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Stoneywish

Ditchling, East Sussex, England
1 acre hosted by Test O.
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Simple, basic camping with nature-reserve fun rightnext door

Michael Alford had a wish. He had a wish to transform the East Sussex dairy farm that had been in his family for generations into a unique and diverse naturescape, showcasing beautiful wetlands, native woodlands, wide open meadows and wilderness areas where nature could run its own course. He had a wish to nurture the landscape back to life, fill it with flowering colour, handsome foliage and a flourishing population of animal life.

Michael realised his wish in the form
of Stoneywish Nature Reserve: 50 acres of countryside ‘as it used to be’; an area so natural that it attracts a wide range of wildlife, including green woodpeckers, herons, gold crests and thousands
of butterflies. There’s also a 19th-century-style homestead, complete with free-range sheep, pigs, goats and chickens, so even if the animals of the wild variety prove elusive, there’s opportunity aplenty for the kids to get to know this friendly lot.

Camping takes place on the outer edge of
the reserve, in a large, flat meadow surrounded by mature hedgerows.There are no camping facilities at all yet, other than a tap with drinking water, although campers are welcome to use the toilets at the reserve’s visitor centre. But who has time for a shower when there are bugs to hunt and giant carp to feed? And if you’re concerned this might be a nature overload for Junior, fear not – urban relief is only 20 minutes’ drive from here, where Brighton’s beach-bustle will be an instant change of pace.

Not currently accepting bookings on Hipcamp
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Location
Ditchling, East Sussex, England, United KingdomTraditional, ancestral territory of various First Nations according to To respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking
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Hosted by Test O.Joined in January 2015
From the host
Simple, basic camping with nature-reserve fun rightnext door
Nearby attractions

The South Downs National Park is a step away from Stoneywish, offering a host of walks, views and pubs. The website is a great resource for downloading walks and cycle routes. If you have older kids in need of an adrenaline fix, then take your pick from zorbing (08456 434360) or hot air ballooning (08454 564202).

Food and drink

The Bull at Ditchling (01273 
843147) proves a local winner, with inventive fare at the upper end of the pub-food price spectrum. It’s a cosy, stylish place; families are welcome
and there’s a large garden with a kids’ play area.


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