About Us

We follow our own path. Where many tread typically, we step sideways off the grid and into the world of chance, holistic balance, the natural outdoors and sustainability. Years ago, when a dark and neglected patch of Herefordshire woodland came up for auction, we raised our adrenaline-fuelled hands and alcohol-filled glasses at the same time and found that our next round was to be custodians of what is now The Rookery Woods. At the time we were only looking for somewhere quiet to park our bus and plan our future, but we have since learned that plans are nothing and planning is everything.

 

Discovering quickly how much we didn’t know, we started by mastering a chainsaw and then borrowed some machinery before starting to clear undergrowth and let a little light into a dark and overgrown space. Back then there was no intention to build anything at all at the Rookery Woods, but as one thing led to another, the years passed and first by accident and then by design the site slowly developed into what it is today – a thriving ecosystem of self-sufficient treehouses powered by the sun, sheltered by the woods and completed by our two children who arrived along the way.

Heather Badman, Dale Badman and children with boxer dog. Owners of The Rookery Woods

We are so very proud to have carved from a neglected space such an oasis of tranquillity and beauty, and the opportunity to share it with others and provide a future for our children is a gift we feel is too good not to share. It is a space where nature thrives in abundance and a balance, a place which grows out of recognition, it seems, from year to year, and one in which we have already re-planted over 500 native saplings knowing full well that only our children – and perhaps yours – will sit in their shade. It gives us immense joy and pleasure to share our magical space with you.

Save The Oaks Campaign

Sophie
The Rook's Tower
Just WOW! I cannot recommend this place enough! We stayed in ‘The Tower’ as a surprise getaway for my boyfriend’s 30th birthday and what a stay it was. The moment we arrived we were greeted by Dale, the owner, we were made to feel so welcome. He carried all of our luggage for us and escorted us to our cabin whilst telling us the making of The Rookery Woods. It’s so Incredible to think everything you see has been hand built and made by Dale, Heather and their family - the attention to detail is amazing!
Zoe
The Rook's View
The Rookery Woods is the most peaceful, idyllic place we have every stayed. It created such an amazing feeling of seclusion but was only minuets away from great sightseeing places and restaurants. We particularly enjoyed doing BBQ's with meats from the local butcher recommend and sitting in the hot tub taking in all the views. We couldn't recommend this place enough and the friendliest hosts.
Adam
The Rook's Nook
Had an amazing birthday break at Rooks Nook. Honestly this place is perfect. The people were so friendly and helped us when we arrived. The Nook itself has a hot tub, sauna and cinema room/bunker. It also has a pizza oven and BBQ. If you are looking for a special few days away I can't recommend this place highly enough!
Laim
The Rook's View
My girlfriend and I had a lovely couple of days in the Rooks View. It was the perfect location and set up to switch off, unwind and relax for a few days. The cabin was kitted out with everything we needed to cook meals and the pizza oven was a great touch. The view from the hot tub was absolutely stunning and despite the weather we still got to see the sun set. We would highly recommend
Amanda
The Rook's Nook
Well it was spectacular! Dale was so friendly and super welcoming! The Nook was beautifully put together and very well thought out with everything you need for a romantic get away! Although there are 2 other buildings, you feel like you have so much privacy! You can really see all the hard work that has been put into the place. We loved the cinema bunker and hot tub with projector! Such a relaxing place to be and will 100% be recommending to others!
Stuart
The Rook's Tower
Heather and Dale have created something very special at rookery woods. We had the privilege of staying in the Rooks tower. It was nothing short of perfect. I couldn’t recommend this place enough. Fantastic getaway for any occasion.
Rachel
The Rook's View
Such an amazing holiday! The treehouse was beautifully kitted out and we had the most stunning view. It is the perfect couples retreat when you just want some time away from the world. It was also a very easy place to bring our elderly greyhound. She very much enjoyed all the relaxing in front of the log burner and in the sun on the deck! Dale and Heather were both lovely and super helpful. Would highly recommend.

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Heather and Dale