]]>We currently have 5 slots available for the Autumn term. September and October and are lovely months to visit us as the weather can still be very warm and there are lots of autumnal events happening in the environment.
December makes minibeasts easier to find. The Autumn term is an opportunity for team building and is also cheaper than our popular summer months. Dates available are:-
]]>Nervous about growing food in school? Don't know where to begin?
Join us at THE PLUMP HILL CENTRE for a fun-filled, seed-sowing, mud-making, fact-finding, top tips, green-fingered gastronomy of a day!
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.
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Moving the 1 ton bags of ballast.
checking the site plan … I thought you said over there …
Laying a slab base, one of six!
Installing a tube and creating the block work
Thanks to “the great guys”, the Youth Opportunies Fund and the staff involved (Michael Downey, Steve Tomalin, Mike Lawrence, Adam Morgan and Pete Riley) for their hard work, creativity and sense of humour!
Photos taken by Roger Chandler
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Local stone and wood materials have been used and low energy lighting and sunpipes have been installed internally to cut down on energy costs. Solar panels to heat water and photovoltaics to produce electricity have also been installed on the roof to cut carbon emissions.
Sharon Hockey, Plump Hill Centre Manager, said: “We are looking forward to welcoming our first school group next week to show off our newly refurbished area. The pupils and teachers who use the Centre will have full disabled access and will learn about the eco-friendly methods we use here. It is important to set a good example and make a positive contribution to protecting the environment, where we can.” The Centre specialises in providing environmental courses for primary and secondary age pupils and youth centres, teacher training and school visits and Calton Infants School pupils from Gloucester will be the first group to use the new facilities. Councillor Alan Pearce, Cabinet Member for Young People, said: “The county council’s environmental and outdoor education facilities provide a wonderful opportunity for children, young people and teaching staff to learn about the environment and their impact on it. I hope that the improvements to the facilities will encourage greater use, especially by children and young people with disabilities, who can learn about their surroundings while having fun.”
