The River Taw, rolling hills, and grazing Highland cattle will all feature in the photographs you’re bound to take at this north Devon campsite. But photographs don’t quite do Wolf Meadows Farm justice. They can’t capture the sound of that trickling water, the taste of the organic eggs at breakfast, and the smell of woodsmoke from your campfire. It’s also pretty hard to record an image of the kingfisher that whizzes down the river or the starscape that’s visible on clear nights. You’re better off just drinking it all in and putting your phone down – after all it’ll soon be out of battery and here, at this rural campsite deep in the Devon countryside, there’s nowhere to charge it back up.
This is a back-to-basics campsite on a 30-acre site that’s being sustainably and organically grazed by Highland cattle under the watchful eye of ecologists, Marcus and John. Their approach is helping make these meadows what they are – a haven for wildlife. Stay here and you might spot egrets, warblers, salmon and, if you’re really lucky, an otter. For the best chance of that, nab a riverside pitch. For more space, head for the grassy meadow where you can choose your spot and pitch up with friends if you’ve brought them. In line with the eco-friendly approach, toilets, which are a short walk away, are composting and other facilities are basic: a hot water shower and a washing-up sink.
This is rural Devon and there’s no major attraction next door but it’s a pleasant and manageable drive to many. The coast, for example, is a half hour drive away with many tempting spots to choose from: the long stretch at Saunton Sands or Westward Ho! near the harbour village of Appledore. And to top it all off, Exmoor and Dartmoor National Parks are both within a similar distance.
The main meadow which is around 25 acres has the Taw river surrounding its boundary. The water is crystal clear and there are amazing areas where you can paddle and deeper areas to have a swim. These pitch-up areas are limited but all within 5 metres of the waters edge. Wild life ranges fro families of geese, ducks and the occasional swan, and occasionally you can see the odd salmon fish jumping out the river. Remember this is eco rustic wild camping without any frills, but within a safe environment on a fully working farm. It gives you chance to be at one with nature and your surroundings.
AROUND wolf meadows farm
Weather you seek the treasure trove of wildlife, birds, bats, butterflies, otters or flowers or an animal feeding experience, a mountain bike ride through the bluebell woods, from cycling to surfing North Devon and Wolf Meadow farm has it all, prepare to be astounded, there's no shortage of things to keep you occupied