Rooted in Nature: How Catgill Farm is Giving Back to the Earth

There’s something extra special about Catgill Farm this year. Maybe it’s the sea of wildflowers dancing in the breeze, or the soft hum of bees and birdsong drifting through the trees. Maybe it’s the fact that, quietly and steadily, we’ve been working to make our little patch of the Yorkshire Dales even wilder, greener, and kinder to the planet.

At Catgill, camping has always been about reconnecting with nature — but now, it’s also about giving back to it.

🌳 Trees, Hedges & Habitat Building

We’ve planted 300 trees around the site — from small whips to full-sized, mature trees that instantly add height, shade, and beauty. Alongside them, we’ve added 500 metres of traditional hedging, creating vital corridors for wildlife to move, nest, and thrive.

Over at Howgill Lodge, our sister site, we’ve planted another 80 trees and 300 metres of hedging, adding to the growing network of habitat we’re nurturing across both locations.

These aren’t just pretty additions — they’re vital. Trees and hedgerows clean the air, lock in carbon, and provide food and shelter for birds, insects, and mammals. We’re proud to say we’re playing a small but real part in supporting local biodiversity.

🐦 Birdsong, Buzz & Biodiversity

Sit quietly for a moment anywhere on site and you’ll hear the difference. Birds are everywhere — robins, finches, blackbirds, wagtails, wrens, and more. Our mature woodland is also home to owls and woodpeckers, and if you’re lucky, you might even catch sight of deer moving quietly through the trees just beyond our glamping pods.

There’s so much wildlife here that we’re launching a little game soon on social media: “Guess the Birdsong” — a fun way for you to connect with the natural world, even before you arrive.

🌿 A Natural Stay, the Traditional Way

We’ve always believed that being outdoors shouldn’t mean leaving a footprint behind. At Catgill, camping and glamping is all about low-impact stays, natural living, and time well spent with your feet in the grass, your face in the sun, and your phone (mostly) turned off.

Our pods and bell tents are designed to blend into the landscape and sit lightly on the land. We recycle, reduce waste, and encourage all our guests to respect the surroundings as much as we do.

💧 Wild Swimming & River Days

Just a short walk from Catgill is the River Wharfe, one of the cleanest and most beautiful rivers in the country. On hot days, it’s the perfect place to cool off — a natural, freshwater swimming spot right on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales.

Bring your swimsuit and towel, take the plunge, and feel truly alive. It’s one of the purest joys of staying here — wild, simple, and completely free.

🌼 Looking After the Land

Ecology, sustainability, and caring for the environment aren’t just buzzwords at Catgill — they’re a way of life. Whether it’s planting a tree, giving a hedgehog a safe place to nest, or just picking up after ourselves, it all adds up.

We’ll be sharing more about our nature projects each week — from planting updates to wildlife sightings — so keep an eye out on our blog and socials. And if you’re planning a stay with us this year, take a moment to enjoy the wildflowers, watch the bees, or spot a deer in the woods. Nature is putting on a show — and you’re invited.