Camping it up the green way

The failure of the British summer to fully materialize and the sight of Glastonbury revelers up to not just their knees, but their necks in mud may be deterring all but the most hardened campers from enjoying some time under canvas.

However, for those wanting an eco-friendly holiday but with slightly more creature comforts than traditional camping provides, there are many options to choose from.

For those who have always fancied wandering round the countryside with a horse in front and all their worldly possessions in a cart, a stay in a traditional gypsy wagon may be the experience of a lifetime. The campsite is located in Essex and offers a collection service from the train station via pony and trap.

The site is ideal for both families and couples, with the accommodation consisting of a gypsy wagon and traditional bender tent. The farmland the camp is situated on is off-grid and entirely reliant on solar power. All waste is either recycled or composted and food is only sourced from farmers within four miles of the site, ensuring a minimal carbon footprint.

On the other side of Britain, holidaymakers have the chance to stay in an Ekopod on Bodmin Moor, an eclectic mix of futuristic accommodation and an old-fashioned way of life. A smooth translucent and white bubble provides the shelter from the elements, giving guests a comfortable stay while still providing the ambience of an outdoors adventure.

The bubbles are uniquely designed to maximize light and heating, but the small amount of additional warmth or light needed is provided via solar power and clean energy from wood burners. The structures are constructed nearby and the furnishings use locally sourced materials from suppliers in the area. Breakfast is delivered each morning to a wooden box down the pathway and food is seasonal and regional.

In the middle of England lies The Hatch Cabin, an eco-friendly retreat that provides those staying there with the opportunity to be more hands-on, depending on the time of year. The surrounding grounds have 700 fruit trees which supply the accommodation with drinks and food, as well as organic gardens and a well established eco-system of wildflowers, ponds and woodland. Those arriving in September have the opportunity to help with the harvest, whilst in December there is the Mistletoe procession.

All year round there is the chance to learn traditional crafts such as felting, weaving and basket-making whilst the more musical can visit the on-site music studio. The site only provides local organic food and there is an extensive recycling system in place.