'There are dragons in there!’ one young camper enthused as we made our way into the dark woodland adjoining the camping meadow at Denmark Farm. Fearing for our safety, the gallant squire grabbed his trusty sword (ok, so it was a long stick) and rushed past us with a chivalrous, ’And I’m going to get them’.
Although we didn’t encounter any dragons during the visit, their presence is eminently plausible at this Welsh conservation site, situated among the green humps and bumps of Celtic Ceredigion. You wouldn’t blame the mystical creatures for slumbering off the effects of battling with medieval knights in a centuries-long hibernation somewhere within this 40-acre treasure trove of landscape.
Encirling the camping meadow are woods and fields and ponds that have been slowly nursed back to life from the land owner’s farming days. A commendable job has been carried out by Denmark Farm Conservation Centre in helping nature to restore the site, much to the joy of the local flora and fauna (dragonflies included).
There is room in the gently sloping meadow for around 20 people at any one time, with only tents allowed, plus a yurt for non-campers. A small, open fronted kitchen, made from sustainably sourced timber, is available for all guests to use and, while there are two composting toilets in the camping meadow, flushing loos and showers are open 24-hours-a-day in the Conversvation Centre building.
Pathways that lead through the woods beckon you towards fairy-tale adventures, one leading to a magical roundhouse, another to a spiky hide – is it a bird or a hedgehog? – by the long lake. Just be careful where you step; you wouldn’t want to awaken any dragons – at least, not unless you have your own little St. George to hand.