Feedback Please ??

[Ivan...]

Right folks, i have just aquired access to a new site, within a couple of miles of Dartmoor, now i know most of us are rufty tufty , Bushcrafters/Wildcampers, but some of us are a bit restricted as to our activities due to our good ladies and kids, sometimes requiring some home comforts.

Anyway, the site comprises of a level camping field of about 3 acres adjoining a wild untouched wood of about 2 acres, i have been in much discussion with the owner, as regards a compromise, where by, the members of the family that want to camp in the wood, would be close to the family/friends that prefer the more traditional form of camping (not hard standing, right next to each other, deck cahir stuff) but within a 2 minute walk of each other.

The owner, has already installed a very nice long drop toilet cubicle, and mains water via a tap, and is prepared to put a single shower/handbasin in a purpose built wooden building.

So as you can gather, i was wondering if this wood work, eg the comination of the two? So as we could avoid some bushcraft widows, makes a little sense to me.

Feedback and thoughts please, and most importantly whether you think it is worth the time and effort, also an thing you think is essential or worthwhile adding to the mix.

Thanks in advance, for your time and comments.

Ivan...

OH! by the way the two areas of land would be exclusive to us,so no bucket and spade brigade. ( no offence to them, of course )

 

[Ivan...]

Oh Yeah, forgot to mention, the cost £5.00 per night, under 16's free, dogs welcome, fire pits provided and welcome in the field and main gathering fire cooking area in the woods, with plenty of free firewood

Ivan...

 

[Goatboy]

Hi Ivan,

Personally I think it's a good idea if policed properly.

As you say there are a lot of 'crafters with family. But there are a lot who are just starting out and don't have the kit/skills, and also a fair few who are either getting on or aren't physically capable at the moment. This would allow a sort of soft integration come nursery area for those wanting to build up to a more pure bred Bushcraft experience. Also it's nice to just glamp out a bit sometimes. It may cause some of the more precious 'crafters to stay away but it would be a good teaching spot to encourage newbies to the fold.

I'd say go for it, though give spacing, access and controls a good think.

TTFN,
GB.

 

[Elen Sentier]

+1 to what Goatboy said. I must get down to you later in the year, I'd be in the woods . The long-drop toilet is useful though even to me. I'm not a lamper at all but I do think it would be useful as a teaching space too.

 

[Chris the Cat]

Sounds spot on Ivan.
I would come and bring the family.
Me and my boy in the woods. Wife and daughter like the tent.
Good stuff.

Best.

Chris.

 

[Ivan...]

Thanks to those who fed me! This weekend it is having it's first proper test, A couple of ladies who would normally like a proper toilet, hair straighteners and comfort etc (they won't mind me saying that) are coming to camp for the weekend.

So it's girls in a bell tent in the field and the boys in the woods, and as the distance between the two options is only a 100 metres or so, i can see lots of tooing and frowing.

I will as usual, take lots of pics and provide some kind of a report on how it works.

Will probably post on this thread for those interested.

Ivan...

 

[Goatboy]

Look forward to reading all about it.

 

[Macaroon]

The comment that comes to mind initially, having done some things like this in the dim and distant past, is to be very carefull of the firewood situation - when you offer free firewood it doesn't take long at all for a vast amount to disappear; 2 acres would, without some kind of control, be depleted frighteningly rapidly.........that was the main problem I had in past schemes.............just a thought, and best of luck with it, atb mac

 

[dave53]

great idea ivan think it will work treat,( having a moan now) the trouble with some people is there all for this type of idea then where are they when it counts oh they don't turn up .
there are a few people on this site who constantly put up meets. to few in my opinion and people put there names down for them and dont turn up ive done this myself, so i wonder and i know we all have our reasons ,but people on here are always saying where can we camp ?some people in here are giving everyone the opportunity all you have to do is turn up (moan over) regards dave

 

[Ivan...]

Hey Mac, yeah i am fully aware of the firewood situation, i ran a site on the Moor for six years (22 Acres in total) and boy you are right it goes mighty quick! This is slightly different, by it's very nature, so initially firewood will be free, for raised firepits in the field and for a main cooking, socialising fire in the wood, but once it's gone it's gone and there will be a small charge to replenish stocks (easy vehicle access etc) and i don't think people will mind paying a little or bringing wood with them, as there are far too few places one can camp and have a fire.

Thanks for the feedback.

Ivan...

 

[Karl82]

sounds grand to me

 

[Macaroon]

You're obviously well versed in all this Ivan - I didn't mean to be preachy though............I think it's a great thing to be doing and I wish you all the best with your endeavers...........mac

 

[Ivan...]

Cheers Mac, no preachiness taken mate.

Hi Karl, thanks pal, just shout the next time you and your wandering pal are down Dartmoor way, as i can sort out loads of sexy places for small numbers to camp.

Dave, nice little rant! See you tomorrow for a fun packed weekend of fun in the sun, sorry woods, looking forward to those ostrich wings in a hot and spicy glaze, i will already be up there, so as you know where you are going, just turn up when you are ready.

Ivan...

 

[dave53]

shall i bring swimming shorts so we can cool of after the hot spicy wings see you tomorrow regards dave

 

[Ivan...]

Hi, just returned from a great weekend, report and photos are under the " Out And About ", heading, so as not to clutter this area up!

Ivan...

 

[Bucephalas]

Dave53 in Speedos? Perish the thought!

5 days left on antibiotics and I'm ready for some Dartmoor fun my boy.

Plan sounds like a sound one. I know my girls would be much happier with just the drop toilet.