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Just outside the village of Ashurst, there are glimpses of bright blue, orange and khaki canvasΜύthrough the forest undergrowth - the telltale signs of a New Forest campsite.

There are official Forest Holidays campsites - run as a partnership between the Forestry Commission and the Caravan Club - dotted around the forest which attract thousands of visitors each year who want to enjoy the National Park up close.

Camping in the heart of the forest at Ashurst.

The 280-pitch site at the village of Ashurst, just inside the New Forest National Park, is run by husband-and-wife team, David and Sue Dutfield who live at the campsite throughout the summer season.

This is their first season running the campsite after deciding on a career change and with the campsite full, Sue insists they made the right decision:

"It's a complete lifestyle change - we loved the life on the campsite.Μύ Its a less stressful way of life. You are always on the site, you are always working - so you've got to love it!"

David and Sue, along with four members of staff, have to ensure hundreds of holiday makers have a smooth and enjoyable stay at the site.

Their site caters for tents, caravans and motorhomes and is set in a woodland glade just outside the village of Ashurst off the A35 to Lyndhurst.

The toilet and shower facilities were refurbished last year and an on-site laundrette meets the basic needs of the campers.

A busy summer at Ashurst

Due to New Forest byelaws dating back to 1963, dogs are not permitted at Ashurst or Denny Wood in order to protect ground nesting birds and conserve the wildlife.

Holidays at home

This summer, the 'credit crunc'h is making holidaying at home, and especially camping, a more appealing option when trying to balance the books of family finances, research shows.

Nationwide, sales of camping equipment - including sleeping bags, picnic hampers, torches and paraffin stoves - are on the increase, with major retailers reporting rises of up to 40% in the past year.

The National Caravan Council recorded a 20% rise in campsite bookings for July and August and a rise in the number of people purchasing caravans.

Tent sales have surged

Blacks Leisure, the outdoor equipment retailer, is benefiting from the credit crunch as holidaymakers are shunning Europe and opting for a cheaper alternatives like camping.

According to the company, industry figures are showing camping holiday bookings are up 10% this summer and forward bookings for next year are up 20%.

Happy campers

Accountant Carrie Parker had just arrived at Ashurst with her family:Μύ "My husband and I both camped as children and absolutely loved it.Μύ It's such great fun, so we wanted to bring our children camping."

In a few days they'd packed in a Forest Ranger's birdwatching tour and a trip to Beaulieu:Μύ "The children love the open space and running around - and they play with other children which is wonderful."

Her husband, Nigel, agreed it was a cheaper option than going abroad: "It works out at just under Β£500 for a week.Μύ If you like outside and enjoying the wilderness, its a good way to have a great time."

Bob Gregory, from Staffordshire, in his third week at Ashurst only had one grumble: "We could do with less rain!"

The jury is still out on the exact impact the credit crunch is having on camping - many campsite owners cite the weather as the factor which really determines how busy they are, especially as many bookings are made at the last minute.

But whatever the economic or weather forecast, the New Forest is still a great place to wake up to under canvas.