The Estate recognises the growing interest in outdoor recreation and the desire for people to connect with nature through activities such as camping. However, as a working rural landscape with a diverse range of land uses, wild camping within the Estate is subject to careful regulation to ensure the protection of the environment, respect for ongoing agricultural operations, and the safety and privacy of residents, tenants, and visitors. As such, wild camping anywhere on the Estate’s land is not permitted without prior written consent from the Estate Land Agent.

The Estate’s grounds include a mixture of farmland, woodland, conservation areas, private property, and game management zones. These areas support livestock grazing, crop production, habitat restoration, and seasonal game shoots, all of which require uninterrupted management and a stable environment. Unauthorised camping can cause disturbance to animals, damage fragile habitats, and interfere with the Estate’s carefully planned stewardship activities. Furthermore, leaving waste, campfires, or improperly secured equipment can pose fire risks and environmental harm that the Estate is committed to preventing.

Respect for privacy is also paramount. Many areas of the Estate are in close proximity to private homes, tenant farms, and working facilities. Wild camping without permission can intrude upon the privacy and enjoyment of those who live or work on the Estate, creating unnecessary conflict and disturbance. The Estate therefore prioritises maintaining a peaceful and secure environment for all.

While the Estate does not permit open wild camping, it recognises that responsible and low-impact camping can have a place within carefully managed settings. In exceptional cases, permission may be granted for small groups or individuals to camp temporarily in designated areas for educational, conservation, or approved recreational purposes. Such permissions are granted only following a formal application process, which includes clear details of the group size, intended location, length of stay, and a commitment to follow all guidelines regarding waste disposal, fire safety, and respect for wildlife and property. Any granted permission will be time-limited and conditional on compliance with all Estate rules.

The Estate actively encourages visitors to explore the landscape through its public footpaths, bridleways, and authorised visitor areas. Those wishing to experience overnight stays in the countryside are advised to seek out official campsites or other managed facilities in the surrounding area that can provide a safe and environmentally sustainable experience. Wild camping, when done without permission, is not only a breach of Estate policy but may also result in trespass proceedings or other legal action where damage or disturbance occurs.

Ultimately, the Estate’s approach to wild camping is rooted in its wider ethos of stewardship, responsibility, and respect for the land and those who rely on it. It is a living landscape, worked and cared for by many hands, where the balance between human activity and natural processes is carefully maintained. Anyone interested in camping on Estate land is encouraged to contact the Estate Land Agent to discuss their intentions and seek guidance on permitted activities.

By working together to protect the land and respect its rules, the Estate community can ensure that the beauty, productivity, and heritage of this rural environment continue for generations to come.