Secret Campsite publishes “escapee's handbook”

Strong demand from farmers and land owners to join the 'antidote to glamping' model

The growing network of Secret Campsites, described as the “antidote to glamping”, has published an “escapee's handbook” which instructs suburban and city dwellers on how to evade the pressures and stresses of modern, tech driven, living – and cope with mobile phone withdrawal symptoms.

Revealed by The Guardian newspaper as one of the top 10 camp sites in the country, the original Secret Campsite – hidden near Lewes in the heart of the Sussex countryside - provides campers with the opportunity to get back to nature and relax in the great outdoors.

Subtitled 'In pursuit of Nothing Much', the 26 page manual is crammed with diagrams, illustrations and colour photos.  The witty prose has useful tips on foraging for edible plants; making wild herbal tea; getting a good night's sleep under canvas; and essential campfire gastronomy. 

Embarking on nature trails, campers at The Secret Campsite guests regularly encounter slow worms, green woodpeckers, barn owls, grass snakes and adders, elephant hawk moths, pipistelle bats, fallow deer, marsh frogs and much more.

The escapee's handbook also explains how campers can retune their senses to the sights, sounds, smells of the natural environment, to spot the abundant wildlife that roams the woodlands and fields surrounding the camp's discrete pitch sites.

“There's a place in the market for glamping, but it's not one we cater for -  many glampers rented luxurious yurts and lavish log cabins because it was the trendy thing to do or because they cut their holiday costs during the economic down turn,” said Tim.  “We appeal to real campers who want be outdoors to fully experience the natural environment and eschew the modern comforts of home for a while

The escapee's handbook costs £5, of which £1 is donated to the Sussex Wildlife Trust.  Copies are free to all campers taking a two-night minimum stay at The Secret Campsite before the end of June 2015.

Farmers

Now recruiting a network of farmers and landowners who want to host their own  Secret Campsite, Tim recently held a standing room only  seminar at the Farm Business Innovations exhibition, which – according to the organisers – was one of the show's biggest new business lead generators.

Tim explained how anyone with 8 acres of suitable land, can set up a profitable, wildlife rich, campsite with modest capital outlay – generating a significant additional income, working part-time, whilst making a substantial contribution to conservation of the environment.

The Secret Campsite provides potential partners with a detailed and comprehensive business plan to put the case to the bank for funding.

“It was a great laugh and I met some really entertaining people – a mix of farmers, smallholders, country house and estate owners – many of whom seem genuinely keen to have their own Secret Campsite,” said Bullen.

Those wishing to adopt the successful Secret Campsite model, will need to feature widely spaced, individual pitches devoid of cars, caravans, dogs or large groups – ensuring a tranquil and natural environment. 

Editors' Notes:

Review copies of The escapee's handbook and hi res images available.  Complimentary accommodation can be arranged for commissioned journalists subject to availability.

The Secret Campsite is tucked away in wooded countryside, 5 miles north of Lewes. The site reveals its surprising secrets to campers during their stay, revolving around wildlife and edible plants. The camping meadow is bordered by Ancient Woodland, and a Site of Nature Conservation Interest, and is kept dog and car free to encourage an abundance of wildlife into the site.  The subsequent peace and tranquillity of the camping meadow allows children to explore the site safely. Once here, campers can look for and watch wildlife, as well as building dens and enjoying peaceful camp fires and time with their families. 

An old stable has been converted into a simple but clean new shower and toilet block. The free hot showers housed in a converted stable are powered by a solar system.  

Tim Bullen, an agriculture graduate from AberystwythUniversity, sold his London media company to establish a rural business.  After a number of false starts he hit upon the successful concept of the environmentally friendly Secret Campsite, which opened in 2012. His £35,000 set up costs were recouped in the first summer and he now enjoys considerable profits from running the part-time business, which operates from around Easter until the autumn.  In the winter he is free to travel and pursue other interests.

Would be Secret Campsite owners need 8 or more acres of suitable land and investment capital, largely needed to create an access road and build a shower block – of which banks will normally lend a significant proportion through their franchise departments.

From a typical investment of c£42,000, franchisees can expect a return of £25,000 net profit in the first year of 56 percent. On going costs are low and there are numerous other profit opportunities, such as selling logs for camp fires, hot drinks, or running a farm shop.  A typical Secret Campsite of 18 pitches should generate a gross income of around £75,000 over 7 months.

To take the business forward Tim has recruited the services of Clive Sawyer MD of consultants  Business Options who are accredited by the British Franchise Association.

Contacts:

George Shaw, Avocado Media T: 01892 750851 M: 07860 695555

Tw: @AvocadoPR E: geo@avocadomedia.co.uk 

The Secret Campsite

Tim Bullen T: 01273 401 100 E: tim@thesecretcampsite.co.uk

www.thesecretcampsite.co.uk Tw: @secretcampsites

The Secret Campsite

Brickyard Farm

Town Littleworth                                                               

Barcombe

East Sussex BN8 4TD