When people think of camping in the UK, they often imagine vast national parks and commercial campgrounds. However, there's a lesser-known secret: many campsites across the UK operate under exemptions, avoiding standard planning permissions and camping licences.

Meet Shane: The Passionate Camper Pioneering Change

Shane, the heart and soul behind the Campfire Companions Club (CCC), has always had a deep love for the outdoors. His journey started with family trips that immersed him in nature, sparking a lifelong passion for camping. These early experiences gave him a profound appreciation for the peace and adventure that only the natural world can provide.

The Birth of Campfire Companions Club

In 2018, Shane and his co-founders saw an opportunity to connect landowners with camping enthusiasts. They envisioned a club that would not only celebrate camping but also help landowners create their own campsites. Thus, the Campfire Companions Club was born. 

“We wanted to make it easier for landowners to share their beautiful properties with others,” Shane explains. “At the same time, we wanted to ensure that campers had access to safe, well-maintained, and enjoyable sites.” The mission was clear: to create a mutually beneficial relationship where landowners could earn from their land, and campers could find new, unique places to stay.

A Major Milestone: The Natural England Licence

Recently, CCC achieved a significant milestone by obtaining a licence from Natural England. This licence allows CCC to exempt landowners from needing planning permission to open campsites or glamping sites on their properties. It’s a game-changing development for both the club and its members, making it easier to set up a campsite. “This licence from Natural England is a huge step forward,” Shane says. “It means we can offer landowners a straightforward way to open their properties to campers without getting bogged down in red tape. It’s about making the dream of running a campsite or glamping site accessible to more people.”

The Certification Process

With the new licence, CCC can now provide landowners with the Landowner Exemption Certificate. The certification process is designed to be simple and supportive, starting with an application form, followed by a site visit to ensure the property meets CCC’s standards. Key requirements include safe vehicle access, clear visibility from the road entrance, and essential amenities like drinking water and toilets.

Safety measures are paramount, requiring clearly marked fire points and detailed emergency procedures. Public liability insurance is also mandatory to protect both landowners and campers in case of accidents. Once a site meets all the criteria, it can be certified, allowing landowners to open their land to campers.

By making the process straightforward and supportive, CCC aims to encourage more landowners to open their properties to campers, creating a network of unique and enjoyable campsites across the UK.

The Criteria and Notification Process

Once a site meets the criteria, CCC informs the local council and nearby residents, ensuring transparency and community involvement. The final step involves an annual licence fee, allowing landowners to host up to 50 tents and up to 5 motorhomes, caravans, or glamping units, depending on the size of their land.

The Benefits of Exempt Sites

For campers, the abundance of exempt sites means more choices and variety, often offering a more intimate and unique experience compared to traditional commercial campgrounds. Many of these sites are on private land, providing a sense of seclusion and tranquillity that’s hard to find elsewhere. 

Landowners benefit from monetising their properties without the substantial investments typically required to establish a commercial campsite. The exemption process, supported by organisations like CCC, is designed to be accessible and straightforward, opening doors for a wide range of landowners.

Empowering Landowners and Campers Alike

Shane’s vision for CCC extends beyond certification. He envisions the club as a vibrant community where landowners and campers can connect, share experiences, and learn from each other. The club offers resources and support to help landowners create exceptional camping experiences. For campers, CCC provides access to a variety of unique and certified sites, ensuring that every trip is a memorable one. “We’re creating a network of quality campsites where people can enjoy nature without worry,” Shane says. “It’s about fostering a love for the outdoors in a responsible and sustainable way.”

A Growing Trend

The surge in exempt sites in the UK reflects a growing trend towards personalised and diverse camping experiences. Campers are increasingly seeking unique and off-the-beaten-path locations, and exempt sites are perfectly positioned to meet this demand. Shane and his team at CCC are dedicated to supporting this trend, providing landowners with the resources and guidance needed to successfully open and operate their sites. “We’re seeing a real shift in the way people think about camping,” Shane notes. “It’s no longer just about pitching a tent in a crowded campsite. People want unique experiences, and exempt sites are a big part of that.”

Discovering Hidden Gems

While many campers might be unaware of the vast network of exempt sites across the UK, those in the know understand the value these sites offer. Exempt sites are scattered throughout the country, each with its unique charm and appeal.