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Quote: Originally posted by chelsea girl on 09/3/2012

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Quote: Originally posted by Bob61 on 08/3/2012

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Not so many years ago when people went camping they took with them a tent. They may have used the odd windbreak for exactly that purpose...protecting themselves from the wind.

Gradually though, windbreaks started to be used as pitch boundaries

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We do use windbreaks, and we use them around the perimeter of the pitch (which we pay for!) not to stake "this is our pitch, keep off" but to screen off the dogs (who are tethered) the dogs cannot see over the windbreaks and therefore do not bark every time a person walks past, so we all enjoy a quiet holiday.

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I am not saying it is right or wrong to surround your unit with windbreaks. I occasionally use a windbreak myself if I feel the need for some protection from a chilly breeze or for some privacy (we all know windbreaks are useless in real wind).

However, most campsites with unmarked pitches usually go by the 6 metre rule for fire regulations. In other words the unit on the next pitch could be just 6 metres away. If somebody pitches a tent on that unmarked area, then adds gazebos, tables, utility tents, you name it...all surrounded by windbreaks, then at what point does the next pitch start?

If everyone does that then a field which should have enough room for a dozen tents for example could end up with only enough room for 6-8 tents plus all the junk, so a campsite owner has to take a stand somewhere. By charging for the extras the campsite owner will not only deter people from using extras and expanding beyond an acceptable area but may also recover some of the costs if they do.

The alternative is for owners to mark every pitch with a white line (or similar) leaving 6 metres between pitches and telling people they can erect whatever they want but it must stay within the white lines. That way, those people who want to take several tents, gazebos, windbreaks, 6 dogs and 20 grandchildren can do so providing it all fits...or they will have to hire two or more pitches.

Quote: Originally posted by krazykamper on 08/3/2012

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Quote: Originally posted by Bob61 on 08/3/2012

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Not so many years ago when people went camping they took with them a tent. They may have used the odd windbreak for exactly that purpose...protecting themselves from the wind.

Gradually though, windbreaks started to be used as pitch boundaries and within these boundaries lots of other things sprang up, like gazebos, patio tables and chairs complete with parasol etc. Then came pup tents for the kids and more recently large utility tents which in many cases are as big if not bigger than the main tent.

It doesn't surprise me therefore, that campsite owners are starting to feel more and more taken for a ride, especially on campsites with unmarked pitches where what used to be a small area for one tent is fast becoming a huge area for all sorts of camping equipment. Apart from anything else this then limits the number of units a campsite can support and likewise the campsite owners income.

It therefore doesn't surprise me in the least that campsite owners, whilst not wanting to ban all these 'extras', feel enough is enough and perhaps they should start charging for the extra space all this stuff takes up. The alternative is to create marked pitches and what doesn't fit on them can't be used.

It must be quite a dilemma for campsite owners although I have not heard of any charging for windbreaks before. As suggested though...if you don't like the charges go elsewhere.

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Point taken Bob.  I know exactly what you are saying.  There is nothing worse than being pitched next to someone who has 'hemmed' themselves in with windbreaks and all the other things that go along with it. 

We have one windbreak which we take but dont always put up.  It really just depends on the weather conditions and whether or not our neighbours are friendly   I certainly would not be expected to pay extra for one windbreak. 

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I have used a windbreak on occasions.  For some protection while cooking outside, privacy, and to stop b####y people walking through my pitch between the tents when my big sis comes camping with me.

heath

We've just changed our awning and upon checking a booking that we' ve already made have realised that it's now going to cost an extra £4 per night. The site is asking for the extra because we now have a sleeping annexe. However the new awning plus sleeping annexe will take up slightly LESS space than our old full size awning which we used to use with an inner tent. We are considering asking for a refund and going elsewhere if they insist on the extra charge.