California Meadows campsite is set near the spectacular Purbeck coast, and is a haven for wildlife. Previously, the farm was home to quarry men from the local stone industry and the barn was used to shelter the quarry ponies and sheep.

The owner has installed 18 ground-based solar panels, with another 18 panels on the adjacent site. These were installed by H2ECO, and await a smart meter installation to receive the generation tariff.

As well as offering insights into two large solar arrays, the owner is hoping to have a small archaeological excavation here on site during the same weekend. “Years ago I found flint waste (we are not in a flint area) in a layer whilst levelling off an area to install a lunge pen. The flints went off to DCC archaeology officer who confirmed possibly late neolithic/bronze age waste. The lunge arena was built and stayed until a few years ago. It has been dismantled and the area is now accessible again. So I have recently been in touch with Peter Bellamy of Terrain Archaeology who thinks it’s worth digging at least a small trial trench later this month. I have asked it to be done leading up to the Greener Homes event as a point of interest for attendees.“

Directions :
The satnav for postcode BH19 2RS will take you to Swanage Coastal caravan park. Go through the park and follow the road to the end and campsite on the left just before California quarry. There is an icon for “California campsite” on Google Maps. Visitors can park towards the end the first field on the left along the fence. 

Visitors are welcome to stay on site between walks, bring a picnic or go for a walk to the cliffs nearby. There are toilets, drinking water and a timber shelter with seating at the campsite.