Is it ok to just camp in the woods?

[ShinyHarryPplHoldingPortkeys]

We and some friends fancy starting a "first weekend of the summer holidays" fun tradtion with all our kids, and to go and pitch our (3) tents in some local woods this weekend, and camp overnight. Is this ok? Are we allowed to do this?

I know you camping-mad lot will know!

Please someone?!

I think I need to rid myself of the Harry Potter name, I am clearly wearing his Invisibility cloak!

Technically no, someone will own the woods whether its a distant farmer, local authority, etc.

But in my opinion it all depends on the location of the woods and how likely you are to get caught

Oh! How disappointing!

But some woods are "public" aren't they?!

Can't we just Do It?

I have got the kids all excited now.. and DH is planning to cook a banquet on a campfire.. and I am dredging up girl guide recipes (bananas with melted chocolate buttons in) from far distant corners of my memory banks!

go somewhere like this? www.blackberrywood.com/??blackberrywood

I'm afraid its a necessity that we go somewhere free Dinny!

just go for it then...

what about National Trust woods?

what about toilet facilities?

plastic bags a la dog crap?

Well.. we thought we'd just manage re toilets! We are surrounded by countryside and not planning to go far from home.. and will hope nobody needs anything more than a wee!

There are woods and other areas you are allowed to camp in, it really depends. We haven't tried it with children but used to a lot before. There are lots of places on Dartmoor, and you can camp half way up mountains in the lakes, anywhere over 1000ft.

Check out websites called things like Rough Camping UK and they have details.

National Trust won't let you. they have Rules.

and don't use plastic bags. Bury waste which will decompose, take the rest away with you.

Oh we wouldn't leave any rubbish.

But we're in Kent so nowhere Dartmoor or mountains, sadly!

I can't find anything at all in this area on the rough camping site, but thanks for referring me to it.

I think me might risk it.. I mean what the worst that can happen? That someone will move us on?

article in Guardian on wild camping

If you know of suitable areas localy it may be possible, but you have to consider, local neds, land owners, weirdos etc.

Local tome is fairly limited but there are areas where wild campers and even caraveners pitch up. You really have to know the area to be confident you will be OK.

Thank you Dusty. That was really enlightening.. we will stay out of sight then. Thanks for that.

Skibble.. yes weirdos had crossed my mind.. but we there will be 6 adults (3 of them men) so hopefully it'll be ok.

Go for it. Sod the petty regulations.

Yes quite HMC. We so won't leave rubbish or bother anyone in fact so where's the harm?

Sally, we have a big enough garden.. but I Want To Camp In The Woods! [stamps foot]

So do! Go on, you know you want to

I care not about the bird shit.. all the tents belong to our friends