BMC issues guidelines for responsible wild camping and vanlife

The Kia Sportage Hybrid was named 'Best Car for Caravans up to 1500kg' at the 2026 What Car? Tow Car Awards in the UK. The HEV GT-Line S AWD variant, with a 1,510kg towing capacity and 6.4L/100km fuel economy, outperformed rivals in the compact SUV segment. Testing involved stability, handling, and emergency braking assessments with a Swift caravan loaded to 85% of the car's kerb weight. The award adds to the Sportage's strong 2026 performance, with over 21,000 UK sales year-to-date.

Two men pleaded guilty to stealing gas bottles and a hose pipe valued at £270 from a caravan in Ingoldmells on December 12. The theft was discovered via CCTV by the owner. Christopher White, 37, claimed he was recovering items for non-payment, but the victim provided a receipt showing the bottles were bought elsewhere. The court fined each man and ordered costs and compensation, totaling £1,204 per person.

A fire destroyed three caravans in Glastonbury, Somerset. A man and a woman were arrested on suspicion of arson. The incident has heightened tensions between residents and people living in caravans and motorhomes, driven by a shortage of affordable housing. As of May 2024, 157 such vehicles were counted in the town.

A group of travellers broke a padlock and chain to force three caravans and a campervan into Maise's Meadow in Crostwick Lane. Spixworth Parish Council said bailiffs issued an immediate eviction notice. Police were informed the group moved to a service road off Atlantic Avenue in Sprowston. A new padlock and chain have been fastened to the gate.

The new Everwild camping site in Owston Ferry, near Gainsborough, opens July 17. The nine-acre site has 12 pitches for tents and hammocks only; motorhomes and campervans are not allowed.

BCP Council will raise licence fees for owners of caravan sites in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole from 1 October. The increase applies to 21 residential sites, grouped into five bands based on the number of mobile homes. For the smallest sites (up to 10 homes), annual charges rise from £192 to £200; for the largest (up to 142 homes), from £383 to £398. Fees for licence transfers and operator assessments will also increase. The council noted there is little regulation to prevent costs being passed on to residents.