BRAZIERS PARK CAMPSITE GUIDELINES
Our beautiful, award-winning eco campsite is approximately 15 acres mostly flat with some gentle slopes. It’s surrounded by mature trees, bushes and meadows with plenty of composting toilets, hand wash and water points as well as wood fired hot showers. There is a small stage and a central fireplace. Facilities are wheelchair accessible. Please read all the guidelines.
- Camping can be booked by groups only, we currently do not take individual campsite bookings.
- Camping is usually on the main campsite accessed from Braziers Lane. Turn left when you reach the main house entrance and turn next right into the field or follow any signs for your group. Keep the gate shut. Park cars and other vehicles in rows on the left as soon as you enter the field or as directed by stewards. Do not drive all over the field. Wheelbarrows may be available for moving kit.
- There is no chemical toilet disposal or electric hook-up for camper vans.
- Please only use the fireplace in the middle of the field. Pitch tents well away from the fireplace. Disposable barbecues are not advised and must only be used on top bricks, stones or similar to avoid scorching grass. Repair of any scorching will be charged for. Used barbecues must not be put into bins and must be separated for recycling when completely cold. We have a large barbecue for hire.
- Firewood should be ordered by the group organiser beforehand at an extra charge. Please do not forage for wood in the surrounding woodlands which are managed in an ecologically sustainable way – stripping them of deadwood is not good practice and disturbs wildlife. Individual fires are not allowed – use the central fireplace only.
- You are welcome to walk around the estate however please be aware that it is a working estate with specific hazards. Please accompany children at all times. Campers should not come to the house without prior arrangement with organiser unless it’s included in the event attended. Guided house tours or estate tours can sometimes be booked in advance for groups. Please do not enter any of the outbuildings, some are unsafe or are private accommodation. Please don’t disturb other visitors or residents.
- The campsite toilets are all composting. There is a set down by the stage hidden behind the trees with adaptable seats ideal for young children. Please use the male urinals when possible as the nitrogen is very useful. Please provide 100% recycled toilet paper – we will provide sawdust and one toilet roll for each toilet. It is up to the organizers to supply further toilet rolls. Please note that one handful of sawdust is plenty – too much is a problem. There is hand washing and drinking water at each toilet – some taps are foot operated. Nappies, sanitary items and condoms should be put in toilet bins provided- not into the toilet.
- Please advise your party to bring eco-friendly toiletries, (organic and biodegradable) washing up liquids and 100% recycled toilet paper. These are available from some supermarkets, health food stores and all Oxfam shops. We ask that the chemicals found in non-organic products are not used on our eco campsite, in line with our environmental policy. We can also provide eco products at cost price if required, available from the mini shop in the house.
- The showers are heated by wood burning stoves – please ask for advice before using them. Generally they will be fired up before your arrival and someone will be tasked with monitoring. Take short showers and turn off between soaping and rinsing – to ensure everyone gets a hot shower.
- The adjacent meadows are grazed. We also have other livestock and lots of wildlife including ground nesting birds so Please no dogs. Livestock and wildlife should not be disturbed in any way. Please double check all gates are closed properly – do not leave young children to do this alone.
- Noise carries a long way at night and although it seems isolated many people live near the campsite. We ask you to quiet down by 11pm. Amplified music is by prior agreement only and will be strictly monitored.
- Children’s Safety – We ask parents/carers to undertake their own risk assessments. There may be unsafe structures and any no-entry signs must be observed. Children are the responsibility of parents/carers at all times. There is unfenced water in the grounds but not on the campsite. The woodland play area should always be supervised by an adult.
- All waste must be properly separated for recycling in the bins provided and group organisers must take away at the end of your stay, including food waste. Oakley Wood recycling centre is 10 minutes away on the Henley road. Please be careful about recycling and don’t mix other items with food waste – try to limit your waste. There are water taps by every toilet. Please pick up ALL litter including cigarette ends. Do not throw cigarette ends into the bushes – try to leave the site as lovely as you found it.
- It is the camp organiser’s responsibility to provide first aid cover and ensure health and safety regulations are met – Please ask for a risk assessment form to complete before the camp begins. Braziers Park accepts no responsibility for any loss, damage or injury incurred and reserves the right to ask visitors to leave if their behaviour is not considered appropriate.
- On leaving, group organisers need to allow enough time for a site check by a resident who will arrange refund of your environmental bond deposit less any deductions for damage or litter – make an appointment for this.
- First Aid kits are in the main Kitchen and the Office. Most residents are qualified first aiders. Details of doctors and dentists are in the phone room and office.
- We hope you have a fantastic camp!