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Information

Our tenth fforest Gather.
Set in the great outdoors of fforest farm for only 200 people each week.

Two 6 night family friendly gatherings with emphasis on engagement, exchange and fun. Staying at fforest is always an event. Gather makes the best of all fforest has to offer. The great outdoors, activity for mind, soul and body, creativity and simple pleasures have always been bound to what we offer. At Gather, a revolving cast provides workshops, creative play and outdoor activity in the day; films, story-telling and Gather disks in the evening. 

WHEN
Gather 2024 weeks are
Week 1 ~ 29th July - 4th August 2024
Week 2 ~ 5th - 11th August 2024

BY DAY
All workshops, talks, walks, performances and activities are included in the ticket price. First come, first served but without the worry of missing out:
Illustration; painting; writing; printmaking; cooking with fire; beer & bread; chocolate making; tree climbing; mud kitchen; woodland creations; spoon carving; yoga and wellness; drumming;  forest school sessions; den building; ceramics.

BY NIGHT
Films, storytelling, tastings, disk spinning. 

 

Gallery

 

fforest Gather 2023 - this will be updated in July 2024 for 2024’s gather

Workshop programme 2023
Please click the links below for the workshop schedules for 2023. These are subject to tweaks and we will have paper copies to give to you on arrival.

Some workshops & activities have a smaller capacity than others and some have a minimum age to participate. Most workshops will be happening multiple times so it’s unlikely you will miss anything. If you need to sign-up for any workshops, we will inform you by email prior to the event.  All materials are included in the workshops.  

Yoga
Please bring along a yoga mat if you want to take part in the yoga sessions.

Week 1 - 2023 schedule - click here

Week 2 - 2023 schedule - click here

Food & Drink - 2023 guide

Onsite

Gather stays are self-catering, so all food options are payable as you go along.

Payments

We are now cashless, so all of the following will be payable using a debit/credit card or contactless payment.

Drinking water stations
Available at the Lodge & Cedar Barn area.

Lodge cafe
Breakfast 8am-11am
Serving espresso based coffee, pastries, fruit, sliced bread to toast and bowls of granola.

Lunch 12-2pm
Serving simple lunches to take out enjoy picnic style.

Cafe 2-4pm
Coffee & cake.

Lodge shop
Open everyday from 8am-4pm.
Essentials like milk, bottles of wine, eggs etc
Also, fforest t shirts and other fforest merch!


Bwthyn pub
4-11pm
Serving drinks, crisps, chocolate & mashmallows

Suppers at Woodland Restaurant, fforest farm
We're very lucky to have a wonderful amount of produce grown in our garden, and work with amazing local suppliers.

We cater to all dietaries, please let us know when booking or get in contact with any questions.

Served from 5.30pm - 7.30pm
Two courses - main & pudding

BOOK HERE (will be added July 2024)

Limited numbers & subject to availability, so please book as soon as you can to avoid disappointment.

2023’s Menu (will be updated for 2024)
Monday
Main - Lasagne: Meat or veggie with fforest salad & garlic bread
Pudding - Tiramisu

Tuesday
Main - Baked ham or baked celeriac with fforest salad, slaw & jacket potato
Pudding - Crumble & custard

Wednesday
Main - Fish pie with creamy mash topping or cheesy leek & mushroom pie with fresh garden greens
Pudding - Strawberries & icecream

Thursday
Main - BBQ chicken or BBQ halloumi/beetroot with herby new potatoes & fforest salad
Pudding - Lemon posset with almond biscuit

Friday
Main - Veggie & bean curry with rice, dahl, raita, naan bread, pickles/chutney & fresh onion salad
Pudding - Chocolate mousse

Saturday
Main - Kebab night (meat & veggie kebabs) with flat breads, fforest salad & yoghurt dressing
Pudding - Pavlova

BOOK HERE

 

Offsite

The Pizzatipi
Our Pizza restaurant on Cardigan Quayside.
Just a 10min drive away, or walk there via the Teifi Marshes footpath (40-60 min walk).

Open everyday 12pm - 9pm
www.pizzatipi.co.uk
Please book a table in advance to avoid disappointment as we do get full very quickly in the Summer holidays and we don’t keep tables aside for fforest guests.

The Boy Ashore
Our bbq shack right on Aberporth beach.
25 minute drive away.
See opening times & details here:
www.theboyashore.squarespace.com

Takeaway with tables available on a first come, first serve basis.
Even if you can’t get a table we are literally right on the beach, so bring along some towels/picnic just in case.

Albion Aberteifi
The downstairs bar area of our new hotel, The Albion Aberteifi in Cardigan is a great place to enjoy coffee & cake by day or maybe a nice cold glass of something outside if the sun is shining!  Tables available for drinks and food in our beautiful riverside courtyard and in our cosy bar area Wednesday to Saturday from midday. No reservation required. 

Our intimate first-floor dining room offering stunning river views has bookable tables for groups of 2-8 from 5.30pm Wednesday to Saturday throughout the summer. Family friendly slots available at 5.30pm. Adults only for reservations from 6:45pm.

More information & online booking here 

Trips


Heritage Canoes

Our canoe trips run from the Welsh Wildlife Centre, a lovely woodland walk away (takes around 30 minutes), or a very short drive.
Please book in advance to avoid disappointment as we do get full very quickly in the Summer holidays.
http://heritagecanoes.squarespace.com/ 

Dai Crabs boat trips
Enjoy a scenic boat trip along the river Teifi with ‘Dai Crabs’ on the Diana Ellen.
https://www.daicrabsboat.com/trip-info

Local guides
For inspiration on local beaches & places to visit, eat & shop please see the websites below. The beaches North of fforest in Cardigan Bay are great for families, including Mwnt, Aberporth (we have our Boy Ashore BBQ shack here), Penbryn, Tresaith & Llangrannog.

Cardigan Bay Guide
Visit Pembrokeshire Guide
fforest’s food, shop & local Guide

 

Shops & markets

Fforest shop
We will have a shop open at the lodge selling our fforest products.
Open daily 8am-4pm

Siop Y Pentre
The fantastic village shop in Cilgerran, just a short drive away or an easy 20 minute walk.
Open 9am-8pm

St Dogmaels produce market (Tuesday am)
Buy the best of local from one of the UK's best local produce markets. Voted by BBC Good Food.

Glebelands
Own grown vegetables on the way to St Dogmaels.

Dewi James Butchers
Local butcher in Cardigan

Cardigan Town Just a 10 minute drive away with cafes, bakery, butchers and lots of fantastic independent shops.
You’ll also find a Tesco & Aldi here.

 

 

fforest camp rules

To make everyone's time better.

Facilities

Car parking

Parking for vehicles will be allocated on arrival.
No vehicles on site or in camping fields - cars must be left at the entrance car park. We want families to feel that their children are safe to roam and we can only do this if we limit vehicles on site. If you feel an exception needs to be made, this must be discussed with staff in advance.

We don't currently have the facility to charge electric cars at fforest.

Fires

Fires will be alight and manned in the main venue area Tipi, Bwthyn, Firepit etc). Fires are  prohibited in the camping grounds. Children and animals must be supervised around fires at all times.
In the event of an uncontrolled fire please assemble at the fire points around the site, made clear to you on arrival.

Waste & litter

No littering - please drop off your rubbish and recyclables at designated areas.

If you are having food provided by fforest please place your cutlery, dishes and drink containers in the allocated stations.

Music curfew

There is no amplified music after 10pm.

Respect

Please be respectful of your neighbours.
Please be respectful of others' belongings.
Please be respectful of the local landscape and natural setting.
We do not like the use of bad language and do not tolerate any discrimination aimed towards different genders, races, religions or disabilities.

Card payments

We are now cashless, so all of the following will be payable using a debit/credit card or contactless payment.

Alcohol

Your own alcoholic beverages can only be consumed and stored in your camping area. There is a strict policy prohibiting bringing your own alcohol into the main venue. It is a licensed premises (just like a Pub, Bar or Restaurant) and statutory licensing laws will be observed.

Drugs

No recreational drugs anywhere on site.

Fences

Fences are there for a reason. Please be aware that the farmland is used for grazing so there are livestock and electric fences located around the site.

Tent & Campervan Pitches

Are 5m x 8m and will be allocated on arrival.  Please stay within your pitch boundary.  Cars are not permitted on the camping fields at any time.

First aid

First Aid Station will be located at the Lodge in the main venue area.

Emergency services

In an emergency please dial 999

GP surgery & minor injuries
Open Mon-Fri 8am to 6.30pm

Minor injuries 01239 801560
GP surgery 01239 612021

Address:
Cardigan Integrated Care Centre
Rhodfa’r, Lon Y Felin, Cardigan SA43 1JX

A&E Hospitals
Withybush, Haverfordwest, SA61 2PZ
Glangwili, Carmarthen, SA31 2AF

Dogs

Well behaved dogs are welcome at a surcharge of £30 per dog (in fforest accommodation).  Please ensure that you are always in control of your dog and that you always clean up after it.
You will need to let us know in advance if you are bringing a dog along.

BYO camping - showers & toilets

Shower, toilet & washing-up facilities will be available within walking distance from the camping & campervan pitches in our ‘secret’ shower block.  Toiletries must be non-detergent e.g. Faith in Nature.  

Please leave all communal areas clean, tidy & how you would expect to find them.

No queue jumping.

We don't have electric hook-ups.

Sauna

When you arrive at fforest we'll text you a link so that you can book your slot for the sauna.

fforest accommodation - showers & toilets

Crog Lofts, Onsen Domes, Hill Shacs & Treetop Dome
The Onsen Domes, Crog Lofts, Hill Shacs & Treetop Dome each have their own private shower & toilet facilities.

Bell Tents, Kata Cabins & Garden Shacs
We will allocate each Bell Tent, Kata Cabin & Garden Shac their own private shower and toilet in the shower block just a short walk away.

Bathhouse Domes
Each Bathhouse Dome will be allocated its own private bathroom in the bathhouse just a short walk away.

Bedding & towels

Crog Lofts, Onsen Domes, Hill Shacs & Garden Shacs
All bedding and towels are provided.

Bell Tents & Kata Cabins
You will need to bring along bedding/sleeping bags, pillows & towels. Or email us on info@coldatnight.co.uk to hire them at £15pp.

Bathhouse & Treetop Domes
Bedding & towels are provided for the king size bed only.
You will need to bring along bedding/sleeping bags, pillows & towels for the futon camp beds.
Or email us on info@coldatnight.co.uk to hire them at £15pp.

fforest accommodation - further information

See our Guest Guide here for further accommodation details

Laundry

We don't have laundry facilities on-site, but there is a launderette in Cardigan, just a 10 minute drive away.

Our address

fforest farm
Cwmplysgog
Cilgerran
SA43 2TB

Arrival 

Check in (Monday)
From 16:00 to 20:00

Online Check-in
We will email you a link a week before your arrival to check your booking details. If any of the details are incorrect please get in touch with us immediately by emailing info@coldatnight.co.uk

Arrival
When you arrive at fforest please park in the main car park at the entrance & give us a call on 01239 615209. For guests staying in fforest accommodation we'll arrange for your luggage to be picked up then walk along the footpath in the left-hand corner to the lodge where the fforest elves will greet you.

For campers we will direct you to the camping field where you can unload and then return your car to the car park once you’re done.

We will also send the above information along with the directions to us in a text message on the morning of your arrival.

Luggage
For guests staying in our fforest accommodation we operate a luggage drop-off system.
When you check-in we will provide tags for you to label your luggage before you pop it in the luggage drop-off area.  We will then transport it to your accommodation.
Please be aware that it may take time to get the luggage to you, especially at busy check-in times, but we will get everything to you as soon as possible.
If you have any fragile items or items you need as soon as you arrive please take these with you to your accommodation.

Departure 

Check out (Sunday) by 10am

 

 

How to find us

By road 

From the South please click here: https://goo.gl/maps/Uvn1p4XPpV4Pw5Ut8
All other routes please click here: https://goo.gl/maps/CtKY9x9RtpS2

Handy directions as you get near to us
As you approach the village of Cilgerran follow the brown signs for the Wildlife Centre and Canoe Trips. 
Keep following the brown signs until you are on the approach road to the Wildlife Centre. 
Fforest is approximately half a mile along this access road, on the right hand side and you’ll see a tall wooden fforest sign at the entrance

By train

The closest train stations are approximately an hour away by road, in Carmarthen and Aberystwyth. If you are approaching from London or the South you should take the Carmarthen train on the Paddington line. If you are approaching from Birmingham or the North you should arrive into Aberystwyth.  There is also a small train station in Clunderwen, about a 20 minute drive from fforest, but services to this station are limited.

If you are arriving by train you will need to take a bus or taxi to continue your journey. We would recommend booking a taxi in advance to meet you at the station.

Taxi

JJ's Taxi 07961 702206
Home James: 01239 841258
A2: 07795 802082

By bus

If you are coming via train to Carmarthen you can catch the no. 460** bus every 1-2 hours from 8.10am, Monday – Saturday (not all buses leave from the train station, but it’s a short walk to the bus station). This will take you to Finch Square, Cardigan. On your return, buses start to leave Finch Square from 7.00am, Monday to Saturday. There are no buses on Sunday.

Coming from the Aberystwyth direction you can catch the T5** bus from Aberystwyth bus station (right next to the train station) every 1-2 hours from 7.28am, Monday – Saturday. This will get you in to Finch Square, Cardigan. On your return, buses start to leave Finch Square from 6.00am, Monday to Saturday. There are no buses on Sunday.

From Clunderwen you can take the 430** towards Cardigan leaving at 10:45am, 1:45pm and 4:40pm Monday to Saturday. On your return, buses start to leave Cilgerran from 9:21am Monday to Saturday. There are no buses on Sunday.

Getting to Cilgerran from Cardigan

The 430** leaves Finch Square at 9.15am, 12.15pm, 3.15pm, 4.18pm and 5.45pm. It will get you to Cilgerran in about 10 minutes. Ask them to drop you at the turning for the Wildlife Centre, just after the bridge. From there you will have to walk for about 1/2 a mile before reaching fforest.

**Timetables are subject to change. Please check details prior to travel at www.traveline-cymru.info

By bike

To get here by bike, the main roads coming in to Cardigan are the A487 from Aberystwyth and the A484 from Carmarthen. From Cardigan you can follow the river path leading to the Welsh Wildlife Centre. When you arrive at the gate at the end of the path, turn right onto the Wildlife Centre approach road (leading away from the Wildlife reserve) and you will find fforest about 1⁄2 a mile down the road on the left hand side. Keep your eyes peeled for the fforest car park, as the fforest sign will be facing away from you. Turn into the car park and follow signs leading you to the Lodge where someone will check you in.

 
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Disclaimer

By placing a reservation with Fforest Camps Limited / Fforest Events Limited you are deemed to have accepted our Terms and Conditions.  Our Terms and Conditions can be found via this link.

Camping can be dangerous. Although every care is taken in managing the various facilities, such as fire pits, wood burning stoves, camping gas stoves and ponds, fforest cannot be held responsible for any loss or damage arising from any misadventure associated with any activity.

Parents and guardians are responsible for the supervision & safety of their children at all times.

By placing a reservation with Fforest Camps Limited / Fforest Events Limited / Cardigan Quays Limited you are taking full responsibility for your own safety.