We want you and other campers, to stay safe and enjoy the peace and rural tranquility of our campsite.
When you book to stay at Willow Lake you are agreeing to the following terms.

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Campsite Safety

(reviewed and updated April 2025)

Before your Visit:

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• If you plan to use a gas cooker during your visit, please check to make sure any gas hoses and cooker connections are not damaged BEFORE your visit:  A small leak of gas could cause carbon-monoxide poisoning or even create an instant fireball that would engulf a tent.  Recommended guidance is that gas cookers and heaters should not be used inside tents or awnings.​​

• Access to Willow Lake requires driving through country roads. Signal is limited in the countryside so please save your directions before setting off.

• We are off grid. We are NOT connected to mains electric, mains water OR mains sewerage. We do have a bore hole system for water on site, however it is not drinking water. We have bottles of drinking water available, please ask the warden.

• We use a septic tank therefore you must please use GREEN chemicals only. If you do not have green chemicals we can sell these to you on site.

• As we have a private fresh water supply and not mains water it is not to be abused for instances such as washing cars, washing caravans/motorhomes.

• Anyone found abusing our rules will be asked to leave site and campsite fees will not be refunded.

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Cancellation Policy:​

• We’re a small site with limited spaces, and every booking matters. Last-minute cancellations or no-shows often mean we can’t fill your spot — and that has a real impact on us. We’ve created this policy to be as fair as possible for both our guests and our small team.

• ☔ 1. Rain / Bad Weather

• If you decide not to come due to rain:

• No refunds will be given.

• You may reschedule for another weekend within the same season, but:

• You must contact us during the week (Monday–Friday) before the new weekend you'd like to come.

• Rebooking is subject to availability.

• You cannot book a new date in advance — it’s strictly last-minute only.

• 🧠 2. Change of Mind / General Cancellations

• More than 2 weeks before your booking: No refund, but you may reschedule to another available date within the same season, and you can choose your new date in advance (subject to availability).

• 1–2 weeks before your booking: No refund. You may rebook using the same last-minute policy as rain — request during the week of the new weekend, if we have space.

• 48 hours or less before your booking: No refund, no credit, and no rescheduling — no exceptions.

• 💳 3. Refund Processing Fees (Rare Cases)

• If a refund is ever granted (special exceptions only):

• The refund will be minus Stripe’s non-refundable processing fees.

• 🧾 Why This Policy Exists

• We're a small, independent site with limited capacity. When people cancel — especially last-minute — it's often too late for us to rebook that space. That means lost income we rely on to keep things running. This policy helps us stay open and fair to everyone who books.

• Thanks so much for your understanding and support!

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During your Visit:

• Arrive after 2pm on your arrival day, and please depart by 11am on your departure day. Unless agreed otherwise.
• We are an off grid site, there's no EHU, however limited solar EHU may be available in special circumstances such as those with dog food or medication that needs refrigerating.
• Smoking is not permitted inside our bell tents or glamping pods.
• Please separate your recycling from your general rubbish when using our bins. If possible please leave nothing but memories.
• BBQs must be raised off the ground.​
• No glass bottles outside. We do not want our doggy guests to have sore paws from broken glass.
• Quiet time between 11pm-7am
• Sim signal is usually limited if not inexistent. There are some areas of the site with sim signal however please be prepared for none. We have installed a wifi that reaches all around site, if you'd like to use it we ask for a £5 donation to cover the cost of it, and you don't need to pay again for it for the rest of the year.
• We are in An Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). Please be mindful on this and keep unnecessary commuting to a minimum. We highly recommend cycles (cycle once off site due to herding dogs who may be staying).
• NO human ball games, running or cycling on site due to any dogs with herding reactivity who may be staying.
• The front gate is locked between 11pm-7am, however if you find yourself locked out there will be a £20 charge for getting the warden out of bed to let you back in.
• We do not swim in our lake as wildlife poo in it, however if you or your dogs enter it to swim/paddleboard/etc that is at your own risk. We are not to be held liable should you become unwell or injured from entering the lake. 
• Please note we currently have no shower facilities. We hope to have our showers by August.
   

Dogs: 

Chances are, you’ve caught wind of the Facebook drama - a few folks losing their minds because gasp we actually have rules. If you get why we’re serious about keeping our rescue animals, pets, and all the dogs who stay safe and happy, then you and your furry friend will fit right in. 💛🐾

 

• 🐾 Dog Policy – Responsible Dogs Welcome

• We are a dog-loving campsite and welcome well-managed dogs of all shapes and sizes. To keep our resident sheep, swans, wildlife, and other guests safe and happy, please carefully read and agree to the following policy before booking:

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• ✅ General Expectations for All Dogs

• Please note: If your dog is prone to barking excessively at other dogs or people, we kindly ask that you do not book a lakeside pitch, as these areas are in clear view of passing guests and dogs. If your dog is continuously barking and the warden has already requested that you manage the situation, but the barking persists, it will be considered that your dog is in distress and not coping well with the environment. In such cases, you will be asked to leave the site without a refund.

• All dogs must be kept under control at all times. You are responsible for your dog’s behaviour on-site.

• Dogs must never roam unsupervised. 

• Dogs must remain on lead in all communal areas including access paths, The lake field, the car park, and non-designated dog fields.

• Exercise areas are available. A fenced dog field is provided where dogs may be off lead if they show no reactivity to sheep or swans at the boundary.

• Sheep and swans live on site. These much-loved animals must be treated with care and respect. Dogs may not enter the sheep field.

• All dogs must remain on lead near the sheep fencing and when swans are present near the lake edge.

• Toileting: Always pick up after your dog, even in hedgerows. Use the bins provided and never leave bags on posts, gates, or trails. (CCTV is in operation in the dog field.)

• Accommodation hygiene: If your dog urinates on bell tents or pods, clean thoroughly straight away. A refundable cleaning deposit may be taken.

• Noise matters: If your dog is likely to bark frequently at passers-by, let us know during booking — we can allocate a quieter pitch.

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• 🐑 Respect for Livestock and Wildlife

• Our sheep, swans, pet cat and dogs are part of our family. For their safety:

• Dogs must not chase, bark at, or fixate on livestock or swans.

• If your dog shows reactivity or interest in livestock, they must remain securely on lead.

• Off-lead privileges may be revoked if there is any concern about prey drive or reactivity.

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• 🧠 Behaviour, Training and Safety

• We welcome dogs with training needs and emotional triggers — provided their handlers are actively managing them and keeping them safe.

• If your dog behaves in an aggressive or unsafe way, we may ask you to leave for the safety of all. No refunds will be given.

• Anti-social behaviour includes: lunging, barking aggressively at people or animals, repeated wandering, persistent noise, or failure to follow the above rules.

• This is a no “lazy dog parenting” site — dogs must be actively supervised and their behaviour responsibly managed.

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• 🔍 Additional Requirements for Dogs from Concerning Breeds

• We assess individual dogs based on behaviour, training, and owner responsibility.

• These are the concerning breeds / types / and their mixes we have been advised to ask for more information:

• Rottweilers and Dobermans

• Japanese and American Akitas

• Exempted breeds (xl Bullies)

• Cane Corso, Pressa Canaria, Bullmastiffs and other mastiff types

• English Bull Terriers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, American Bulldogs

• German Shepherd (Alsatians), Malinois, Dutch Herder.

• Huskies and Malamutes

• If your dog is from a breed listed above or a mix of these breeds that has caused concern in the past (due to size, prey drive, or breed-specific legislation), you may be considered to stay if the following apply:

• Your dog is well socialised and under reliable control.

• You provide evidence of your dog’s suitability, which may include:

• A recognised training award (e.g. Kennel Club Good Citizen, IMDT Partnership Grades)

• A written reference from an accredited dog trainer or behaviourist

• Video footage of your dog calmly around livestock or similar distractions

• Not just saying 'they've no issues' when telling us about your dog

• You are willing to follow additional on-site measures, such as:

• Using a muzzle in certain areas (if needed)

• On-lead exercise only

• Meeting with the warden to see how your dog reacts to the site surroundings before your stay (if needed)

• This helps us keep everyone - including your dog - safe and happy.

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• ⚠️ We reserve the right to:

• Decline a booking if we believe the safety of others or our animals could be compromised.

• Ask guests to leave without refund if dogs are not kept under control or if rules are not followed.

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• We understand how much your dog means to you - and our aim is to create a site where responsible dog owners feel welcome and relaxed. If in doubt, or if you’d like to discuss your dog’s needs before submitting a booking enquiry, please get in touch. We’re happy to help
  
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Fishing:
Fishing is possible in our lake and it's well stocked with Carp. Please pay the warden £10 per day to fish:

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• You must bring your fishing license, without this we cannot allow you to fish our lake (it is the law).

• Nets and landing mats must be completely dry from your last days fishing, to stop KHV being introduced in our lake.

• No Leadcore or leaders to be used.  

• No night fishing - fishing hours are generally after 7am and to finish 7pm.

• No keep nets or carp sacks to be used, only good quality landing nets and mats.

• All fish to be returned to lakes in under 5 minutes.

• You must be in possession of a quality unhooking mat and disgorger that is fit for purpose, the team carries out checks.

• No fish to be removed or introduced.

• No rod to be left unattended at any time.

• £10 per day.

• No damage to wildlife or property.  All litter to be removed.

• No fires, no firearms or BBQ's near the lake.

• All dogs must be on a lead at all times around the fishing lake.

• No trespassing on surrounding land and wildlife areas.

• Music only to be used with headphones.

• No food tins to be brought to the lake.

• No ground bait.

• No swimming or wading.

• No excessive baiting.

• Barbless hooks only must be used and no crushed barb hooks.  Rig checks will be done.

• No floating baits or zig rigs are permitted.

• Nuts of all types are banned.

• If you see any distressed fish please report to the team.

• Rig safety is a must, if you have any doubt please contact the team.

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BBQ and campfire:

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• Handmade campfires on the grass are prohibited. Anyone found making a campfire on the grass and destroying the ground will be asked to leave.

• We have a limited number of chiminea fires available on request and you are welcome to bring your own raised chiminea/pit however they must sit on a slab and not directly on the grass. Please ask a member of the team for a slab. Under no circumstances should you use an accelerant in your fire such as BBQ fuel, petrol or diesel. Kindling and firelighters are available for purchase on the campsite.

• During extremely dry weather fires may not be allowed.

• BBQs are permitted however disposable BBQs are prohibited.

• BBQs must be raised and not directly placed on the grass.

• Please do not gather wood from the hedgerows around the campsite: Unseasoned and damp wood generates too much smoke, and wood left to decay naturally plays an important part in the lifecycle of insects. Willow also has a tendency to spark which may leave pin holes in tents and awnings!

• Never leave your fire/BBQ unattended and make sure it is fully extinguished before you go to bed or leave site: A gentle breeze can soon ignite dying embers.

• Keep flames to a manageable size and under control at all times and ensure that any smoke does not annoy other site users.

• Please familiarise yourself with fire extinguisher locations in an emergency.