Scales Farm

Scales Plantation is set in the middle of Scales Farm, a working sheep and cattle upland farm that sits roughly 1000 feet above sea level where life never stops. Set in a hidden valley within the Lake District National Park, away from the main tourist routes this traditional hill sheep farm offers peacefulness, authenticity but also accessibility to the popular locations.

Scales Plantation is a 13 acre area of woodland that had once been commercially forested and was clear felled over 40 years ago. It has since been left to naturally regenerate. Although the woodland now requires some management, it has become a haven for wildlife supported by its proximity to Greystoke Forest.

Ahead of the curve, Rob and Tab started to create this luxury camping in 2010 as sharing this beautiful location seemed to be the natural next step. They wanted to do so in a unique and environmentally-friendly way which would comfortably immerse people in nature and support the future of this special place. However, throwing in a few home comforts such as hot water taps and Egyptian cotton bedding to combat the Lake District elements which, despite our beautiful photos, can vary in its temperament.

Creating camps before ‘Glamping’ had the buzz it does today and still setting the trend, camps are now being upgraded while everyone else catches up, Scales Plantation are busy planning in their next Wild-Luxury Camping concept. Watch this space!

Environmental Policy

Tab and Rob are working hard to safeguard their little slice of Cumbria with Scales Plantation, working hand-in-hand with their responsible practices at Scales Farm and preserving this space for future generations. With solar powered electricity, self composting loos and enthusiastic recycling, the green ethos at Scales Plantation is clearly visible. The family is involved in numerous environmental schemes. They have enhanced acres of woodland to preserve and encourage wildlife breeding grounds and laid over 2km of hedgerow, planted over 2500 upland hardwoods and created seven ponds and wetland environments. They have also set aside 100 acres of moorland for heather regeneration to provide habitat for grouse.

Wildlife

Scales Plantation is home to a variety of wildlife. The woodlands of the Lake District remain one of the few areas of the country where the red squirrel can still be found in the wild. Cumbria is rich in birdlife and over 200 bird species are recorded in Cumbria in any one year. Many visitors to the Lake District in recent years have shared in the excitement of seeing ospreys breeding in craggy woodland near Bassenthwaite Lake.