More details here: http://ahoec.org/outdoor-photo-competition-2012/

The creation of a Prospects Green Centre is also proposed, to promote environmental learning and interest in the countryside and rural crafts among pupils. The vision is for more young people to benefit from using the facility, alongside existing users, including students from Prospects Academies and young people on training schemes.

Ray Auvray, Executive Chairman of Prospects Services, said, “We are delighted that Gloucestershire County Council has approved the deal with Prospects to secure the future of the South Cerney Outdoor Education Centre”.

“Prospects plans significant investment to create a better and more widely used facility for the young people of Gloucestershire and beyond. The project builds on our existing partnership with Gloucestershire County Council, with whom we have worked for several years providing services for young people.”

“In addition to the outdoor education activities, we are planning to create the first Prospects Green Centre, an environmental study centre, on the site, so that young people can gain a better understanding of ecology, the environment and the countryside”, Ray concluded.

The South Cerney Centre was set up in 1971 to promote outdoor learning and provide day and residential activities for youth, school and college groups. Nationally recognised courses are offered to individuals and corporate groups, volunteers, instructors and people on work placement schemes.

Located in the Cotswold Water Park, near Cirencester, the South Cerney Centre extends over 52 acres with a large lake for canoeing and sailing, surrounding woods and open space.

Source: Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard via Outdoor Adventure News

Read the report by Richard Black, Environment correspondent, BBC News, 30/3/2012

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-17495032

 The history of Hall Place can be traced back as far as 1234, the original house was demolished in 1728 and the current house was completed in 1735 with the avenue of lime trees lining the entrance drive dating back to 1690.  In 1948, Berkshire County Council acquired the land and the Berkshire College of Agriculture was born.  Although no longer an agricultural college, BCA still offers a multitude of land-based courses alongside a diverse range of vocational courses and A Levels. Offering a diverse range of courses, with outstanding OfSTED recognition the college continues to grow and develop itself in a changing world.

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Hall Place Outdoor Education Centre is due to open April 2012, set in the grounds of BCA (formally Berkshire College of Agriculture) in Burchetts Green, Berkshire. The centre will utilise the 350 acre estate nestling in the Thames Valley offering opportunities for curriculum learning in an out of classroom setting using a fun, safe and stimulating environment and approach. A range of outdoor activities including high and low ropes, archery, canoeing and kayaking, hill walking and climbing with opportunities to venture further afield to ensure opportunities to fully embrace the outdoors and everything it has to offer.

The history of Hall Place can be traced back as far as 1234, the original house was demolished in 1728 and the current house was completed in 1735 with the avenue of lime trees lining the entrance drive dating back to 1690. During World War 2, it was requisitioned by the Government and became the offices of Trinidad Lake Asphalt the forerunner of tarmac. In 1948, Berkshire County Council acquired the land and the Berkshire College of Agriculture was born. Although no longer an agricultural college, BCA still offers a multitude of land-based courses alongside a diverse range of vocational courses and A Levels. Offering a diverse range of courses, with outstanding OfSTED recognition the college continues to grow and develop itself in a changing world.

The creation of Hall Place Outdoor Education Centre is an example of vision and commitment to utilising the land for the benefit of education, experiential learning and the environment.

The Outdoor Education Centre has excellent communication links sitting between the M40 and M4.

For more information please contact:

Bruce Petty
Outdoor Activities Manager
bpetty@bca.ac.uk
01628 827552

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Venue: Kilve Court, Somerset. http://www.kilvecourt.org/
Dates: 29th to 30th November 2012
Theme: Inspiring Leadership
Aim: 2 days of inspirational CPD in leadership

We have reduced the length of the conference in response to member feedback.
Pre and post conference B&B will be available with an informal social on the Wed evening.

Given the theme, if anyone has ideas for speakers, sponsors or workshops, (ideally with contact details or an introduction) please email Richard Hardwick.

We are highly experienced in delivering outcome based provision to develop a life skills toolbox for young people, families and the community. The key aim of such provision is to facilitate the development of strong foundations for an effective future. All programmes at Newgale YMCA aim to facilitate the growth of personal and interpersonal skills. Programmes can be designed to fit into a week-long continuous provision or modulated over a period of weeks or months.

We work all age groups from all walks of life. We have a long history of working with the most marginalised youth in our society and are well equipped to deal with the challenges this client group may pose. We are always mindful of the mix of groups we have at the centre and concern ourselves with quality over quantity.

Our Programs

Whilst we have a list of themes on which your program can be based such as Team Building, Confidence Building or John Muir, we prefer to design your course content based on your desired outcomes and specific requirements. We are happy to discuss these with you at any point in the process and will be as flexible as possible to respond to your needs.

The Activities

• Kayaking
• Coasteering
• Canoeing
• Surfing
• Mountain Biking
• High Ropes Course
• Rock Climbing / Abseiling
• Team Building Activities
• Bush craft
• Expeditions

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The centre closed its doors last August but the council believe that this joint venture secures the future for Ford Castle as an outdoor centre for at least the next 20 years. Councillor Tom Brechany, executive member responsible for asset management and regeneration at Northumberland County Council, said: “This is great news both for schools looking for inspiring educational trips and for the local community at Ford, which will see business returning to the castle. “Our commercial and property services team has worked hard to get this agreement set up, and the council is looking forward to working as part of Ford Castle Adventure Limited to bring outdoor education back to the area.”

Peter Smith, managing director of Château-Beaumont said: “This outstanding residential outdoor education centre provided excellent educational opportunities for local schools as far back as the 1950s. It is a wonderful, medieval setting, which inspires its visitors and brings history to life. It fires the imagination of young people and we aim to provide varied learning opportunities which will help them to discover their hidden talents.”

Ford Castle dates from the 14th century. A manor house stood there in 1282 during a time of border unrest and feud. In 1387 a licence was obtained from King Edward III to fortify and crenellate the building as a castle. It was famously used as King James IV of Scotland’s headquarters prior to his ill-fated battle with the English at Flodden in 1513.

Source: Berwick Advertiser

Peak Pursuits has the answer with activities for children, schools, youth groups, and adults. We believe that inspirational, memorable and safe adventure experiences are accessible to all and that everyone can achieve regardless of age and ability.

You and your group can escape to the beautiful Peak District choosing from a variety of outdoor pursuits including rock climbing, archery, abseiling, canoeing, kayaking, team building and more. We can tailor a day or longer residential experience to suit your outcomes and budget.

Peak Pursuits is an Approved Activity Provider to The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award delivering DofE expeditions to schools, youth groups and businesses across the UK.

Companies and organisations can benefit from bespoke team building and multi activity challenges to enhance communication, foster team spirit, and improve group dynamics. Why not use the experience as a charity fundraiser?

There are a variety of outdoor pursuits NGB qualifications and training courses running throughout the year including BEL, MIAS, SPA and WGL.

Don’t let bad weather stop you. Climb all year round at our indoor climbing centre near Stoke-on-Trent.

Hire our mobile climbing wall and mobile high ropes course and we can bring the adventure to you. The perfect attraction for your event.

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http://www.friendsofthewildernesscentre.org/