Corf - County Campsite

Posted by Geoff Brown on 26 September 2009 •

Wightlink Ferry Discount - Added February 2010

Corf Development - Added April 2011

Campsite		Isle of Wight
Corf Campsite 2011 Brochure Corf Campsite was acquired by the Isle of Wight Scouts in 1937. It is situated in the west part of the Island, ½ mile north-east of Shalfleet. OS grid reference is SZ 419900 - view map here. Corf is bounded by Shalfleet and Corf Lakes in Newtown Creek, a tidal and sheltered inlet from the Solent. Both Corf and Newtown Creek are designated Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), so there are restrictions on digging pits and lighting fires, although some of the campsites have approved campfire bases. There are also several portable altar fires available for hire. Camping is restricted to between 1st May and 30th November.		Corf is about 15 minutes drive from Newport, the Island's capital town, where there are a variety of shops and several large supermarkets. The Isle of Wight has numerous attractions suitable for all ages and being only 14 miles north to south and 23 miles east to west, it is easy to explore by vehicle, cycle or on foot. The Island boasts over 500 miles of well-maintained footpaths & bridle paths and is a great location for walkers. The nearest bus stop is in Shalfleet, a 10 minute walk away, with the hourly service of Route 7 connecting Newport and Yarmouth. Shalfleet has a small Post Office/Shop which has basic supplies and a Deli on the main road which is closer. Yarmouth is a picturesque ferry port with tourist shops, but no large supermarket.

Facilities

Even before Corf became a SSSI, the policy for developing the site has been to improve facilities without spoiling the rustic setting. The 23 acres support 35 individual campsites of varying sizes. There is a large playing field where in one corner is a furnished play area for Beavers and Cubs. The 30 foot (9 metre) climbing tower is unavailable until further notice. For site layout, click here

There are several permanent buildings on the site, including toilets in 3 areas, showers, an undercover activity area, tuck shop and Pack Holiday Centre (PHC). The PHC consist of several rooms with bunk beds and a separate kitchen.

At the seaward end of the sheltered Corf Lake is a sturdy jetty. The inland part of the lake (in reality a wide stream) is designated ‘Class C waters’. The effect of double tides in the Solent area means that tidal flows are low in the lake except for the last foot of water. If the tide is in, it’s safe water; if the tide is out, there is not enough water for activities, apart from mud wrestling! There are several kayaks available for hire and Groups may bring their own craft. Permits are not required for water activities above the pier, although adult supervision is necessary. The remainder of Newtown Creek is classified as 'B1 waters'. There is a collection of poles and drums available for rafting, but no ropes!

Click here for rules on swimming (updated April 2011)

For further information see Scoutbase - Corf Camp

Please note that after many years, John McDine has relinguished his duties at Corf and Barrie Price has taken over as Warden. Mrs. Sarah Kingswell is now bookings secretary.

Use the Contact Us page and select "Corf Camp Site Bookings" to send email to request a brochure or contact Mrs. Sarah Kingswell, 1c Howard Close, Newport, Isle of Wight PO30 2LD (Tel. No. 01983 524416)

For details of discount for Scout Groups using Wightlink Ferries between Lymington or Portsmouth and the Isle of Wight, please contact us as above.

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Development at Corf

Posted on 11 April 2011 •

A Planning Application has been submitted to the IW Council for replacing the Wheeldon and Pack Holiday Centres, together with the addition of a Bird Hide in the vicinity of the jetty on Corf Lake. The Wheeldon Centre is the priority development with the Pack Holiday Centre, realistically, a long term plan. The Wheeldon or Training Centre has been unusable for several years, except for supporting the photo-volcaic cells for generating electricity. For the latest graph of electricity generated since July 2010, click here. The launch for fundraising for the new development was made by the National Scout President, the Duke of Kent, during his visit to the Island in May.

Plans for the new Training Centre and the Bird Hide can be found by clicking on relevant building link. The new buildings will be similar to The Mitchell Centre in design and construction.

STOP PRESS Planning permission has now been obtained and, subject to final grant applications, work will begin on replacing the Wheeldon Centre in April 2012.

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