Bid to protect future of forest campsite

Plans to protect the future of a closed forest campsite have taken a step forward.

Postern Hill campsite, in the Savernake Forest, closed in October when operator Sherwood Pines Camping decided not to renew its lease with Forestry England, which owns the site.

Marlborough Town Council has now applied to Wiltshire Council to have the campsite listed as an Asset of Community Value. If successful, Forestry England would have to give the community a chance to take over the site if it decided to sell up.

Forestry England said previously it was considering options for the campsite's future.

In its application, the town council said the campsite is seen locally as a "valued community asset" which had provided a local facility to camp and enjoy the Savernake Forest for years.

"[It is] beneficial for wellbeing, social and recreational purposes," it added.

Assets of Community Value are typically applied for to protect the future of pubs and shops, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

Recent bids in Wiltshire including the White Horse Inn in Biddestone and an unsuccessful application for the Oasis in Swindon.

The community would have six weeks to express an interest in taking on the Postern Hill campsite, if Forestry England decided to sell.

In August, a spokesperson for Forestry England claimed the decision to close Postern Hill had been made amidst "uncertain economic conditions."

They added: "We understand this news will be extremely disappointing to our campers, many of whom have enjoyed this great location regularly over the years.

"However, this decision is based on the long-term commercial viability of the business."

Forestry England told town councillors in November that the future management of the whole forest would be revealed in 2026 when a draft of its Forest Plan is released for public consultation.

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