Woodsman Kent Wild Camping

Camped out in a new hammock on a rainy night, was brilliant. Walked from Pluckley station to the main gate in about 40 minutes, followed the map to the site (the manager will email it over after you've booked), had a wander around and found a great spot to set up about ten minutes later. No fire, but had a bite to eat, a couple walks in the dark, and settled down for a rainy but extremely excellent night. Didn't see a single other soul during my stay.

The site is bare bones and there's only a couple of spots where I could get any phone reception, but what better way to get away from everything. The scenery is great even on a miserable overcast winter's day, and there's a few landmarks to find around too. I didn't see much wildlife but heard *plenty*. I can't wait to go back and find out what it's like during the other seasons.

In terms of civilisation, you can sometimes hear the gentle shhhhh of cars on the roads, but it's really quiet, the only sound that really gets through is the occasional distant toot from the railway, which I kinda liked as it added to the atmosphere.

There's also farm shop (Pluckley Farm Shop) on the way from Pluckley station to the site that has a great selection of food and drink of all types and other camping supplies if you're a bit under prepared like I was.

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Everything, great wild camping experience without the worry of getting caught. Left to your own devices in glorious Kentish woodland.

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This is about as close to wild camping as you can get in the UK, as far as I can tell. You walk into the woods, pick up some of the supplied firewood (take some sort of bag to carry it), then find yourself any place you like within the area marked on the supplied map to make camp.

At a location like this, what you get out of your stay is really up to you. The woodland is pretty typical of the south of England. If you've ever thought about stealth camping but didn't want the worry of being caught or moved on, this place is ideal.

Perhaps due to the time of year, I didn't see a single other person whilst I was there. Although I was completely alone, I didn't feel vulnerable since I knew I was allowed to be there and also, while in my tent, had anyone approached, I felt confident I would have heard them from some way off, due to the leaves and branches littering the ground. All I heard was the breeze through the trees, numerous animals and the distant sounds of civilisation far off in the distance.

I would also say, make sure you come prepared. Other than the supplied firewood, everything else is up to you. For example you will need to take your own food and water. You will need tools. For example an axe for processing the firewood. A knife of course for the various tasks around camp. Plus the means to start a fire and some sort of shelter.

I'm not aware of any other camping location like this. Long may it continue. Leave no trace.

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Map was easy to follow, open choice of potential pitches and plenty of wood for cooking on.

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The peace and quiet

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Absolutely loved it, our family love wild camping and I was able to take my 16 year old daughter who loved it too. If you're massive Ray Mears / Bear Grylls & Survival fans this is the place for you. Completely alone in nature with no 21st century worries. My 16 year old has never had so much time away from her phone, was great to work together as family and enjoy nature at it finest. Very easy to find with a map provided by Manager and not to far away. No problems at all LOVED IT! Very peaceful and relaxing, we had a great stay and would definitely stay again!

Nothing!

This is a fantastic Wild camping spot, easy access by train from Central London.
Any train going to Ashford International or the south coast, change at Sevenoaks or Orpington , from Victoria, charing cross, Blackfriars.
Perfect location for exploring the area by Moutan bike. And abundance of forna flora and wildlife. Very quiet place, seems very safe for children learning wild camping and bush craft. I met the woodsman called Tim Very nice friendly helpful chap.Made me a nice cup of tea and boiled eggs for breakfast on Sunday when I was leaving.
I would definitely use this place again, It would be great for Bush crafting and wild camping meet ups with other groups.

Only suggestion,Putting a combination padlock on the gate for easier access,Number could be changed monthly for added security

Beautiful woods in a lovely area, plenty of firewood to use and lots of forest to walk around. Did not see anyone else while we were there which is a pleasant change to a regular campsite! Found a clearing relatively easily and the path to the camping area was clearly shown. Great communication from the owners- we get clear maps and info on everything we needed and we were updated on car park opening times as soon as they found out :)

REMEMBER BUG SPRAY!! Me and my partner got bitten all over because we forgot spray, so this is a must! The walk from the car was long. We have never been camping somewhere like this before- and although we packed light it was a struggle getting what we thought were the basics from the car to the site. The car park we were told about is closed between 6pm and 6.30 am which meant we had to park on a pull-in a bit further down the road, which I felt was less safe to leave the car in. But other than these would highly recommend for light travelers and experienced campers!

Everything, Mike is a Suberb host and very helpful, great for wild camping.

There was nothing to dislike, exactly what it says on the tin! Can’t wait to go again.

Directions were emailed out and were very clear. It was easy to find the wild camping area. Very peaceful and relaxing, we had a great stay and would definitely stay again!

Maybe a rubbish bin so that you don’t have to take all of your rubbish home with you