Mum,

We are having a great time! There is so much to do, climbing, abseiling, caving, archery, rifiles. I had a new kayak. We've been to Southampton, Portsmouth and the New Forest. Do I have to come home?

Love Jack.
PS I have showered!

Information

The site, known as Cricket Campsite and Pauline's Lodge, has been developed in the South of England by Scouts to be used by the Scout and Guide Movements and other youth organisations.

The site consists of approximately 30 acres of woodlands, clearings and fields in the Manor Farm Country Park, which extends for a further 400 acres. Many forms of shrubs, plants, mature trees and wildlife abound in the park, which is now classed as a site of special scientific interest (SSSI)

The campsite is situated on the Eastern outskirts of Southampton in Pylands Lane (off Dodwell Lane) about one mile from the junction of the A27 and approximately half-a-mile from Junction 8 on the M27. The grid reference of the campsite is SU 494113 on OS sheet 196.

A short walk from the campsite runs the River Hamble, which is ideal for all types of boating. The pontoon built by Hampshire County Council makes boating possible at all states of the tide. Fishing is permitted from the shore. It is extremely dangerous to swim from the pontoon and is forbidden.

The facilities on the site are also available on a day activity basis for Scout and Guide training days, Brownie Revels, Cub days, District camps etc.

You are welcome to visit the site to look around, but please contact the Campsite to ensure someone is on hand to show you around.

All sites will be allocated as necessary immediately prior to your stay and displayed on site.

A lot of campers are now changing over to Gaz cooking, but if this is not available to you, please bring your own altar fire with you. You will appreciate that with considerable camping during the season, turfs must not be cut. Trees of every size and description must be left standing. Please don't dig pits. What you can't burn put in the bins provided.

Flush toilets and free hot showers are available, but a portable toilet should be brought for night use.