As the year draws to a close, we’re reflecting on an incredible 2024 here at Wytch Wood Camping. It has been a year of adventure, growth, and unforgettable memories, and we couldn’t have done it without you, our amazing community.
A Magical Year at Wytch Wood Camping: 2024 in Review
A Magical Year at Wytch Wood Camping: 2024 in Review
January: Laying the Groundwork
One of our biggest projects this year was creating four new pitches. The work began in January, with fences removed from the paddock and overgrown woodland cleared to open up the space. It was tough but rewarding, and the transformation from tangled undergrowth to beautiful, usable pitches set the tone for the year ahead.
February: Challenges and Connections
February saw us reaching out to strengthen our network and improve the Wytch Wood experience. We attended the Hunts Food Show to find exciting new local suppliers for our shop and café and gained valuable industry insights at the South West Tourism Conference.
Not everything went smoothly, though—a burst pipe in the car park caused unexpected flooding. Finding and repairing the break was a muddy challenge that required an excavator, but with perseverance, we got everything back in working order. We also improved site access by laying a new stone track at the entrance, making it easier for guests to come and go in all seasons.
March: Building and Refining
With the new paddock pitches leveled, March was all about refining the site. Neighbours kindly lent a hand winching out timber from the woodland pitches, removing damaged and diseased trees. We put sustainability first, splitting and stacking the logs for future firewood use.
A major upgrade came with the addition of a new shelter at the front of the shower block. Our showers are already a guest favourite, and now they’re even better with a covered changing area featuring bench seating, bag hooks, and a hand basin. We used locally sourced timber to clad the new structure, reinforcing our commitment to sustainability.
“We enhanced the communal area with a growing willow arch and bower in the garden, built a pergola, and added a new seating area by the barn—small touches that have made a big difference.”
Elise Gwyn, Head Wytch at Wytch Wood.
April: Preparing for the Season
In April, we took a big step forward by switching our booking system to Anytime. Updating our website was a lot of work, but the fresh, streamlined look was worth the effort.
Unfortunately, the wet weather forced us to cancel our Easter and April bookings. Thankfully, most guests re-booked for later in the year, showing incredible patience and support.
Despite the rain, we focused on the finer details of site preparation. We enhanced the communal area with a growing willow arch and bower in the garden, built a pergola, and added a new seating area by the barn—small touches that have made a big difference. We also welcomed Abbey and Yasoda to our team, and they’ve quickly become an integral part of Wytch Wood Camping.
May: A Busy Start to the Season
By early May, we were officially open for the camping season, with glamping following at the end of the month. The woods were bursting with bluebells and wild garlic, creating a truly magical atmosphere for our guests.
Weekends were busy, and by half-term, we were fully booked—an incredible start to the season. Our much-loved pizza nights and weekend coffee shop returned, adding to the Wytch Wood experience.
May also saw the beginning of our events calendar, starting with a visit from the Historic Car Sporting Trials, a survey by the Somerset Rare Plants Group, and our first axe throwing and archery session run by RKS Unity. These activities brought a fantastic energy to the site and set the stage for an exciting summer ahead.
Alongside all the activity, we continued preparing the new pitches and planted over 200 young trees, further enhancing the natural beauty of the site and reinforcing our commitment to sustainability.
June: Full Bloom and First Guests on New Pitches
June is one of the most beautiful months at Wytch Wood, with wildflowers in full bloom. It’s the best time of year for spotting the rich variety of flora that makes our site so special.
Grass cutting was at its busiest, with our new yellow lawnmower, Steve the Stiga, making light work of the task. Meanwhile, the vegetable garden was thriving, with courgettes, beans, peas, and nasturtiums all flowering and growing, promising a bountiful harvest.
Our first bat walk and talk took place, bringing guests closer to the fascinating nocturnal wildlife of Wytch Wood. June also saw plenty of families celebrating Father’s Day in the woods, making special memories together.
Most excitingly, the new pitches were finally completed and welcomed their first guests, marking the successful culmination of months of hard work.
July: Peak Summer and Thriving Gardens
By July, summer was in full swing, and Wytch Wood was buzzing with activity. The campsite was lively but never too crowded, keeping the perfect balance of tranquility and sociability.
With guests arriving daily, our focus was on keeping everything running smoothly and ensuring everyone was well-fed and happy. Pizza nights increased to twice a week, and the coffee shop opened every day, becoming a favourite spot for morning chats and relaxation.
The garden flourished, with roses blooming beautifully on the pergola, while the willow bower and arch were in full leaf. The first produce from the garden—courgettes, beans, and peas—was incorporated into fresh salads and even featured as toppings for our famous pizzas.
July also saw a mammoth log-chopping session to stock up firewood for campfires. Guests enjoyed a special new activity—our first nature connection workshop, run by our very own Yasoda, which offered a unique way to engage with the surrounding woodland.
August: High Summer and Unexpected Challenges
Somehow, August arrived—the busiest month of the year as the school holidays were in full swing. The campsite was buzzing with activity, with families making the most of the summer break.
However, disaster struck when our main water pump, which supplies water for the entire site, slowly failed and had to be replaced. A huge thank you to our guests for their patience—especially those who had to endure a chilly shower while we resolved the issue!
As summer peaked, the landscape began to shift, with the lush greens of spring and early summer giving way to golden harvest hues. August also saw our second bat walk, drawing an even bigger crowd—over 30 guests came to learn about and experience the magic of these nocturnal creatures.
September: A Gentle Wind Down
As September arrived, the pace of life at Wytch Wood began to slow. With the end of the school holidays, the site grew quieter, shifting from the buzz of peak season to a more tranquil atmosphere.
Early in the month, we began packing down, starting with the glamping tents. We also said goodbye to Yasoda, who returned to her native Scotland after a fantastic season with us.
The site officially closed on 23rd September, marking the end of another wonderful season. As autumn set in, everything softened, with golden hues taking over the woodland and a peaceful calm settling over Wytch Wood.
“As summer peaked, the landscape began to shift, with the lush greens of spring and early summer giving way to golden harvest hues.”
Elise Gwyn, Head Wytch at Wytch Wood.
October: A Quiet Beauty
Although the site is closed, some things are looking their best. We took a final harvest from the garden, gathering the last courgettes and beans. The sweet peas finally climbed over the arch, and the sunflowers stood tall in full bloom.
With everything packed away, furniture stored, and covers placed on buildings, the site settled into its autumn rest, ready for the cycle to begin again next year.
November: A Frosty Farewell and Seasonal Celebrations
November saw us saying farewell to Abbey with a final family pizza night before she headed off to Canada for a season of teaching snowboarding. It was a bittersweet goodbye, but we know she’ll have an incredible time.
As temperatures dropped, we experienced our first sprinkling of snow, covering the site like a dusting of icing sugar. This is also peak fungus season, with a huge variety of mushrooms popping up all over the woodland, adding to the autumnal magic.
A huge moment of pride came as Elise reached the semi-finals of the South West Women’s Awards—an incredible achievement and a testament to the passion and dedication behind Wytch Wood Camping.
December: Closing the Year with Recognition
December brought more awards, as Wytch Wood Camping was honoured with a Silver in the Somerset, Wiltshire, and Gloucestershire Tourism Awards in the Green category. This marks our third consecutive year winning this prestigious award—an incredible recognition of our commitment to sustainability and eco-friendly practices.
As storm season arrived, we faced strong winds that brought down a few larger trees, but overall, the site remained intact with minimal damage.
As the year comes to an end, we take time to reflect on all that we’ve achieved in 2024 and begin making exciting plans for 2025. Thank you to everyone who has been part of this journey—we can’t wait to see what the new year brings!
Book Your Pitch
If you’re inspired to explore Wytch Wood Camping & Glamping and experience its award-winning hospitality for yourself, now is the perfect time to plan your visit.
Whether you’re looking to book a camping or glamping holiday for one night or a week, you can be sure to experience the wonder of a peaceful and relaxing woodland break.
