Campsite Manifesto

Nature, Nurture, Connection

When we moved to Old Bidlake in 2023, we knew almost nothing about running a smallholding. What we did know, was how special the place was and we wanted to keep it that way. On the drive down here the day we moved, we talked about the values we would like to have for Old Bidlake. We homed in on 3 words. Nature, nurture and connection. Not a slogan or marketing words but values that we would place at the heart of all that we do here. This page is an explanation of what these values mean to us.

Nature:

The UK is the most nature depleted country in Europe. So, it is important to us improve that. We will work to increase the biodiversity and protect wildlife as much as we can at Old Bidlake. By Working closely with Dorset Wildlife Trust, and West Dorset wilding we are increasing the biodiversity here, with increased habit and better land management we are already seeing an increase in Sky lark, Yellow hammer and Hedgehog. All are on the endangered list in the UK. We want Old Bidlake to be a place where guests have time in nature and that ties in nicely with Nurture, our second Value…

Nurture:

“No one will protect what they don’t care about, and no one will care about what they have never experienced” — Sir David Attenborough

Planting tree’s we feel is not enough, sowing wild flower meadows we feel is not enough, using eco-friendly Loo roll we feel is not enough.

So, we aim to create a place of nurture where people can come to experience nature without distractions. To properly relax in nature and feel safe. Where children have the space and freedom to explore nature and feel that they are part of it, rather than separate from it. As they will be the guardians of it all to soon enough.

We want Old Bidlake to be a place where you can find time to encounter the vastness of the huge night skies. This nurturing experience is measurably good for us, physically and mentally. Jennifer Stellar’swork on the emotion of awe explains it very well.

Old Bidlake will be a retreat from the hum drum of busy lives where your nervous system has permission to relax, to help deepen that experience we will offer massage and reiki treatments with Emily.

Connection:

We aim for Old Bidlake to naturally harbour connection whether it’s with nature, loved ones, oneself, or someone in the communal kitchen you have never met before, while you cook breakfast. We wish for our guests to feel the benefits of connection not just while being here, but long after they have left. Should guest want to keep themselves to themselves this too is absolutely fine.

The benefits of connection on our wellbeing and mental health are huge and there is a lot of research and science to corroborate this. Our favourite work is by Dr Chris Barns. Listen to a podcast of him here talking about the 5 pathways of nature connection.

All events we hold at Old Bidlake will also embrace these core values.

None of the above makes us a glamping site, and none of it makes us a wild-camping site either. What it does is make us a small, quiet campsite with a big heart that cares about our campers and nature.

If that’s the kind of camping you’re looking for; we’d love to see you.
Book Your Stay and read more of our story in Rambles from the Brambles