A CAMP site in Lustleigh has been officially recognised as a site of ecological importance and nature recovery.

The award-winning Wray Valley bed and breakfast and campsite has been designated a County Wildlife Site (CWS) by the Devon Biodiversity Records Centre (DBRC).

The designation of the 10-acre site identifies rare wet woodland and lowland deciduous habitats of county-wide importance.

Owners Michelle Grist and Kevin Chamberlain, say they are celebrating a ‘major win for local nature recovery’.

While CWS is a non-statutory designation and does not mean legal protection, it does provide vital planning protection.

In the local planning process, the status means the ecological value of the woodland is formally accounted for in future decision-making.

Michelle, who was recently named DWIB Eco-friendly Business Woman of the Year 2024 and a runner-up in the West Country Women Awards, said: ‘This recognition is a proud moment for us as stewards of this valley.

‘As Green Tourism Gold holders and past winners of Devon Tourism’s Sustainable Business of the Year, we have always placed biodiversity at the heart of our mission.

‘This new planning protection helps us safeguard these rare “nature sponges” for generations to come.’

The designation follows an expert survey by Richard Green Ecology, funded by the Dartmoor National Park Farming in Protected Landscapes (FiPL) team.

To manage the woodland proactively, Wray Valley has implemented a professional woodland management plan developed by the Bulworthy Project, focusing on enhancing biodiversity despite having no legal obligation to do so.

Unlike many protected sites, Wray Valley remains an immersive destination for eco-conscious visitors.

The eco campsite is in Dartmoor National Park and is surrounded by ancient broadleaved woodland.