A Low-Impact Retreat: 'No Mow May' - Our meadows go wild in May to feed the bees and protect Somerset's wildlife.
Caring for the Somerset countryside
Looking after the land is part of running Batcombe Vale. We make practical choices to support wildlife, encourage biodiversity and reduce waste, while keeping our approach to camping simple.
What we do
Give the land time to recover: Our short camping season and limited number of pitches allow the land to recover naturally each year.
Plant for the future: We’ve planted over 50 trees since 2020, alongside native plants, hedgerows and wildflower areas that support local wildlife.
Protect wildlife: Carefully managed mowing helps protect nesting birds and wildflowers, while our beehives support bees and other pollinators.
Use water thoughtfully: Push-button showers help reduce unnecessary water use.
Reduce paper and waste: Bookings and administration are digital, making Batcombe Vale a paperless campsite. McCarthy Marland sorts our waste off-site to maximise recycling.
Protect dark skies: Minimal outdoor lighting helps reduce light pollution, limit disturbance to nocturnal wildlife and preserve Somerset’s night skies.
Encourage active travel: We offer special rates for cyclists, with walking routes directly from the campsite so guests can explore the surrounding countryside on foot.
Choose environmentally-friendly products: We provide Bramley hand soap and sanitiser in our shower and toilet facilities, and Ecover washing-up products, selected for their environmental credentials.
Support local conservation: We follow guidance from Somerset Wildlife Trust and donate a percentage of our seasonal income to its conservation work.
A few tips for greener camping
Camping doesn't have to involve lots of new equipment or a car packed to the roof. Here are a few ideas that might make your stay a little simpler, and a little greener too.
Camping gear:
If you're only camping occasionally, it's worth looking at second-hand equipment or borrowing from friends. There's often some excellent kit available, and it saves perfectly good things from going to waste.
A few less things to pack:
We provide Ecover washing-up liquid, Bramley hand soap and a shared fridge and freezer for ice packs, so you can leave a few essentials at home. There's drinking water on site too, making a refillable bottle particularly handy.
A little longer in Somerset:
If you're coming from further afield, an extra night or two gives you more time to explore without making another journey. And there's certainly plenty to see around Bruton and Castle Cary.
Out and about without the car:
Some lovely walks begin right from the campsite, so you don't always need to drive somewhere to enjoy a day out. It's a wonderful way to discover the countryside, with the added benefit of fewer car journeys.
Our aim is simple: to keep improving how we care for the land and wildlife around Batcombe Vale.
If that sounds like your kind of camping, check availability and book your pitch.