Question 1

What are the arrival/departure times?

Accepted Answer

Arrive anytime from 3pm on the day camp starts. You must have left the site by 1pm on the final day.

Question 2

What time is supper on the first evening?

Accepted Answer

On arrival day, a vegan soup supper is provided at approximately 7pm.

Question 3

What's included in the price?

Accepted Answer

A week's camping and parking on the site.
A vegan supper on the first night.
Access to a full week of interactive creative & wellbeing events.
Drinking water and sinks for washing up.
Compost toilets and heated showers.

Question 4

What should I bring to Rootstock?

Accepted Answer

Something to sleep in! Whether that is a hammock, tent, caravan, campervan or converted vehicle, you'll need somewhere to call your home for the week.

All personal items for your stay. Please bring eco-friendly personal hygiene products as far as possible.

Food for breakfasts, lunches and a contribution to your circle dinner which will be cooked as part of a team. This should be food to feed approximately 5-10 people but you will be combining food and labour with others, to cook for a larger group.

Cooking utensils; DEFINITELY a mug, bowl, plate, knife fork & spoon! Large pots and pans are also handy. If everyone brings things to cook and prepare food with, there'll be enough of everything! .

A torch. The site is dark at night time and is not lit.

Stuff to share; stories, music, skills and talents are very welcome and the joy of the camp is the sharing of these!

An open mind and willingness to get stuck in!

A full kit list will be released in the runup to the event.

Question 5

How will I know where to find the camp?

Accepted Answer

Rootstock takes place on private land in beautiful woodland and meadowland in South Cambridgeshire. Due to the privately owned location with no public right of way, ticket holders will be provided with detailed directions via email nearer the time of the event.

Question 6

Can I come on my own?

Accepted Answer

Of course! You'll find the other campers very friendly and events are set up to promote inclusivity. We camp in groups, each around its own central fire where kettles are boiled and food cooked. You are encouraged to eat together each evening, preparing meals in small groups. You will feel welcome and quickly make new friends.

Question 7

What will I be expected to do?

Accepted Answer

Rootstock runs on the energy and enthusiasm of its participants! This means everyone gets involved in the day-to-day running of the camp. You get to chose the tasks you want to be involved with, ranging from chopping and barrowing wood, preparing social spaces and maintaining the compost loos.

Question 8

What if it rains?

Accepted Answer

There are large sheltered areas for the activities to place in. Like any camping trip in the summer, be prepared for all weathers. A big umbrella and wellies are recommended!

Question 9

Will I need any money?

Accepted Answer

All the activities are included in your ticket price. You will only need money if you're going to the local shops. Please note there are no shops within walking distance of the site.

Question 10

Can I bring my dog or other pets?

Accepted Answer

Apart from assistance dogs (by prior arrangement - please contact Rootstock), pets are not permitted on site.

Question 11

Is the camp accessible?

Accepted Answer

The camp takes place in meadowland and woodland, parts of which are uneven so please do take care. Also, there are 3 steps up to the toilets and showers. 
We are working to improve our accessibility for future camps, and if you have any feedback about our physical site during your stay it will be very welcomed.

Question 12

What are the toilets like?

Accepted Answer

If you need to pee, whether you sit or stand, you have the whole forest to find a suitable spot. If you would like a little more privacy, individual cubicles (the 'pee palaces') are available for your use.

Compost toilets are used for number 2's. Once you're done, simply throw in a handful of the provided sawdust and close the lid. These toilets are individual private cubicles, which are cleaned twice a day and the toilet paper replenished.

Question 13

Will I be able to charge my mobile phone?

Accepted Answer

There is no publicly available mains power or generator on site. Why not give your phone a rest for the week? Or bring your own mini solar panel, they are increasingly good value.

Question 14

Can I camp wherever I like?

Accepted Answer

We camp in groups of tents/vans, each of which has a small open fire at its centre as a focus for sitting, cooking and chatting. Each group is home to around 20- 24 campers. You will be assigned to a circle, but within that you can pick your spot. Circles are planned based on your comments about whom you would like to camp near, so please let us know at booking, and we will do our best!

Question 15

What if I have special dietary needs?

Accepted Answer

We encourage people to make sure evening meals are vegan with gluten free options as this means most people can enjoy it. If you have an aversion, intolerance or allergy please make sure the others in your group are aware of this and remember - you can cook your meals separately if needed. You will find people sympathetic and accommodating, but you are responsible for your own special dietary needs.

Question 16

I need to book for less than the full week. Is that ok?

Accepted Answer

We would encourage you to make the most of this special camp and avoid arriving late or leaving early if you possibly can as it keeps a strong camp energy if people are there for the whole time. Please discuss your needs when you book your tickets. We have a minimum commitment of 4 full days.

Question 17

What is the sauna etiquette?

Accepted Answer

Being a towel to sit on. You can be naked or wear trunks or a bathing costume. Do whatever you feel comfortable doing.

Question 18

Are there any rules about smoking and/or vaping?

Accepted Answer

Smoking or vaping are not permitted under a tarpaulin or roof of any kind at Rootstock. If you do smoke/vape, please be mindful of those around you. Check the wind direction and dispose of your cigarette butts responsibly as they are not bio-degradable.

Question 19

Is alcohol permitted on site?

Accepted Answer

Yes, alcohol is allowed on site, but please drink responsibly and in moderation! Rootstock is a family friendly camp and there's not much of a drinking culture. There is no bar on site. Please be aware about leaving alcohol in the reach of young children, eg around fires.

Question 20

Are tickets refundable and/or transferable?

Accepted Answer

Tickets are non-refundable. In the unlikely event of cancellation by the organisers of Rootstock, the full value of your ticket(s) will be reimbursed.

If you're unable to attend for any reason, your tickets are transferable on a like-for-like basis, eg: adult ticket for an adult, child ticket for a child. If you need to transfer your tickets, please contact Rootstock.

Question 21

What about health and safety?

Accepted Answer

Rootstock takes place in a rural location, in woodland and meadowland. There are a number of potential hazards on site which include open fires, trees & plants and a footbridge. Although the event organisers take all reasonable care to make sure the site is safe and secure, responsibility for the health and safety of children and vulnerable adults rests with their accompanying parents, carers or guardians. Trained first aiders will be on site and they will be flagged at the start of camp. There is always a first aid box in the kitchen.

Question 22

Are phones/tablets/laptops allowed on site?

Accepted Answer

We have a screen etiquette policy. This means that you are allowed to use screens in designated areas such as the library and your own tent. In the campfire circles, in the sofa areas, dojo and other places where people gather together, phones are not allowed. It's okay to take a photo, but please put it away after.

Question 23

Is there childcare available during the week?

Accepted Answer

Rootstock is an all-ages community. This means that we take care of each other in a supportive way, but the responsibility for caring for your child remains with you. If, for example, your child is hurt and needs you, you will be expected to leave what you are doing and look after them, as camp crew are not responsible for childcare. Most activities are welcoming to all ages, but if you are attending an adults-only workshop, you are responsible for ensuring your child is safe, for example arranging an exchange with another parent.

Frequently asked questions