ONE of the many things we have learned in the past few months is the true value of the Great Outdoors. A leading tourism businesses in Dorset has had the environment at the heart of its offering since opening 43 years ago.

But even at Burnbake, between Corfe Castle and Studland, there is more awareness of just important it is in the wake of lockdown and the coronavirus pandemic.

The campsite at Burnbake was established in 1977 and five years ago, the company built 22 luxury lodges.

Unsurprisingly the lodges are now fully booked as a result of stay at home vacations.

“The phone has been ringing off the hook,” said Burnbake general manager, Zoe Pattison. “The demand has been unprecedented.”

And many people are trying camping because of the limited and uncertain options abroad.

“We have a new set of guests alongside our traditional visitors,” explained Zoe.

“We have families who are camping for the very time and adults who did it when they were young and are coming back for the first time in a long time.

“Those who are new to camping have absolutely loved it. Some of them were not expecting to enjoy themselves but they have had a wonderful time.

“They have realised just how peaceful and refreshing it is to be right at the heart of the natural environment. And I think we all acknowledge how critical that is to our physical and mental wellbeing, now more than ever.”

Burnbake is situated in acres of woodland and heath lying in some of Dorset’s most beautiful and tranquil countryside.

Earlier this year the area was designated part of the new Purbeck National Nature Reserve, the country’s first such reserve and managed by a number of group and organisations. It’s another reason for people to visit.

“We are only half an hour away from the Bournemouth Christchurch Poole conurbation but it feels as though we are absolutely miles from anywhere,” added Zoe.

Because of Covid, guests (who come from all over the country) can no longer just turn up in the hope of getting a pitch, so a brand new booking system has been set up, the first change since Burnbake opened.

But they can still pick their favourite spot to pitch camp when they arrive, on a first come, first served basis.

The main campsite and events field are both operating at 50 per cent capacity for social distancing, meaning visitors have twice as much space than usual.

There is plenty of investment still going on at Burnbake (£4m was spent on putting the lodges in).

£20,000 was spent on getting ready for the reopening in July, mainly on PPE, screens, signs, training and new portable toilet and shower facilities.

A new community hub and coffee lounge has been built - this was already under construction when Covid struck. And there is a new electric vehicle charging point.

“We have had to rethink much of what we do because of the virus,” said Zoe. “We have made changes we wouldn’t really have thought of in normal times but they have all worked. It has been very heartening after such a difficult time and especially so because our guests have really embraced those changes.”