Vivien Sheriff, renowned for creating the elegant headwear worn by the Duchess of Cambridge, is facing some unexpected challenges.
The royal hatmaker, who also runs an award-winning campsite, has hit back at neighbors she accuses of launching a concerted campaign against her family business in the picturesque New Forest, Hampshire.
The issue? Complaints that campers are feeding doughnuts to donkeys and disturbing the peace with their outdoor activities.
A Peaceful Haven in the Heart of Nature
For over a decade, Sheriff and her family have operated Harry’s Field, a serene campsite nestled in the rolling hills of the New Forest.
Rated as one of the Sunday Times’ top 40 campsites in the UK, it’s designed as a tranquil retreat for nature lovers, families, and couples.
The site is described as “surrounded by quiet country lanes and teeming with wildlife,” offering 50 pitches for tents, campervans, and motorhomes.
The focus is on offering a peaceful escape where guests can enjoy the great outdoors in harmony.
Despite its well-deserved reputation as a haven for relaxation, Sheriff claims that her campsite has recently become the target of a concerted effort by some neighbors to shut it down—or at least restrict its operating days.
Neighbors Speak Out Against the Campsite
A number of locals, however, have raised their concerns, arguing that the campsite’s impact on the quiet village is increasingly disruptive.
The primary issues cited include noisy campers—particularly children—who disrupt the otherwise peaceful setting from early morning until late at night.
Some complain that the noise includes “screaming children, shouting adults, whistles, and music,” all of which are said to affect their enjoyment of their own properties.
Additionally, a few residents have voiced concerns over the behavior of some campers around local livestock.
One neighbor, Helen Taylor, who lives next door and works as a vet, accused the campsite guests of feeding donkeys treats like biscuits and doughnuts and allowing their children to ride the animals, which is prohibited in the New Forest.
Taylor also reported “repeated incursions” of campers into her garden, which she said has caused significant distress.
The Donkey Feeding Controversy
In a particularly unusual twist, complaints have also focused on campers feeding the local donkeys food that is not only inappropriate for them but can also harm their health.
Some neighbors have even expressed frustration with what they describe as a lack of awareness about the rules surrounding livestock in the area.
While Sheriff has disputed the severity of these claims, one neighbor even pointed out that the campsite’s social media promotes close interaction with the donkeys and ponies, encouraging visitors to get up close for photos and petting.
This, they argue, directly contradicts the rules of the New Forest, where it is illegal to feed or pet the local wildlife.
Sheriff Defends Her Campsite
Sheriff, for her part, has dismissed these objections as an “orchestrated campaign” aimed at undermining her campsite’s operations.
She pointed out that many of the complaints came from properties that were too far from the campsite to be directly impacted.
Some complaints, she argued, even seemed to be part of an ongoing pattern of objection that dates back years, and not specifically related to the current site.
In response to the noise concerns, Sheriff emphasized that her family has been living in the area for over 50 years with good relationships with most neighbors.
She further stated that the New Forest District Council’s Environmental Health Officer had only contacted them once, back in 2020, regarding the heightened tensions of the COVID lockdown period.
Sheriff also explained that the campsite takes many measures to minimize disruption, including enforcing a strict 10:30 p.m. curfew, banning amplified music, and not allowing group bookings.
She also ensures that guests adhere to a strict code of conduct, which includes prohibiting disturbing behavior and promoting a respectful, quiet atmosphere.
How Sheriff’s Campsite Maintains Its Charm
Sheriff’s commitment to running a responsible and respectful campsite is clear.
The site has a dedicated warden team available 24/7, which ensures that any issues are dealt with quickly.
The use of fire pits is strictly regulated, with communal campfires allowed but individual fires restricted to maintain safety.
The site also only allows the use of kiln-dried logs, which produce minimal smoke.
Additionally, Sheriff stressed that they’re committed to protecting the environment and the surrounding wildlife, taking steps to ensure the campsite operates in harmony with its natural surroundings.
“We rely on repeat customers, so it’s in our best interest to make sure our site is not a nuisance to our neighbors,” Sheriff said.
If a camper were to behave poorly, they would be asked to leave immediately, which further underscores her commitment to maintaining the quality and reputation of the site.
The Bigger Picture: What’s Really at Stake?
The debate over the campsite has raised important questions about the future of outdoor recreation and its role in local communities.
Sheriff hopes the ability to operate for 52 days a year, rather than the current 28, would provide more flexibility in booking and reduce the potential for weekend crowding.
Alongside her work at Harry’s Field, Sheriff has also built a successful business designing luxury hats under her brand, Vivien Sheriff Ltd.
Known for her distinctive, high-end millinery, Sheriff has created headwear worn by the Duchess of Cambridge and at events such as the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton.
Ultimately, Sheriff argues that the objections to her campsite aren’t based on real issues but are rather the result of a small group of neighbors pushing a personal agenda.
She hopes the appeal will be judged fairly, based on evidence and the actual operations of Harry’s Field, rather than exaggerated or unfounded claims.
As for the future, Sheriff remains determined to keep Harry’s Field open and continue offering a peaceful retreat to those who appreciate the tranquility and beauty of the New Forest.
“We want to maintain a harmonious balance,” she said, “and ensure that everyone—our guests and our neighbors alike—can enjoy the peaceful setting that makes this place special.”
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