Below are the most common questions about glamping exemption certificates, membership, and running a certified woodland glampsite under Woodland Champions Club.
Yes. All guests must be members of Woodland Champions Club to stay at a certified woodland glampsite. Camping membership is free and can be obtained prior to arrival.
Each glamping exemption certificate allows up to five caravans or glamping pods and ten tent pitches.
Yes. Under UK legislation, a caravan is defined as a movable unit no longer than 20 metres long, 6.8 metres wide, and 3.05 metres high, consisting of up to two sections bolted or clamped together on site.
All glamping units must remain movable. Permanent foundations such as concrete bases are not permitted. You must be able to demonstrate that any structure or item on site can be moved if required.
Certified Woodland Champions glampsites can operate 365 days per year.
Guests may stay for up to 28 consecutive days, and no more than 42 days in any calendar year.
No. You are not required to use all pitches granted under your exemption certificate.
Your certified site operates under key UK legislation, including the Public Health Act 1936 and the Caravan Sites and Control of Development Act 1960, and may be certified for tents, caravans, or both.
Only with express consent from the Club Secretary. Applications for these types of temporary units are generally unlikely to be approved.
Yes. Wood-fired hot tubs are permitted and encouraged due to their lower environmental impact.
All hot tubs must comply with BISHTA industry standards. Chemical-based jacuzzis are not permitted, as wastewater cannot be safely discharged to the ground.
Yes. DBS checks are required for membership validity and for operating a certified glampsite.
Applications may be refused for reasons outlined under “What prevents an exemption from being issued”.
Membership may be cancelled without refund if club rules or constitution are breached.
Some local authorities may charge additional fees under Section 77 of the Habitats and Species Regulations.
Additional assessments (such as traffic or environmental reports) may be required in specific cases, including flood zones, conservation areas, or where highways objections arise.
An exemption cannot be granted if:
Yes. Membership may be withdrawn without notice if:
Typically 28 days to 2 months, depending on the local authority and site conditions.
Yes, but all certified sites must register with Outdore, the official booking system for campsites and glampsites.
You may also list on platforms such as Airbnb and Booking.com, provided they are linked to Outdore.
Yes. All certified sites must register with Outdore. It does not need to be your only booking channel.
We carry out both unannounced site visits and virtual inspections to ensure compliance with exemption rules.
These checks confirm that sites remain safe, mobile, and compliant with club standards.
During inspections (in person or virtual), units may be required to demonstrate mobility.
Any ancillary structures must be removable within 24 hours. Hardstanding, decking, or permanent foundations are not permitted under exemption terms.
Yes. Wood-fired hot tubs are permitted and recommended for sustainability reasons. Chemical-based systems are not allowed.
We currently certify sites in England, Wales, and Scotland.
No. Woodland Champions Club does not provide formal planning consultancy. We operate within exemption frameworks only.
Legislation links
The Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development etc.) (England) (Amendment) Order 2023
Flood map for planning - GOV.UK
Caravan Sites and Control of Development Act 1960
http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1990/8/contents
http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2015/596/pdfs/uksi_20150596_en.pdf
http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/Geo5and1Edw8/26/49/section/269
http://www.legislation.gov.uk/asp/2003/2/pdfs/asp_20030002_en.pdf
The Caravan Sites and Control of Development Act Model Standards 1983/1989/2008
Environment Agency Standing Adevice ( Flood risk )
Natural England Standing Advice ( Conservation and Ecological Impact )
Forestry Commission Standing Advice ( Ancient woodlands )
Design Manual for Roads and Bridges / Manual for Streets 2
The Town and Country Planning (Use Classes) Order 1987 / The Town and Country Planning (Use Classes) (Amendment) (England) Regulations 2020
IET regulations 18th edition