Inclusive camping with the National Trust

Imagine watching a barn owl glide silently overhead as you gather around a campfire, the soft hoot of distant owls replacing the usual hum of city life. Just one of many magical moments we shared at our recent Wild Camp. An unforgettable weekend made possible through our partnership with the National Trust. Our ‘wild camp’ South Downs style.

I live just ten minutes from the South Downs and often walk my dog in these beautiful hills. Taking in the stunning landscapes and the rich wildlife. Living in Brighton and Hove, we are truly lucky to have both the sea and the countryside on our doorstep, not to mention the vibrant culture of the city itself. And with London just an hour away by train, it feels like the best of all worlds.

Yet, as accessible as this natural beauty might seem to some of us, there are many for whom the Downs remain out of reach. For people with additional support needs, lack of accessible public transport, and unfamiliarity with the countryside, simply getting out into nature can be daunting—if not impossible.

That’s where the National Trust’s ‘Changing Chalk’ project comes in. This initiative is all about reconnecting people with the heritage, nature, and communities of the South Downs. Focusing on those who often face barriers to enjoying these wonders.

Consequently we were thrilled when they invited us to create a Wild Camp weekend as part of this initiative. Giving us the perfect opportunity to combine our passion for inclusion and nature.

The Wild Camp Experience

So instead of our usual trip to Glastonbury, where we take a small group to experience the festival, we decided this year to reach more people through smaller, more accessible day festivals. Wild Camp became our way of also offering the adventure of camping in the outdoors. While staying true to our inclusive ethos.

A secluded field on a farm just outside Alfriston, East Sussex, served as the location—a place that isn’t a campsite, making us feel truly privileged to spend time there. The chalky ridges of the Downs overlooked the site, nestled in a peaceful valley with the Cuckmere River meandering in the distance.

It was breathtaking, and from the moment we arrived, we felt the magic of the place.

The National Trust staff were wonderful, their passion for the countryside infectious. On a guided walk, we climbed a nearby hill, spotting delicate orchids and other wildflowers whilst a kestrel hovered overhead. We even tried munching on stinging nettle seeds. (Although I’ll admit that I stung my lips trying the same thing a week later—lesson learned!).

There was so much to do, but nothing felt rushed. Jethro, a local community chef, cooked hearty meals for us over an open fire. The farmer gave a talk on how he cares for the land, his animals and supports local businesses. Every conversation revealed new connections between the landscape, the community, each other and nature itself.

Connecting with Nature—and Each Other

One of the highlights was a visit from the local bat group (Batman and Batwoman? I can’t remember their names!). They introduced us to a world we rarely notice, teaching us how to listen for bats using special detectors. Did you know that a fifth of all the world’s mammals are bats? (Holy bat fact indeed!) And then later that evening, as we stood outside the barn, a barn owl soared silently over our heads in the moonlight. Another magical moment.

There was also a wonderful blend of fun and silliness throughout the weekend. We hosted a silent disco in the ancient flint barn, and one of our Gig Buddy volunteers led a lively barn dance in the field (Thank you Barney!). It was a perfect balance of laughter, learning, and peaceful reflection.

Sitting by the campfire at night, sharing stories, songs, and food cooked on the fire, I realised just how special this experience was. The National Trust team opened our eyes to a side of the Downs we might never have noticed, reminding us of the beauty that surrounds us every day. And as we basked in the warm weather, we also basked in each other’s company. The connection with nature bringing us closer together.

My relationship with the Downs has changed too. Now I’m spotting much more when I’m out on my walks with my dog.

A Wild Camp to Remember

This wasn’t a “wild” camp in the way Glastonbury is wild—there were no booming drum and bass or huge crowds of people. Instead, there was the gentle hoot of owls, the rustle of leaves, and the quiet presence of the wildlife all around us. But it was wild in the sense of reconnecting with nature in a way that felt profound and deeply personal.

Weekends like this remind us how important it is to create opportunities for everyone to experience the outdoors. Once you’re there, nature is free to explore—and you never know what wonders you might see. We hope this is just the beginning of more opportunities for people to connect with the wildlife and landscapes that make our corner of the world so special.

Why not go wild? We were born to be wild!

As we reflect on our Wild Camp experience, we’re reminded of how valuable these moments are, not just for us but for everyone. Nature is for everyone, and through initiatives like Changing Chalk, we can continue to open doors for more people to enjoy the wonders of the South Downs.

Why not step outside and see what magical moments nature has in store for you?

So if you fancy going a step further and going to music festival have a read of Accessible music festivals and our top tips