Wild at heart

Craig’s corner

with consent Wild

LOTS of us in the agricultural world have the privilege of spending time in some truly stunning places; places off the beaten track, places immersed in nature and heritage, away from the light and noise and rush of the urban world.

The pandemic, and the associated surge of staycations, has reminded the country that there are really some exceptional sites within the UK’s borders. There is a thirst for the wild side.

Whereas people once thought to travel wild was to travel far, there is increasing recognition you don’t need to be high in the Himalayas or lying on a bed-roll in Botswana to have a pretty ‘out-there’ time.

‘Ecotherapy’ – spending time in the great outdoors – can even be prescribed as official medication for mental health issues.

Like many people I moved back home to my family roots during the pandemic.. Suddenly I saw Northumberland’s peaceful green fields, rolling Cheviot hills, and spotless white beaches, with new eyes.

My mind unwound and as I spent time re-exploring the local area I started to think: how could I help other people experience, and really appreciate, the natural world in the UK?

The answer seemed straightforward: just open up the countryside to more people; provide them with the means, and the knowledge, to get out there for themselves. But it’s not always that simple. Too many visitors spoils the experience itself – the solitude and space – and can degrade the very environment that makes our countryside so special.

Thinking this tension over, I came up with the idea of Wild With Consent. I link farmers and landowners to those who want to access the wild. We open up small areas of land for people to come and experience the restorative benefits of nature, but, crucially, all of our guests stay in campervans. This means they’re totally self-sufficient; they can enjoy the wild, without harming it.

Underpinning it all are privacy and peace; I want guests to experience the total relaxation that comes from being out in the wild. Thus, we only allow one campervan to stay per night, providing that privacy, but also protecting local ecosystems, by not overloading them with visitors.

The initiative is low impact and low maintenance, as no extra infrastructure is required. We work with landowners to identify a site on their land that fits into our carefully curated portfolio, while fitting in with existing land occupation needs.

Looking to the future, I’m expanding Wild With Consent beyond my home county of Northumberland, to connect more people to share the wild in a responsible, sustainable manner. As we continue to experience crisis and conflict across Europe, I hope to help people find a refuge from the stresses of everyday life in our beautiful UK countryside.