Your Eco-Friendly Glamping Retreat

Owners Danny & Jane Barnes

We’re so proud to have won the Conservation and Wildlife Award at the Floral Guernsey Awards 2023!

Our commitment to sustainability extends to every aspect of the glampsite, we prioritise responsible daily operations to reduce our impact on the environment.

Read on to find out more.

Camp de Rêves glampsite is nestled in a picturesque location that was once home to co-owner Danny Barnes’ landscaping business. With a deep-rooted passion for the environment and natural ecosystems, Danny transformed this site into a sustainable haven in 2019.

Utilising the abundant glacial boulders found on-site and the pre-existing hoggin quarry, reducing the amount of additional bulk materials that needed to be imported to the site, resulting in a landscape that seamlessly blends with its surroundings. We have consciously chosen muted colours for all structures on the site and natural materials wherever possible. A great deal of consideration and care has been taken on the positioning of the units in order to minimise the sites impact on the natural surroundings.

To enhance the ecological diversity, indigenous trees, shrubbery, and wildflower seeds were carefully selected and sympathetically managed, creating a thriving wildlife habitat teeming with birds of prey, garden birds, small mammals including hedgehogs, voles and shrews, and of course an abundance of insects.

Our commitment to sustainability extends to every aspect of the glampsite. Our safari tents were sourced from Outstanding, which uses sustainable wood of durability class 3, meaning the wood has a lifespan of 10 to 15 years ensuring the optimal lifespan of the safari tents.

Our shepherd huts captivate with their exceptional craftsmanship, hand-built by the talented artisans of Dicky Deans in East Sussex. Using sustainable oak and insulated with British wool, ensuring warmth and cosiness while minimising their carbon footprint.

Our oak frame facilities block was supplied by English Heritage Buildings and constructed by Danny and the team.

Oak is ideal for frame construction and provides a sustainable source of raw material. All of the timber comes from managed woodlands, where two or more trees are planted for every one felled.

At Camp de Rêves, we prioritise responsible daily operations to reduce our impact on the environment. Here’s what we do to maintain our eco-friendly practices:

Bore Hole

We utilise a bore hole system to provide all non domestic water, minimising our reliance on external water sources when watering the grounds.

Solar Panels

Renewable energy is generated through solar panels, helping to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels. We hope to expand this as soon as possible and are looking into wind and other sustainable sources of power.

Nest Boxes for Birds

By installing nest boxes, we provide a safe haven for birds, encouraging their presence and contributing to local biodiversity.

Bug and Insect Boxes

We have designated bug and insect boxes and areas, providing shelter and habitat for these essential creatures.

Butterfly Meadow

We manage our lower meadow in such a way as to provide the best possible habitat for our butterflies and other insects and small mammals to thrive. Adding to the biodiversity of the site.

Minimal Paved Surfaces

We consciously limit paved surfaces to prevent excess water run off thereby reducing flooding.

Organic Fertilisers

We use organic fertilisers to nourish our plants and promote healthy growth, avoiding harmful chemical residues and unnatural growth.

Pesticide and Herbicide-Free

Absolutely no pesticides or herbicides are used on our site, ensuring a safe and toxin-free environment for both wildlife and guests. All of our gravel areas are hoed by hand on a regular basis.

Rodent Control

We employ natural deterrent sprays and other non-poisonous methods to control rodents, safeguarding the well-being of all creatures especially the many birds of prey that can be seen on site daily and nightly.

Photo courtesy of Rod Ferbrache.

Winter Planting Schedules

We carry out winter planting schedules for indigenous trees, promoting their growth and supporting local ecosystems.

Green Waste Composting

All green waste generated on-site is either composted or woodchipped/shredded, diverting it from landfills and enriching the soil naturally.

Waste Recycling

We follow Guernsey’s comprehensive recycling program to ensure that all refuse is properly disposed of. Our units supply eco-friendly detergents where possible which are refilled so as to avoid plastic waste.

In line with our eco-friendly approach, we have created a safe haven for bugs and birds by trimming the surrounding banks only once a year. This allows the natural habitat to flourish and provides a serene environment for both our guests and the wildlife that call Camp de Rêves their home.