The Wilderness Centre. Residential, Environmental & Outdoor Education

The Forest of Dean is celebrating having the county's first official Eco Centre. Young people from Steam Mills School and the Royal Forest of Dean College helped to raise the flag on Friday 26th January to celebrate the award.

The outdoor and environmental centres facilities were awarded with Eco Centre status for reducing their impact on the environment. Working towards a more sustainable future is a key thread that runs throughout the ethos of the centre and its programmes for schools and youth groups.

Changes at the Wilderness Centre include the installation of a biofuel boiler, creation of a sensory garden, installation of double glazing and water saving taps, and the development of habitat plans to protect the nature reserve.

Sharon Hockey celebrating the new eco status with Lynne Speak, Head of the Youth Service and Chris Davies, Deputy Head of the Youth Service.

Centre staff raise the flag with local Steam Mills Children

Plump Hill has new toilets and a new local stone lobby with energy-saving measures including low-energy lighting, sunpipes and solar panels on the roof to heat water and produce electricity.

Steam Mills headteacher Janet Williams said: "Members of our school council attended the event. "We have got bronze Eco status and the Wilderness Centre are going to help us achieve silver status.We try to conserve water and take part in recycling schemes at the school."

Counsellor Alan Pearce, county council cabinet member for young people, said: "When I visited these two centres recently, I was very impressed and encouraged by everything they have been doing.

"The grant of Eco Centre status is a very welcome development and I congratulate everyone who has made this possible."

To receive the Eco Centre award, the process of involving staff and young people and changing attitudes is key.

The centres have been working towards the award since 2004 and staff have played a big part.

Young people have also been involved in the changes, adding to displays and producing an Eco-code.