Helping You to Organise Your Camp
Lockerley Water Farm camp site is owned and managed by Hampshire Christian Trust CIO. We aim to provide you with a safe and well-run site. In essence, a blank canvas for you to design and build your camp.
As camp organiser, we appreciate you probably have some questions. In the information below we aim to answer as many of those as possible. However, if the answers aren't there, or you need a little more detail, please do get in touch as we'd love to help.
+ Safe
+ Fun
+ Learning
Health and Safety
No event is risk free. Even if you have been to the site before, we recommend organisers visit the campsite, well before your event, to carry out your own assessments. In the information below we highlight some points for consideration, however these should not compensate for your own risk assessments.
- HCT have limited access to certain areas within the site. Please note the associated signage.
- Children must be appropriately supervised whilst on site, and should not enter the kitchen, or play near hazardous areas.
- Please ensure any electrical appliance/computer equipment you plan to bring with you to site, has been PAT tested.
- For your security the main roadside entrance gate to Lockerley Water Farm should be kept closed.
Things to Bring
+ Inform
+ Plan
+ Organise
Helping to plan your stay ...
Accommodation: Cabins
There are 8 cabins positioned on the camp field in 2 rows of 4. Each cabin is equipped with 10 beds (arranged as 5 pairs of bunks) and has a canopy wall which opens out into the camp field.
Note: the canopy wall opens under pressure and should only be operated under the supervision of an adult (or two).
Beds are single size (90cm W x 190cm L) complete with a sprung mattress. We do not provide bedding and campers should bring either a sleeping bag or a bottom sheet and duvet. Don't forget to bring a pillow!
Some campers like to bring an extra blanket for cooler evenings.
Accommodation: Dorms
There are 4 purpose-built dormitories. Each unit has an en-suite toilet at each end, and a central area equipped with 5 pairs of bunk beds.
These units are designed to sleep 10 campers as a single dorm or, with a central partition wall in place, may accommodate groups of (up to) 4 and 6 people at each end. Users may need guidance to install or remove the partition. If required, please see the site manager.
Beds are single sized (90cm W x 190cm L) complete with a sprung mattress. We do not provide bedding and campers should bring either a sleeping bag or a bottom sheet and duvet. Don't forget to bring a pillow!
Some campers may like to bring an extra blanket for cooler evenings.
Accommodation: Caravans & Tents
There is space on site to accommodate a limited number of small tents and caravans (see 'Caravan Hook-up Points'). Please contact us to discuss numbers. There is an onsite chemical disposal unit.
- Note caravans should not be pitched under trees. Falling branches and even falling trees often occur in windy and very dry weather.
- Cars towing caravans will be directed on to the campsite by the site manager.
- Cars are not permitted to be kept in the camp field and must be kept in the car park.
Alcohol & Smoking
HCT do not encourage adults to smoke or drink alcohol on site, however we do not wish to discriminate against smokers or to be prohibitive of consuming alcohol.
Our guidance on smoking:
- It is against the law to smoke in enclosed public spaces, this includes all buildings and accommodation. To reduce the risk of fire, and in the interest of conservation, we extend this to include the surrounding wooded areas.
Our guidance on alcohol consumption:
- Family camps where parents and legal guardians are present on site with their own children, may choose to consume alcohol during mealtimes. User groups with responsibility for other people's children should not bring alcohol to site.
Full copies of our Smoke-free and Alcohol policy are available upon request.
Amplified Sound
It is a stipulation of Test Valley Borough Council’s planning permission that amplified sound and public address equipment must not be used on site between the hours of 10.00 p.m. and 8.00 a.m.
If you wish to hold a small late night activity, such as a small worship session or a movie evening, the upstairs meeting room in Barn 1 is a soundproofed room.
Barn 1 Ground Floor Layout
A large industrial building with approximately 500 sq mtrs of floor space.
At ground floor level there is a meeting/eating/activity area which can hold up to 300 people, plus a stage. There is an accessible toilet, shop, office, kitchens, food store and freezer room, janitor’s store, laundry room and a first aid room.
Upstairs there is a meeting area capable of seating up to 50 people (in theatre style).
Barn 2 Ground Floor Layout
With a floor area of 500 sq mtrs, Barn 2 has a large activity area and houses individual and family showers facilities, an accessible washroom and toilets. All of our shower areas are designed as wet rooms.
The crèche is equipped with a sink, and a toilet designed for young children. Although some camps do leave surplus materials, HCT do not provide for activities within the crèche. Camps are advised to bring any required resources. This room may alternatively be used as a small meeting room.
The main hall in Barn 2 is a large open space in which you may host a range of indoor activities. The hall is well suited as a sports hall and has two indoor football goals.
BBQs
Large and medium charcoal barbecues are available for general use. You will find them located under the barn 1 fire escape, opposite the Site Manager's accommodation.
- Large BBQ: 120 x 40cm
- Medium BBQ: 60 x 40cm
HCT do not supply charcoal or fire lighters
Should camps prefer to bring their own barbecues onto site, please ensure suitable arrangements are made for the storage of any gas cylinders brought to site.
We recommend lit barbecues are supervised at all times by an adult and a risk assessment is made prior to use.
Disposable barbecues are strictly prohibited
Bonfire Area
This designated area is purposefully located away from other amenities and is the only location where campfires are allowed (see 'Site Plan').
Please note fireworks of any kind are strictly prohibited.
A limited amount of firewood is collected during the winter and made available for use during the season. Campers are encouraged to gather firewood from the surrounding woodland.
HCT are insured to accommodate campfire events up to a maximum of 150 people. Where more than 150 people will be attending please contact us, in advance, to discuss the necessary arrangements.
Bookings
Please contact us for availability.
Refer to our Bookings Agreement for more details.
Bouncy Castles, Inflatables & Trampolines
Where you provide, or are responsible for, bouncy castles you must take extra care to prevent injuries ensuring measures are put in place that help reduce the risks. Our guidelines are:
- ensure access and use is constantly controlled by an adult
- prevent overcrowding or mixes of large & small children at the same time
- avoid allowing use by adults and children at the same time
- avoid use by children under 2 years of age
- when used outside, ensure the bouncy castle/inflatable or trampoline is securely anchored to the ground at each anchor point
- each anchor point should be marked to be made easily visible and wrapped to prevent injury
- use soft matting to cover hard surfaces adjacent to the front or any open sides where there is a risk of injury from falling from the inflatable
- trampolines must be fitted with a safety net that prevents falling from the trampoline
- trampolines should not be used by more than one person at a time
Cancellations & Amendments
We do ask that cancellations and amendments are notified, by the group’s leader, in writing, to HCT’s Trust Secretary, who is responsible for the management of Bookings.
Although there are financial implications for the trust, we do not impose any cancellation penalties. However notice of cancellation, of 18 weeks’ or more, gives us a reasonable opportunity to find an alternative user for the cancelled dates.
Please refer to our Bookings Agreement for more details
Caravan Hook-up Points
Electrical hook up points are positioned along one side of the camp field.
In total there are 2 boxes, each with 4 hook up points in total. They are located at the top of the camp field along the left hand boundary (see 'Site Plan').
Caravans must not be pitched under trees. Falling branches and even falling trees often occur in windy and very dry weather
HCT cannot accept any responsibility for damage caused from falling trees or tree debris to vehicles, caravans or tents parked on site.
Check In
Unless agreed prior to arrival, user Groups should not arrive on site before 14:00 hrs for check in. It is also important to agree with us accessibility for any advance parties or deliveries as these cannot be accommodated when other camps are on site.
Ideally, your group leader should be one of the first to arrive and report to the Site Manager, who will familiarise you with the site facilities, equipment and emergency procedures in the event of an alarm. During the check-in process, please provide the Site Manager with a copy of your daily programme for each day of your stay.
In case of an emergency, it is important for the Site Manager to know the total number people present on site, including daily changes with day visitors. Please provide information regarding the numbers of confirmed campers, when you arrive and advise if others join or leave during your stay.
Check-out
Unless agreed prior to arrival, user Groups should complete check out by 12:00 midday, on the day of departure. A 'check-out' sheet will be issued as part of the check-in process to ensure camp leaders are aware of what is required at check-out. Users of the campsite are expected to leave the site clean and tidy and ensure the following is attend to the following prior to departure, and to complete check-out:
- Thorough clean through of accommodation units and buildings used by your group ready for the next camp
- Remove waste and recyclable items from bins to the large waste collection bins in front of the car park
- Ensure all food is removed from refrigerators and freezers, and clean the inside of the cabinets (any food left on site will be thrown away)
- Please allow sufficient time to put the last batch of tea towels through the washing machine programme, and hang them out or tumble dry
- Please return all keys to the Site Manager.
Note lost keys are chargeable at £5 per lost key - Report any matters of concern to the Site Manager and pass to him/her any comments or recommendations about the camp site
Your camp leader and the Site Manager will walk the site together and sign off the check list prior to your team leaving site.
Chemical Toilet Disposal Point
There is a disposal point for chemical toilets, equipped with a water supply and a cleaning hose.
This facility is not to be used for disposable nappies, which should be bagged and placed in the nappy bins found in the baby changing facilities in the accessible toilets, located in Barn 1 and Barn 2 (refer to Barn 1 & 2 Layout illustrations above).
Cleaning Teams
Your camp has a general responsibility to keep the site and facilities clean and tidy during your stay and, when it's time to check-out, to leave the camp site clean and tidy for the next user. The check-out checklist and the dorm and cabin cleaning checklists provide an expectation of how to leave the facilities for the next group, and must be signed off by the camp organiser and the site manager, before your camp leaves site at the end of your stay.
You should bring your own basic cleaning materials. For safety reasons, cleaning chemicals must be kept in the lockable cabinet in the Janitor’s store in Barn 1, or the lockable janitor stores found in the Barn 2 washrooms. These stores are equipped with various brooms, dust pans, mops, buckets, and vacuum cleaners.
Cleaning Help - Green Clean
Some camps have enquired about the use of an external cleaner to help with the check out process.
Mark Ward, who owns and manages Green Clean and is based in Romsey, is happy to provide a quotation for your camp's individual cleaning needs, based on the size of the camp and how much support you require.
HCT recommends booking Green Clean a minimum of 8 weeks before your camp to ensure your dates are available.
Please note your arrangement for any external contract cleaning will be directly with the cleaning provider and not Hampshire Christian Trust.
Countryside Code
The Countryside Code applies to all natural places, including parks and waterways, coast and countryside, and has been developed to help people enjoy these spaces in a safe and respectful way. Guidance includes, but is not limited to:
- A reminder not to feed livestock, horses or wild animals.
- To stay on marked footpaths, even if they are muddy, to protect crops and wildlife.
- The closing of gates is a key feature of the Countryside Code, helping prevent animals that may find their way onto tracks and from wandering out onto main roads, and even up to the camp field!
We encourage you to share information regarding being in a country setting with your campers, prior to coming to site. Even if they have been to site before.
Deliveries
To help your camp run smoothly certain goods, services or equipment may be delivered by third parties. However, drivers are often unable to find us and we are sensitive to the volume of mis-directed deliveries which arrive at surrounding properties and the inconvenience this causes.
Delivery drivers do not have sufficient local phone signal to call you if they are lost and, on occasions, deliveries have been returned to the depot. We have improved the signage at the entrance to Lockerley Water Farm. Please speak to the site manager for help provide guidance on what to do to help.
HCT do not accept responsibility for the mis-delivery or loss of post or deliveries.
Dogs
Over recent years we have observed a significant increase in the numbers of dogs on site. This is problematic for a number of reasons including, the amount of dog waste left in the camp field, livestock worrying, dogs on furniture (particularly beds) and, of course, some people love dogs and some people don't.
Please consult our dog policy to ensure the numbers of dogs are controlled and, should you have dogs on site, the persons responsible are aware of the requirements stipulated.
All dog waste must be bagged and placed in the general waste bins provided on site.
Face Painting & Henna Tattoos
Should you intend to use face paints during the course of your camping activities, please do bear in mind the following advice:
- Face paints and henna tattoos are not suitable for people under the age of 3 years
- Do not apply face paints or facial henna tattoos to any person who has cold sores or open cuts on their face
We recommend carrying out a skin test before any application and always refer to the manufacturers instructions. Do remember to clean equipment between each application. Only use professional face paints and henna tattoos that comply with safety regulations.
Fees - how much does it cost?
As a charity, Hampshire Christian Trust operates on a voluntary donation basis. We do not charge fees or issue invoices for your stay. We understand our philosophy of working within the spirit of donations or monetary gifts is ambiguous, and some camps have asked us for guidance about our expectations.
Through understanding visitor numbers, across all ages from infants to seniors, and careful monitoring of the campsite's essential costs, we estimate, if all visitors and campers donate as follows, we will receive enough funds to maintain the site:
- Campers: £7.00 per night each
- Day visitors: £3.00 per day each
All we ask is that gifts and donations are made within 30 days of your stay. Thank you.
First Aid
A first aid room is provided. The room is equipped with a bed, toilet, lockable cabinet and refrigerator for storing medication and an accident book for recording details of any injuries sustained by any person whilst on site.
It is a condition of booking that each camp team includes a first-aider and brings their own first aid kit. Our Site Manager is not a qualified first aider.
A defibrillator is located in the lobby near the first aid room. There is also information on the notice boards in the office and in the first aid room giving details of local doctors and hospitals.
Only use proprietary sharps bins/boxes to place any needles or syringes (a yellow box in the first aid room).
Games: Indoor and Outdoor
Indoors: There are other games facilities such as table tennis, table football, air hockey and pool tables in Barn 1. Please bring your own table tennis bats and balls.
There is an activity hall in Barn 2 including 5-a-side football goals.
Inside the creche there are a number of games such as giant jenga and a large connect 4 available. Both can be used for indoor or outdoor play.
Outside: A football pitch (with goals) and a volleyball pitch (with net) are provided and there is plenty of space for rounders, or other outdoor games and activities. There is an outdoor games store which stores a number of balls for outside games.
Insurance
HCT insure the camp site and equipment against normal risks, and the site and its users are insured for campfire events up to a maximum of 150 attendees. Where more than 150 people will be attending please contact us, in advance so that we may agree and arrange adequate cover.
In some instances, use of the camp site may already be covered by an existing insurance policy (e.g. a planned activity which is part of a church programme covered by insurance arranged by the relevant church). We recommend confirming this in advance. Where an activity is not covered by an existing policy users must make their own insurance arrangements, as appropriate. If in doubt, consult an insurance broker.
The Trust does not insure the activities of those using the campsite. User groups are responsible for the insurance of their own activities and for checking insurance associated with any third party suppliers.
Internet / Wifi / 4G
There is a limited 4G signal. The most available 4G signal is with EE. Services from other 4G providers are reportedly very intermittent.
There is a wifi service providing a restricted bandwidth available on site. The site manager is able to give out the password to the camp leader. We do not recommend distributing the password broadly across your campers, as the limited service will prove to be very slow.
Kitchen Catering
The kitchen and food preparation/storage areas are well equipped with ample refrigeration and freezer space, and with all the basic necessities for catering and serving meals for large (120+) and small groups.
- Group Catering: If your camp has a catering team providing meals for the group please ensure those involved in this task are aware of food hygiene regulations and have appropriate training for both food preparation and cooking activities.
- Self Catering: Where those self catering wish to use the kitchen to prepare and cook food, we recommend camp organisers carry out a risk assessment and limit or stagger kitchen access. Campers using cooking facilities in their own tent or caravan may use the refrigerators/freezers available on site (do use labels to identify food).
Children under the age of 16 are prohibited from entering the kitchen.
Please note, vermin can find their way into the barns and are always ready to make a home there. Please do not leave food unprotected, especially overnight.
Laundry Room
The on site laundry room is equipped with a washing machine and a tumble dryer. Please note, with the exception of the site manager, this facility is not permitted for the routine laundering of campers clothes.
We do ask for camps to ensure any tea towels or hand towels etc. used from our store, are laundered, dried, and replaced on the shelves before the end of your stay.
Two rotary washing lines are positioned on the camp field, to the rear of Barn 1, to assist with drying, on good weather days.
HCT do not supply washing detergent and camps should bring supplies with them.
Litter Pick-ups
For your safety we advise any person involved in clearing up litter or rubbish, to be attentive to the following advice:
- wear boots or other protective footwear and suitable gloves if handling litter or rubbish
- individuals on litter picking duties are instructed not to clear up, move or touch any sharp objects. These should be collected by an adult who has experience in dealing with such objects.
We provide a long reach grabber for litter picking and a bin bag ring (to hold your bag open). These items are found on the wall by the bin bag store in Barn 1.
Location
Lockerley Water Farm Campsite is found at the end of a 1km private road, off East Tytherley Road. The exact location can be found using the 'what3words' app, entering the reference 'moon.earful.mistaking'.
The camp site sits on the boarders of 3 local parishes and is adjacent to Mottisfont Woods, which is a National Trust site with a lovely walk, part of which runs directly along the rear boundary of the campsite.
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/mottisfont/trails/mottisfont-estate-walk
Media Equipment: The Stage
The stage area of Barn 1 is approximately 5 x 6m and is equipped with a projection screen, ceiling mounted overhead projector, stage lighting, basic sound amplification/public address equipment, and an array of power points.
Controls for the screen, projector, stage lighting and PA equipment are located inside the cupboard near the main door into the barn. This equipment is only to be operated by personnel with appropriate experience.
Media Equipment: The Upstairs Meeting Room
The upstairs meeting room, in Barn 1, is equipped with a projection screen, ceiling mounted projector, basic PA equipment, and connections for a laptop computer to the projector. This equipment is only to be operated by personnel with appropriate experience.
The room is an enclosed space without any windows, so natural light and ventilation are limited. The room does have the advantage of air conditioning.
Safeguarding
It is a legal and moral requirement to ensure children, young adults and 'at risk' adults are kept safe, in all respects. All groups using the camp site are required to have policies and procedures in place to safeguard those on camp site from emotional, physical or sexual abuse. Camp organisers are required to comply with their safeguarding policy and procedures, ensuring appropriate safeguarding is in place before the start of your camp.
Where a formal safeguarding policy does not exist, please contact us to discuss your arrangements.
Those running camps must ensure adequate staffing levels to achieve proper care and supervision, of those entrusted to their care, for the duration of their time on site. We recommend reviewing the NSPCC guidelines.
Self-Service Area
The self service area in barn 1, provides campers with the facilities to make themselves a drink, hot or cold, at any time. Removing the need to enter the kitchen.
Equipment includes a fridge and a variety of hot and cold drink making facilities, including a hot water boiler. There is also a conveyor toaster and a microwave, ideally suited to reheat a meal or a portion of baby food.
There is a high speed dishwasher to assist with the mountain of plates, bowls, mugs and cutlery that accumulate during the day and especially at mealtimes. The dishwasher runs on 1.5 to 3 min cycles. When operating the dishwasher, we ask that an adult is on hand to supervise.
Site Manager
Our 2024 site managers are Jenny and Dan, who are looking forward to welcoming you onto site.
Their role is to ensure the site operates smoothly and to help orientate and familiarise you with the facilities and equipment available.
Any breakages or equipment malfunctions should be reported as soon as possible. Please also advise them about any accidents on site. They will be happy to listen to any ideas/recommendations for possible improvements or alterations to facilities. All of your suggestions will be passed on to the trustees.
If for any reason the Site Manager is not going to be on site, they will make this clear, in advance, and provide you with an alternative contact, for emergencies.
If you need any information or have questions please do ask.
Site Plan
The focal point of our site is our two large barns, creatively named Barn 1 and Barn 2!
Car parking is in front of the barns, accommodation is in two areas, dorms to one side of Barn 1 and the cabins in the camping field at the rear of both barns. We have a designated area for camp fires and marked volley ball and football pitches. There is an overflow car park found to the right as you enter the camping field. This is especially useful for any day visitors.
Supermarkets
There are a number of supermarkets in the vicinity of Lockerley. There isn't a supermarket in the village itself, although there is a small village shop which stocks the basic essentials.
The range of local supermarkets include:
- Romsey: Waitrose, Aldi and Co-op
- Salisbury: Tescos, Lidl, Aldi, Sainsburys and Waitrose
- Totton: Morrisons, Asda, Lidl
Refer to the 'Deliveries and Post' section above, for delivery instructions to the site.
Telephones
Mobile services in the general area of the campsite are poor, and it is often difficult to connect to a mobile network (EE provides the most consistent service). A landline is available serving the site office and the site manager, and is provided for administrative purposes only.
Office telephone number for emergency use: 01794 341907
In the event of a power-cut, an analogue telephone is available. See the site manager for more information.
Waste and Recycling
Lockerley Water Farm enjoys a beautiful rural setting. Please take care to ensure litter is not left in the camp field and do not allow rubbish to accumulate on site.
- Food waste and general waste should be placed in the bins provided. Black bags should be changed daily and full bags placed in the commercial general waste container at the front of the car park. Replacement bin bags are stored in Barn 1.
Empty daily to avoid the bins becoming smelly and too heavy for the black bag. - Recyclables should be separated into the appropriate bins. Please do wash and squash recyclable plastic, cans and tins. Place full bin bags in the commercial recycling container at the front of the site. Recycling bags are translucent to help our waste disposal partner with the sorting process.
- Disposable nappies should be bagged and placed in specialist bins at the baby changing facilities found in the two accessible toilets, and placed in the general waste container when full or at the end of your stay.