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Forest Garden Shovelstrode

Ashurstwood, East Sussex, England
1 acre hosted by Test O.
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Woodland glamping in East Sussex within easy reach of Londoners

Owners Charles and Lisa share a passion for living a more self-sufficient lifestyle, and their respect for horticulture echoes throughout this peaceful, enchanted site. Created in 2011, Forest Garden Shovelstrode was designed as a place where guests can enjoy these beautiful woodlands but also participate in wide range of unique eco-courses from ‘An Introduction to Beekeeping’ to 'The Fantastic World of Fungi'. On arrival, pop your bags into a wheelbarrow, throw on those wellies, and make your way past the bluebells (treading carefully!) to the shaded woodlands – your new home for the next few days.

Such splendorous surroundings are a result of Forest Garden’s location, which is only three short miles from the ancient Ashdown Forest. The site is built on the edge of a deep pond (which has encouraged a plethora of dragonflies, frogs, and newts to thrive) making Forest Garden positively buzzing with wildlife. Deer, rabbit, and herons are all frequently spotted, and the calming sound of distant owls, buzzards, and woodpeckers can be heard from morning to night.

If you haven’t guessed already, Forest Garden’s theme is peace and tranquillity, with a healthy dose of eco-living thrown in. The two yurts (Kushti and Savannah) are pitched a full 50 metres apart, allowing guests to enjoy privacy and seclusion. Back to basics, however, this is not. The yurts are ultra-spacious and come with comfortable sofa beds, solar powered fairy lights, ethnic furniture and textiles, and have enough space to sleep five with ease. Guests also have the added extras of a wood burning stove (inside the yurt), and a roaring open pit fire outside, perfect for marshmallow melting and star gazing on a clear Sussex night.

The frontier-style log cabin is in a third, separate clearing, surrounded by wildflowers. In the morning, shards of light break through the canopy and chirping birds sing you softly awake – it all has that essential camping feel. To really max out on space, though, the Red Cedar clad cabin offers extra room, mainly because it features a wonderful mezzanine level with a comfortable double bed, as well as the cosy sitting room and kitchen downstairs, where sofa beds and futons provide further sleeping spots. Though a Western ‘Idaho’ cabin, the ergonomics are certainly fitting of the Scandinavian designed counterpart – it’s a perfect mix.

The Idaho cabin features a wood burner and upstairs (via ladder) there is double bed (bedding and linen provided). The veranda offers covered deck space with table and benches and a large open outdoor fire-pit. Double sofa bed in the sitting room and a banquette which converts into another double bed in the kitchen area (rent extra bedding or bring your own).

As lovely as the accommodation is it’s really the woodland location that sets Forest Garden Shovelstrode apart from the others. Come and immerse yourself in a totally eco experience. Leave your mobile at home, and simply fall asleep to the sound of a crackling fire and the wind in the trees. Pure camping bliss.

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Location
Ashurstwood, East Sussex, England, United KingdomTraditional, ancestral territory of various First Nations according to To respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking
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Hosted by Test O.Joined in January 2015
From the host
Woodland glamping in East Sussex within easy reach of Londoners
Nearby attractions

The River Ouse, which snakes across the Sussex Downs, is one of the most wonderful waterways in England, and the perfect place for a spot of wild swimming. Swimmers can picnic in the meadows of Barcombe Mills or head upstream to the secluded Anchor Inn & Boating (01273 400414) for a bite to eat. Here you can hire one of its paddle boats and row (or swim) for two miles through remote and beautiful countryside. Located in the village of Hever (half an hour drive away) is Hever Castle (01732 865224), a small and well-maintained castle, and once the family home of one of England’s most famous Queens – Anne Boleyn. This romantic, double moated 13th century castle houses some historic portraits, paintings, furniture, tapestries, and other little treasures. The delightful grounds include a yew maze, water maze (the object being to get to the centre without getting wet!), children's adventure playground, Italian garden, rose garden, herb garden, and topiary. Only ten minutes away is the Weir Wood Reservoir (01342 820650), a 1.5 mile stretch of water situated on the north-western margins of Ashdown Forest. The western end of the reservoir is a protected nature reserve and bird sanctuary designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest. The reservoir is used by the Weir Wood Sailing Club (01342 823462), which is a RYA recognised training establishment, with sailing all year round. The reservoir is also a popular coarse fishing area, with day and seasonal passes available.

Food and drink

The Hatch Inn (01342 822363) is a traditional, charming pub in the heart of the Ashdown Forest. There’s a lovely outside area to sit and enjoy your hearty meal with fabulous views of the forest. If you’re feeling a little brave try the fried calves liver, back bacon, and creamed potatoes with a rich red wine – delicious! Only a five minute drive away is the independently owned Java & Jazz (01342 826699), an intimate pizza joint with a lively atmosphere. The menu is extensive with over 25 pizzas to choose from, most of which around the £10 mark. If you fancy some pasta or pizza and good Italian coffee, Java & Jazz is a must. A mile up the road in Ashurtswood is a general store for all basic items, there's also a highly recommended butcher. You can find plenty of supermarkets in East Grinstead all within 3 miles. Guests can also order food from Ocado (for delivery on arrival day) which Charles & Lisa are happy to take delivery for and put directly into your yurt. When available, guests can also purchase the site's very own honey and eggs.

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