely stroll down the old disused railway line which has become an attractive feature of the landscape.

People

The farm and caravan site are worked and managed by local people, providing some local employment. Our farm buildings are rented out to local businesses and we now have a flourishing saddlery.

We have a notice board at the entrance to the campsite with useful information about local places to visit including the village pub. This is a lovely pub in West Meon which serves local food and beer and we have a champion butcher and community village shop. We recommend them all highly to anyone coming to stay. We will also happily recommend local horse riding and fishing for anyone interested.

We are involved in the village community, helping out with church flowers, sports club and the annual village fete. We are also members of the local horticultural society. We are always happy to display notices about local events and visitors are given a leaflet with information about the local amenities and a map and guide to the farm itself.

Culturally there are many local places for people to visit, such as the home of Gilbert White - Selbourne House, Uppark House and the well known Goodwood House. These are all within a short distance and are well worth a visit.