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Just thought Id share with you that yesterday morning I bit the bullet and, on the spur of the moment, decided to go to Blackberry wood , with a good mate of mine, for my 1st night away camping! (Thanks JAMMI for bringing Blackberry wood to my attention).

My friend and I were both on days off from work, and thought we would have our 1st night away in a tent.  We took my Sunncamp Nirvana 500,which I hadnt pitched before, and our limited amount of accessories and headed off into the Sussex coutryside.

When we arrived at Blackberry wood we were met by the very friendly owner, who said we could go and pitch wherever we wanted....   There are numerous 'Glades' where you can pitch, all are very private and you really get the impression that you are in the middle of nowhere.. We chose a lovely sunny place that overlooked the Downs, (the only downside was that it got pretty windy later on,  where as the 'glades' tucked away in the wood would've give more shelter).

We managed to pitch the Nirvana ok, (not bad for camping virgins), and had a good look around.   I reckon if you love being in the wilderness then this site is for you.

We bought some logs from the owner ready to make our camp fire later on. Being able to build the fire was great , it provided a bit of warmth for later on in the evening, and gave us something to cook our (basic) rashions on.

Had a lovely evening chatting and having a drink before hitting the sack.   Initially in bed it was ok, but what ive learned for next time is to take more warm clothes and something to insulate the inside of the tent (a tip that Angie gave me, but as this was a spur of the moment thing I didnt have chance)... SO, after a freezing nights sleep we woke up for breakfast and a last walk round the forest and then home!

This was my first experience of camping, but I hope my future trips will be longer, and equally as enjoyable. I will deffo try and return to Blackberry wood too!

Sounds like you had a great time in a beautiful spot :)

And being chilly didnt put you off... a true camper is born.

Hope your next trip is just as enjoyable and soon

Angie

Hi Woofa .... we have been to Blackberry Wood several times now and going back in July

Gallery 08    Gallery 07

Find it a rather magical site .....

Did you hear the Nightingale sing, late in the evening ..... we have

Bedding down in a tent ...... silver back type blanket on the ground - airbed/sleep mat - fleece/blanket - you in sleeping bag - maybe fleece on top

The more you have beneather you, the less damp from ground will get to you lol

Cold air in general will mean cold air in airbed - best blocked by blanket !!!!

Happy camping

Ive learned my lesson about insulation!!  LOL

Now ive got my first trip out of the way I will be more confident to do it again, even solo..
I am trying to figure out how to make my pics smaller so I can upload em in a gallery..,

We went to Blackberry wood in May last year and  thought it was brilliant!!! Ok toilets and showers were basic. We also used the ones that were open air, what a weird but lovely way to shower looking up at the blue sky at the same time as showering.

The last pic in my gallery was taken at Blackberry wood.

Helen

Thanks for posting woofa, so glad you had a good time. I have been looking at that site for ages now and wishing it want so far away. Well I am definately going to make an effort to get there this year.

Welcome to the compulsive world of camping

Not always that easy to book Blackberry Wood - unless you get a cancellation - weekends from April to Sept get booked a year in advance