This is a really super Forestry Commission site. We came across it quite by chance last year when we were walking through the Forest and decided that we would try the site out. In fact, we stayed there on four occasions last year and for a three week block this year.

There are no shower blocks so you do need toilet facilities in the caravan - you cannot use the site if you haven't got your own chemical toilet. It would be difficult trying to clean up small children after a day on the beach or scrubbing around in the Forest without showers but as two sixty somethings we managed very well without our daily shower!

The pitches are all numbered and are like small alcoves in the trees. We have always booked a select pitch which gives us more room to spread out and more water points and disposal points. The staff at this pitch are fantastic. I believe they have been there for several years and really know the area. We had two of our grandchildren for a few days this year and one of the wardens got out the deer skins for them to see. They also gave them an antler for the children's 'show and tell' table at school and they were more than happy to answer questions.

The site is very quiet and peaceful and beautiful even when the weather is dull. You feel very much at one with nature - very relaxing and a step off the treadmill for a while. I do not know what the site is like during school holidays but it does seem to be more geared for adults than children. There are no playground facilities but there are other more family orientated sited run by the Forestry Commission - namely Holland's Wood.

All round this is a great site for a place to chill out. There are plenty of walking paths. Sway is about 40 minutes walk away with a good pub, The Hare and Hounds. The disused railway track (without tracks!) provides a good cycling path to Brockenhurst (superb butcher's shop there) plus good pubs. The Snakecatcher's Arms is well worth a visit since it was revamped along with the Forrester's Arms. Just go and chill out!