The National Trust wants to convert a barn into a bothy

Big demand more free-to-stay-in nature shelters

The National Trust wants to expand its shelters for walkers in North Devon by converting a barn near East Down into a bothy where up to six people can sleep and connect with nature.

Bothies are found in remote locations and in demand by people as places to stay.

They are usually left unlocked and available for use free of charge. It is also a term for basic accommodation, usually for gardeners or estate workers.

There are several shelters in across the North Devon coast and Exmoor and the National Trust has had requests for more.

The proposed bothy, with a compost WC, will have no heating, lighting or parking.

The barn to be converted and surrounding agricultural land owned by the National Trust land is at Churchill Down, approximately 2km south west of East Down and outside the national landscape area.

A bothy could contribute to tourism and the local economy, says the trust.

“Being so remote and off grid, it offers a different experience for tourists than is generally available locally.”

The trust doesn’t believe the change would have an impact on the character of the landscape and the wider setting.

The barn dates from between 1842 and 1886 and although not a listed buiulding, it does have some historic merit.

The trust will conserve the character of the building by rebuilding stone enclosure walls and use of timber shutters and doors.

The change of use application will be considered by North Devon Council in due course.