Update on 'huge loss' of closed Wiltshire popular campsite

Marlborough Town Council is using a rule more commonly used to save village pubs and shops to protect Postern Hill campsite in the Savernake Forest.

It has applied to Wiltshire Council to have the facility near Marlborough listed as an Asset of Community Value.

A successful listing would not guarantee the security of the campsite.

However, it would mean that the site's owner - Forestry England, which has a 999-year lease on the forest from the Savernake Estate - would have to give the community a chance to take on the site if they decided to sell.

The community would have six weeks to express an interest in taking on the asset.

In its application for listing, the council said: "The campsite is viewed locally as a valued community asset; which for many years has provided a local facility to camp and enjoy the Savernake Forest.

"(It is) beneficial for wellbeing, social and recreational purposes."

News of the closure broke in the summer, after Sherwood Pines Camping, which operated the camping site, decided not to renew its lease with Forestry England.

The site was closed to the public in October, with Forestry England saying it was "considering options".

In August, a spokesperson for the body claimed the decision to close Postern Hill had been made amidst “uncertain economic conditions.”

They added: "Despite great customer reviews, strong, positive customer feedback, together with high numbers of repeat visitors, the financial performance of the site has not met the levels required to sustain ongoing operations.

“Rising operating costs, uncertain economic conditions, and the limitations of the site’s facilities have all contributed to this outcome.

“We understand this news will be extremely disappointing to our campers, many of whom have enjoyed this great location regularly over the years.

“However, this decision is based on the long-term commercial viability of the business.”

Updating town councillors at a meeting in November, Forestry England said the future management of the entire forest would be revealed in 2026, when a draft of its long-awaited Forest Plan is released for public consultation.

At the meeting, a spokesperson told councillors: "Forestry England recognises the strength of local affection for the campsite, and we are actively looking at a range of options for its future when the current lease ends.

“We’re exploring solutions that will be sympathetic to the site, beneficial for the community, and financially viable for the tenant, but it wouldn’t be appropriate to share speculative details at this stage.”