Carry on camping: how we became a family who camps

Camping with the family – what better way to reduce your carbon footprint then to forget about flights and try camping at home? Do you want to have a more eco friendly holiday but don't know where to start? Deirdre McArdle goes from novice to camping queen - here's what she wants you to know before you pack your canvas

Deirdre McArdle enjoying a family camping trip with her husband Glen and daughter Daisy, 5. Picture Chani Anderson

A camping holiday can be a great way to get back to basics, connect with nature, holiday more sustainably, and meet an enthusiastic community of fellow campers. However, to truly enjoy it, planning is key — that, and a good mattress.

As a family, we’ve been trying to live more sustainably.