Forestry England and Forestry and Land Scotland have purchased Camping in the Forest (CiTF) from The Camping and Caravanning Club.
The acquisition will allow each country to separately manage its national forest camping. It is also hoped that the purchase could lead to the expansion of the network of campsites beyond their existing locations, subsequently allowing more people to get closer to nature.
The campsites will continue to be operated by the Club in 2022, to make sure the transition goes as smoothly as possible.
Forestry England now own 13 of these campsites and have more than 4,000 pitches situated at some of the most beautiful parts of the country, including Postern Hill in Savernake Forest, Bracelands in the Forest of Dean and Sherwood Pines in Nottinghamshire. There are also 10 sites owned in the New Forest, Hampshire – you can find out more about touring in this part of the country in our travel guide to South East England.
Each of these locations provide visitors with the chance to immerse themselves in a forest setting, as well as access to walking and cycling trails that extend for miles.
Forestry and Land Scotland own Cashel Campsite in Loch Lomond, Cobleland Campsite in The Trossachs and Glenmore Campsite in Aviemore.
Forestry England Chief Executive, Mike Seddon, said: “Camping experiences bring people closer to nature and heighten their appreciation for the environment and the wildlife these precious habitats support. With an increasing awareness of the impact of tourism and travel, individuals and families are considering their carbon footprint and cultural impact, leading to a growth in ‘staycations’.”
“This commitment enables us to plan for the future. Across the nation’s forests Forestry England and Forestry and Land Scotland will be better placed to provide overnight stays in beautiful forest locations, helping make memories that enhance health and wellbeing.”
Forestry and Land Scotland Chief Executive, Simon Hodgson, said: “As well as bringing people closer to nature and heightening their appreciation of the environment, holidaying in the fresh air in some of Scotland’s most scenic forest locations is a great way to relax and recharge your batteries.”
Sabina Voysey, Director General of The Camping and Caravanning Club, added: “The Club has made significant investment and demonstrated strong commitment to growing the CiTF business. We’re proud of our achievements with CiTF and have driven consumer awareness resulting in turnover and profitability increasing over the years, which allowed us to develop and open Sherwood Pines as a flagship campsite for CiTF in 2021.”
“We’re pleased to be leaving the business in such a strong position, and the Club will work closely with Forestry England and Forestry and Land Scotland to ensure the transition period is as seamless as possible for Camping in The Forest’s valued customers.”
You can find more brilliant sites to head to in our guide to the best campervan parks in the UK.
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