Experience the magic of falling asleep by a crackling fire in your own woodland clearing at Blackberry Wood, nestled in the foothills of the South Downs. Situated beyond the eclectic aesthetics of the permanent-caravan, double-decker bus, gypsy wagon, and campervan field at the site's entrance, the dense woodland forms a rambling straggle of trees and thicket, with a few footpaths criss-crossing through the undergrowth.

The footpaths lead to 20 individual clearings dotted among the nature-filled woods, each with its own unique personality and name. There's Fruity (in the shade of a crab apple tree), Minty (with its gloriously fresh-smelliiig herbs), Avalon (large and beautifully shaded), Ahora (meaning 'love' in Maori, this one's even had its own authentic blessing)... Which will you choose?

Spend easy days in your very own woodland suite, listening to the birds sing their hymns and the breezes sough their songs through the trees. It's all part and parcel of the reconnecting-with-the-earth experience that Blackberry Wood unjealously doles out to its campers.



COOL FACTOR Back-to-nature woodland camping.

WHO'S IN? Tents (large ones too big for some clearings), dogs on leads, groups - yes. Campervans, caravans, radios - no.

ON SITE Campfires allowed. Twenty clearings for tents, or stay in the double-decker bus, retro caravan, or gypsy caravan in the field (prices online). Hot showers (20p), flush toilets, washing-up facilities, and campfire grills. Bike hire and logs for sale in the onsite shop (which also stocks essentials).

OFF SITE The site provides route maps for lovely local walks. Chilled-out Lewes (see Spring Barn Farm, p134) is just 5 miles away; or it's 8 miles to the dazzling lights of Brighton.

FOOD AND DRINK The Jolly Sportsman (01273 890400), just a 40-minute walk away, has a cosy atmosphere and serves up gourmet dishes from its regularly changing menu.

GETTING THERE Take the A23 then left on to the A273 for about a mile and bear right on to B2112 (New Road) for 2 miles before going right, on to Lewes Road, and left on to Streat Lane after 2 miles. You'll see the site on the right.

PUBLIC TRANSPORT Plumpton is the closest station (30-minute bridleway walk to site).

OPEN April-September.

THE DAMAGE £5 per tent, per night, plus £8-£9 per adult; child (3 to 12 years) £4-£4.50. Book (online) well in advance.