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 We have been chatting with Fforest Fields and following them on Twitter for a couple of months now, finding out what's happening at their campsite and learning what makes the site so popular. We are always looking for excellent campsites and trying to find out what makes them so great - we were delighted when Fforest Fields agreed to let us interview them to find out a bit more about what goes on behind the scenes.
 Q: What is your name and your role at your campsite? A: My name is Katie and I am a partner in a family business with my husband, George, son Will and his wife Natalie.
Q: How and why did you first get into working on a campsite?
A: We made the decision to open a campsite about twenty years ago, when we decided that our farming business needed some support.
Q: What do you most enjoy about the work?
A: It's a cliché I suppose, but I really do love meeting the people that stay with us. They are such a wonderful, diverse bunch with so many different interests and talents. It is a pleasure to get to know them.
Q: What do you do over the winter months?
A: Work, work, work! Winter is definitely NOT spent holidaying. We improve, repair, increase, change. Over the last three winters we have dug two lakes, made a lot more paths, bridges, hard-standings, parking places, all weather pitches. We also improved and re-floored the loo block, drained the ground, painted, added new hook-up pitches. The list is endless!
 Q: What are the main challenges of running the site? A: Keeping everyone happy. you know what they say about being able to please some people some of the time... We try hard to please everyone. It's not possible of course but worth the effort of trying. Oh, and keeping the loos unblocked and the grass mown!
Q: What has been the funniest moment you've experienced on site?
A: Now that would be telling.......
Q: What do you think makes for a well run site?
A: Attention to detail and a friendly welcome. People are usually tired and have often traveled a great distance through summer traffic to get to us. They have chosen our campsite amongst all the others, which is a great honour. We try very hard to let that show. We pay attention to all of the normal things - keeping the site tidy and clean go without saying. Having eyes in the back of our heads helps us to spot situations arising and nip them in the bud before they become a problem - things like dogs off leads or groups getting a bit too loud. At all times we have to be willing to go the extra mile, listen to stories and just take time to stop and talk.
Q: What do you think makes people want to keep coming back to you?
A: Mmmm - they must be mad? No, I really hope it's because of what we try to create. Peace and quiet, stunning scenery, a place to unwind and recharge. There are only a few rules at Fforest Fields - we just ask that our guests show respect for us, each other, our site and the general area - we try to offer an 'Old fashioned' camping and caravanning experience.
 Q: What is your top tip for first time campers? A: Don't buy too much stuff! The shops are willing to talk you out of huge amounts of dosh; resist. You need to be covered (use a tent), you need to be warm and able to sleep (so, a mat and sleeping bag), you need to be able to eat (so you'll need a simple cooker and pots and pans).
Q: Is there anything else you'd like us to mention or promote for you?
A: We now have all weather pitches for tents that are specifically designed with the camper in mind. They are fine gravel and take ordinary pegs. With the onset of XL tents and an understandable reluctance of people to move them once erected, these pitches are proving to be really popular this year.
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Thanks to Fforest Fields for taking the time to speak to us. If you'd like more information about the campsite or to book a pitch, here are the contact details:
Fforest Fields Caravan and Camping Park
Hundred House,
Builth Wells,
Powys LD1 5RT
Tel: 01982570406
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