We are unfortunately obliged to forbid anyone to camp at Piles during the coronavirus restrictions.  This is mainly because, if you had an accident or became ill while you were there, you would cause unnecessary risk to the rescuers.

Meanwhile, the good news is that the growing season is coming, and reduced footfall will hopefully allow the ground to recover more quickly.  After a very wet autumn and winter, path and general sward damage has been exceptional.  Increased numbers of walkers when it has been very wet has led to unprecedented wear on many routes.  Also, someone rode a horse through the copse when it was very wet, leaving hoof marks depressing the turf by around 50 mm.  It will be years before these disappear.