Wild Camp 2016

A unique wild camping opportunity at Tortworth Arboretum

This is a one of a kind opportunity to camp in the arboretum, which is usually closed to the public. We are offering a small number of campers the chance to camp wild together and explore the arboretum by day – and by night.

Take some time to listen to the birds and watch for deer, wander through the undergrowth and discover the hidden rare trees, find yourself a secluded spot to read a book and build yourself a fire for the evening.

You will need to bring everything yourself and take it away again.

The Arboretum

Planted in the mid 1850’s by the Third Earl of Ducie, the arboretum boasts over 300 rare and specimen trees for you to explore, as well as a wealth of wildlife – from carpets of snowdrops and bluebells to roe deer, muntjac, badgers, foxes, rabbits and more.

Abandoned for ten years, the arboretum is overgrown and full of diverse wildlife. Volunteers are steadily restoring the arboretum using hand tools, clearing away the bramble and rhododendron, opening up secret stone pathways and finding long forgotten exotic trees – and this is all available for you to explore.

There is a rainwater brook at the south boundary complete with fish, and the arboretum hosts a number of birds and bats that you can see and hear throughout your stay.

By wild camping at the arboretum, you will be contributing towards the costs of restoration meaning local community groups can use the woods.

Please note that this site is not far from the M5 which can be heard from some sections of the woodland. You will be asked to stay within the arboretum boundary and respect the privacy of neighbours.

Facilities

This is a wild camping site – facilities are basic!

Firewood and communal camp fire

Compost toilet

Rainwater for washing up (no drinking water)

There are no facilities for waste so please take everything away with you

Parking

The Tortworth Court Hotel is next door and boasts a spa and gym, if you feel like a workout during your stay!