Islander and property management professional Richard Dawson has submitted plans for Camp Solitude, which he describes as ‘Jersey’s first woodland eco-active glamping site using the latest technological developments in camping’.
The proposed site is in woodland above Archirondel Bay, just off Rue de la Solitude.
Mr Dawson’s intention is to place six ‘eco pods’ on the land and develop the campsite in a way that would ‘enhance the use of the land and not have an adverse effect.’
The pods would be high-specification permanent structures with a ‘panoramic glass wall’ and insulation effective enough to enable comfortable year-round occupancy.
Initially, all accommodation would be connected to mains electricity but there are longer-term plans for solar-panel provision.
Mr Dawson said he did not believe there was currently anywhere in Jersey that aimed at the target market he would categorise himself in, namely, adults aged between 16 and 40 who do not have children but have an interest in active, sustainable camping.
‘I aim to create a purpose-built site combining eco-glamping with an active camping experience, which would be unique for Jersey,’ he said. ‘It is a way of combining the active camping experience, including things like cycling and fishing and birdwatching, with an outdoor glampsite that would really show off Jersey.’
Mr Dawson added that initial conversations with Visit Jersey concerning his plans had been very positive.
Visit Jersey chief executive, Keith Beecham, said that a new glamping development could be an opportunity for visitors to make the most of the Island’s natural environment.
‘Self-catering is a part of the Island’s hospitality market that could do with some increased provision,’ he said.
‘More and more, visitors to Jersey are looking for this kind of accommodation and we get pretty full in summertime, so additional product would be welcomed. A glamping site could be an opportunity to make the most of our natural environment.’
