Exempted Organisations: The Secret Shortcut to Starting a Glamping Site

🏕️ Wondering how to start a glamping site? 

What if you could turn your own land into a thriving glamping destination - without the hassle of planning permission? 

At Tree Tents, we believe that the best adventures start in nature. Our unique low-impact wilderness structures are ideal for landowners and sites looking to offer eye-catching and immersive glamping stays. Over the years we’ve met some incredible organisations that share our passion for the great outdoors. One that stands out is Woodland Champions Club. As an Exempted Organisation (don’t worry, we’ll explain what that means!), Woodland Champions Club is paving the way for small, woodland sites to flourish. We sat down with Ben, the visionary behind it all, to uncover the inspiration, mission, and exciting future of this game-changing organisation.

There’s nobody better placed than Ben - Woodland Champions Club Founder - to talk us through what his club stands for, how Exemption Certificates work and why Tree Tents is one of their trusted suppliers that they recommend to sites looking to start sustainable woodland glamping…

But first, what does an Exempted Organisation do?

Exempted organisations have the authority to both operate their own sites AND grant permission for others to run sites under their stamp of approval. One example is the The Caravan and Motorhome Club (formerly The Caravan Club). Over the years, more specialised clubs and groups have gained Exempted Organisation privileges thanks to their dedication to helping the outdoor hospitality industry, and natural landscapes, thrive.

Our Top 3 Recommended Exemption Organisations, for camping lovers: 

🌲 Woodland Champions - Empowering landowners to create sustainable, off-grid woodland glamping experiences that immerse guests in alternative tents and structures. 

🔥 Campfire Companions - Bringing people together around the fire with a community-driven approach to social, back-to-basics camping in unique structures.

🌱 Greener Camping Club – Leading the way in eco-friendly camping with a strong focus on conservation, sustainability, and low-impact stays.

Typically, launching a new camping, glamping, or caravan site requires obtaining planning permission and a licence from local authorities. 

However, joining an exempted organisation provides an alternative route, by offering the following benefits in return for annual subscription or site visit fees to the club:

So, what’s the catch? Exemptions are possible for smaller sites only, and planning permissions are still required for the construction and addition of building works.

Whether this is a relevant route for your sites’ vision depends on a few factors. The success of your application all hinges on the site matching the criteria that Natural England passes down to its Exempted Organisations, like WCC. The law states that the exemption allowing clubs to authorise sites is for a maximum of five ‘caravans’ only. While there is no maximum number of camping pitches stipulated, some clubs have their own limits that they enforce. If you’re hoping to set up a much larger site or operation, the usual planning route is likely much more suited.

What inspired the creation of Woodland Champions Club?
Woodland Champions Club is a Natural England-approved exempted organisation, established in 2017. They help landowners create and manage their own woodland glamping and camping sites, giving the public a chance to enjoy nature at their leisure.

Ben, the Founder, shares: “we started as a few like-minded friends and fellow landowners who joined in with the movement…and we grew.”

And they just keep growing! Every year, the club helps open new woodland glampsites across the UK (excluding Northern Ireland). So far, they have:

What is the overall mission of Woodland Champions Club? 
The club’s objectives focus on environmental conservation, sustainable camping and reconnecting people with nature:

What are the key benefits of joining Woodland Champions as a landowner?

Landowners who join Woodland Champions gain access to expert support in running successful glamping sites, with specific attention given to protecting woodlands on-site. The club provides guidance on everything from working with suppliers (like Tree Tents!) to marketing, navigating legal frameworks and dealing with local planning authorities (LPAs). With years of experience, they help landowners create thriving, sustainable sites with minimal hassle.

Are there any common mistakes landowners make when setting up a woodland camping site?

Ben shares that one of the biggest mistakes is “breaching planning regulations”. Understanding local laws and working within the correct planning framework is essential for creating a successful and legally compliant site. But that’s why Woodland Champions Club exists.They do the due diligence, make the process more speedy and exempt sites that match their specific criteria that’s already been approved by Natural England.

What makes a Woodland Champions campsite unique compared to other camping experiences?

 “We don’t certify traditional pop-up tents or touring caravans.” Instead, the club focuses on promoting “alternative tents and cabins” that provide a more unique and immersive outdoor experience.

How does membership work for campers, and what benefits do they receive? 

The club offers two types of memberships:

• Site membership for landowners.

• Glamping membership for campers - which is free!

Glamping members gain access to the club’s exclusive sites and services, with Woodland Champion sites always promising a more unique and rejuvenating outdoor experience.

What made you want to add Tree Tent structures to your list of Trusted Suppliers?
Ben first came across our structures at industry trade shows and has since recommended Tree Tents for sites applying for Exemption Certificates.

He was drawn to our designs because they give sites an unmatched “unique selling point” (USP). With years of experience in the glamping industry, Ben has seen many suppliers and admits, like many, he’s “bored of looking at pods.”

For Ben, the real advantage for woodland glamping sites lies in our original suspended Tree Tent:

“They preserve the ground,” minimising environmental impact.

“Camping in the trees is an experience in itself! I always wanted to experience life as an Ewok!”

So- thinking of starting a small campsite or glamping business?
Woodland Champions Club, and other exemption organisations, could be perfect! Starting a glamping site can be daunting, but it’s absolutely within reach - especially with support like this. As a fully certified exempted organisation, Woodland Champions Club, alongside Tree Tents,  can approve suitable land for camping, glamping and caravanning. This means you can set up your site without the hassle of applying for planning permission or a local authority licence.

Apply to become a Woodland Champion: https://woodlandchampions.co.uk/application-form