Really Wild Camping
Dernwood Farm is a small family run farm near Heathfield in Sussex, our main business is our pedigree Sussex beef herd, traditional breed pigs and free range chickens, but we realise that the land we are privileged enough to walk round everyday is something very special.
At Little Dernwood Farm we have one of the largest blocks of coppice woodland in East Sussex. They are formally identified as semi-natural ancient woodland being the vestige of the dark and forbidding forest that covered The Weald in ancient time, and the camping field is set within the very heart of these 70 acres of woodland.
In Tudor times this was the very heart of the iron industry and the place names underline this, Furnace Lane, Gun Hill etc. One of our woods is called Minepit Wood on the Ordnance Survey maps, and evidence of these can still be seen in the shallow pits still dotted around the woods. With the assistance of a Woodland Archaeological team we have recently identified many charcoal burning platforms, saw pits and medieval boundary ditch and bank systems.
The opportunities for wildlife ‘safaris’ are endless, from your run of the mill rabbits and normal woodland birds to badgers roaming at night from the large sett in the woods to the south of the field, to sitings of our resident herd of fallow deer and huge buzzards flying over head.
Camp building was clearly a very popluar pass time last season and some were really very impressive, not sure how much was kids and how much was dads though!
We allow camp fires and there is wood for sale in the field and we sell our home produced meat to cook on it. I know this was a highlight for many people last year, being able to see the cows and pigs out in the field and then cook steak and sausages from the farm, the ultimate in food traceability and provenance.
We aim to provide a low impact, sustainable and eco-friendly campsite; it's a field in the woods, with lots of of peace & quiet, for people who are looking for a real back to nature camping experience.
There are two toilets and a covered washing up area (cold water), stand pipe and log store, and solar showers are available to borrow.The field is a car free site, which is perfect for families, it’s a 7-10 minute walk from the car park through the woods to the field. We have a fleet of wheelbarrows for you to ferry your gear.
We're 40 mintues away from Brighton, and 25 from both Eastbourne and Tunbridge Wells.
Prices
Adults £8 per night
Children 5-15 £5 per night
Children 4 and under Free
Family ticket (2 adults 2 children) £20 per night
Camp Etiquette
Things to Know Before You Book
- This is a family friendly site, so no electronic music at all and quite hours after midnight. If this is not respected you will be asked to leave.
- We do not allow any large group bookings and no unaccompanied under 18s
- The camping field is a ten minute walk through the woods from the car park, if it has been raining this track is likely to be muddy in places. We do provide wheel barrows to help you get your gear to the field, but remember whatever you bring you will have to carry.
- A load of logs is a bread crate full, you would normally get through one of these a day if you’re cooking and sitting round the fire into the evening. If you want a fire you must buy logs.
- Your booking is only confirmed once you have returned your form and received back your confirmation email.
- Dogs are welcome, on leads please.
- We do have recycling facilities but please, please discard ALL unnecessary packaging before you come.
- A booking of 2 nights or more are required during school holidays or over bank holiday weekends.
Please ensure you download and read the Things To Know Before You Book document if you would like to make a booking. We have tried to be as relaxed as possible with our requests and we hope you understand the need for some kind of rules. Please understand and respect them.
***Please note, booking is essential***
To check availability please click here. If you'd like to book please click here
