“Just because it’s known, doesn’t mean it’s
explored”, proclaim the Evison family, proud owners of Underhill Farm. And it’s
fair to say they know a thing or two about adventure and discovery. Back in
2009 when they bought this deserted property, it had been left to wrack and ruin
for over 30 years and was as overgrown within as the weed-woven garden beyond.
Over the years, however, alongside trips to the Himalayas, blister-busting
ultra marathons and treks through the Alps, they have transformed the smallholding
into a delightful family home. Yet through it all they have maintained that
element of natural wilderness. And today Underhill Farm is the perfect site for
those looking to truly engage with nature.
Poised in the Shropshire countryside, a few hundred yards from the Welsh border, Underhill Farm is a wonderfully
unique campsite with a clear ethos and a warm community feel. Snazzy, gadget
laden glampers looking for sumptuously furnished yurts are not the focus here. It's those hoping to learn about and enjoy the natural environment
that feel most at ease in the green meadow clearings. In the main paddock,
enclosed by tall old trees, there is ample space for up to five tents to pitch. Nearby, a wooden bridge leads to the communal fire pit, allowing campers to
share stories in the evening as they toast a sticky marshmallow or two. Those
travelling light can forego the tent in favour of other options; an authentic
Mongolian yurt, a larger Welsh yurt and a traditional canvas tepee (all with
beds, rugs and a simple set of shelves). All come accompanied by a
shared kitchen area with all the basics for preparing and cooking some camping cuisine.
Once you’ve settled in you can begin to take in the rest of the site; an eclectic mix of
functional spaces and natural pockets of wilderness. Traditional wild grass
meadows are interspersed with a wooded copse, bendy basket willows and a small
apple orchard, while a converted barn space provides somewhere to hideaway in
bad weather as well as an area for organised workshops to take place. Needless
to say, these activities make use of materials on the doorstep, whether its
willow weaving, pottery or wool and looming workshops. Such events echo the
site's sustainability and ecological focus, while its position next to a nature
reserve only helps encourage the rich wildlife that has flourished here. Don’t
be surprised to find rare breed, pyramidal orchards or see the swooping
wingspan of buzzards and peregrines overhead.
The Evison’s aren't kidding when they
say there is plenty here to explore. But when you leave your pond-side pitch
and head elsewhere you’ll also find more than enough to keep you occupied.
Limestone cliffs, excellent for climbing and caving, are a short walk in one
direction, while in the other the Montgomery Canal stretches into the
countryside, ideal for those with bikes. Then there’s Offa’s Dyke, Llanymynech
Golf Club and canoeing on the River Vyrnwy – all before you’ve even returned to
the car.