Forestry England Drops Controversial Bouldnor Forest Glamping Plan

Forestry England has abandoned proposals for temporary caravans at Bouldnor Forest on the Isle of Wight, Shalfleet Parish Council (SPC) has said.

Local councillor Jonathan Hill said stopping the plan shows what local people can achieve when they work together but warned the government agency’s withdrawal does not prevent similar projects elsewhere.

It comes after residents launched a campaign against the three mobile glamping cabins planned by both Forestry England and its commercial partner, Unyoked.

Opponents said the cabins could threaten wildlife, increase fire risks and open the door to more forest developments on the Island and further afield.

Forestry England previously said the project would provide “low-impact” temporary accommodation while supporting conservation and helping people connect with nature.

SPC referred to a controversial piece of legislation which was at the centre of the row – the Caravan Sites and Control of Development Act 1960 – which the parish council said contains an exemption originally intended for small touring caravan clubs.

It claimed Forestry England and Unyoked attempted to use this exemption to bypass planning permission, environmental assessment and public consultation in one of the Isle of Wight’s ‘most sensitive ecological sites’.

Cllr Hill said:

“Stopping the Bouldnor proposal shows what local people can achieve when they work together. But the wider fight is only beginning.

“Forestry England’s withdrawal does not prevent similar proposals elsewhere on the Isle of Wight or across England.

"The caravan exemption loophole must be closed, Natural England’s oversight failures must be addressed, and DEFRA must ensure that public bodies cannot use a 66-year-old statute to bypass planning in sensitive landscapes.”

SPC said it will continue to work with councillors, residents, environmental experts and national bodies to ensure that protected habitats, species and landscapes receive the full statutory protection they deserve, on the Isle of Wight and beyond.

Forestry England has been approached for comment.