Wetherdown Lodge and Campsite, Hampshire, England

Wetherdown Lodge - We're proud of our eco-lodge. Once the home of Royal Navy trainees, it has been completely converted and renovated from its previous life. Today it offers simple but comfortable accommodation for everyone from individuals and groups to companies looking for a team-building experience.

Wetherdown is also a model in how to use energy and cut carbon emissions. Indeed, it is probably the first place you've stayed where the heating is by biomass boiler, the warmth is retained by wool fleece insulation and your hot shower is courtesy of 'home-grown' energy.

At the Lodge we offer: 3 beds to a room. All linen and towels included, help-yourself breakfast, a small self-catering kitchen, showers and toilets on both floors, secure bike storage, packed lunches (£4.50), 55 acres of beautiful grounds and woodland to discover and a takeaway delivery service. Advance booking is advised.

Camping and facilities

Our camping field is in a peaceful open space, surrounded by trees. Over the years we've welcomed individuals, families, group expeditions, companies and even wedding parties. We have a main campground with a fire pit as well as private camping bays. We encourage guests to enjoy nature and the natural environment, and we hope you will find it tranquil and relaxing.

We promote the values of The Sustainability Centre: we are big on recycling and limit vehicle access to the campground. Our facilities include a straw bale building that houses solar showers and a washing up area, a compost loo, running water and extra facilities in our centre building near the cafe. We supply wood from our woodlands and charcoal from a small local producer.

For larger events, celebrations or groups the whole campground may be rented for a fixed price, in accordance with our values on low-impact events. Under 5s free, Dogs free

Tipis

Even if you're a seasoned camper, have you ever experienced a Tipi? We have two tipis that have a fire dish inside and a woodchip floor. Prices start at £12.00 per person per night, up to £60 to rent the tipi for a night. Please contact us for more details.

Yurts

For an experience with a difference, we have a large Mongolian-style yurt. The yurt is available for daytime events and to rent overnight. It has a wooden floor, pot belly stove and a double futon. Prices vary; please contact us for more information.

How does Wetherdown Lodge and Campsite minimise its impact on the environment and contribute to a sense of place?

To reduce their draw on natural resources, a biomass boiler using wood chip fuel provides all the hostel’s heating and hot water. The wood chip fuel is supplied from our woodlands and is 100% renewable. All of the external wood cladding and window frames are made from softwood from sustainably managed forests. The marmoleum floor lining is made from the natural materials of linseed oil, jute and chalk, and is very hard wearing. All windows are triple glaze. Photovoltaic cells have been integrated into the roof, which collects light energy and convert it into electricity which directly feeds the hostel. The owners converted the original flat root to a pitched roof with thermafleece insulation, to increase the energy efficiency and retain heat in the hostel. The thermal fleece lining is sheep's wool which is much less hazardous to lay, and also biodegradable when it needs to be discarded. A compost toilet is available to minimise water use.  

Most of the internal paint was kindly donated by B&Q. This paint was not sellable due to dented tins and would have been disposed of at landfill. As they redecorate they are using water based eco-paints. Recycling bins are provided within the hostel to ensure all recyclable items are recycled including glass, paper, card, textiles, plastic bottles and cans. Supplies are purchased in bulk and refillable dispensers are used. 

Fairtrade, organic and local produce are used wherever possible. The hostel is easily accessible for walkers and cyclists following the South Downs Way. Plus they have a biofuel powered mini bus which runs on recycled vegetable oil.
The Wetherton Lodge and Campsite is a part of the Sustainability Centre in Hampshire which aims to educate, enable and inspire people from all walks of life to make positive changes to the way they live and work. As part of this vision they aim to manage their land, their charity and their businesses as working examples of sustainability. They practice and promote sustainability as a process of making decisions which balance economic, social and environmental factors for positive benefit. They nurture people and ideas, and aim to provide positive messages and practical solutions for dynamic, creative change.