There are plans to transform a popular outdoor learning centre in Hampshire making it more available year-round.
Currently there isn’t an indoor facility on the Avon Tyrrell Outdoor Centre site in the New Forest and so more schools visit during the warmer months.
The proposal, which has been granted conditional planning permission, will see a storage building demolished and replaced with an Experiential Learning & Sports Centre on the site near Bransgore. It will feature a full-size sports court, indoor archery, a separate climbing facility and training room, alongside a break-out and refreshment area and changing rooms.
“The centre will allow visitor numbers to be ‘smoothed’ over the year, to avoid peak use in the summer and to remove wet weather and evening activities from the Manor House altogether and avoid the impact to the parkland during extreme wet weather conditions.”
David Watts, UK Youth
“Young people sit at the heart of our work at Avon Tyrrell. Our Experience, Learn and Develop model ensures we support young people’s development of socio-emotional skills when they visit, utilising outdoor learning and youth work principles” said David Watts, director of outdoor learning for UK Youth, which operates the centre.
He added: “We believe experiential outdoor learning gives young people the chance to develop life skills, including improved communication, motivation, teamwork and resilience, and building character.
“This development is a key part of the mitigation needed to allow the charity to continue its work to conserve and, where possible, enhance the Manor House and registered park through better management of their use throughout the year.
“The centre will allow visitor numbers to be ‘smoothed’ over the year, to avoid peak use in the summer and to remove wet weather and evening activities from the Manor House altogether and avoid the impact to the parkland during extreme wet weather conditions.”
UK Youth has now launched an appeal to fund the development and proposed restoration of the Manor House at the heart of its site.
About Avon Tyrrell
A Learning Outside the Classroom (LOtC) Quality Badge Holder, the centre has been operating since 1946. All of its sessions can be delivered in line with the National Curriculum.
Schools can choose from day visits, featuring problem solving, environmental discovery and outdoor survival or residentials with accommodation in either the Grade I listed Manor House (which sleeps up to 109) , self-contained forest lodges or camping.
The experienced team can also meet the needs of a diverse range of pupils with either SEND or SEMH.
Find out more at avontyrrell.org.uk/education-visits/
