The idea
1st Stonesfield Scouts have been running for over 75 years with over 100 members and a long waitlist, but following the demolition of our very old Nissan scout hut 5 years ago, the group is currently homeless with a major impact of the running of the activities.
We have been fundraising for a long time, we own the land and have planning permission to build. We have reached over £129,000, but this is still £45,000 short to complete the building. The proposed building will provide a secure base for all the activities of the Scout group but also provide a valuable resource for the wider community and local groups in its role as an accessible outdoor education and environmental wellbeing centre.
We have enthusiastic support from our local school and pre-school, who both will utilise the centre for their forest schools, and the wider village community. The site is located a short walk from the church and village centre, but within woodland which makes it feel isolated and unique.
What we'll deliver
- Build the walls
- Build the roof
- Install windows and doors
- Electrics and Plumbing
- Install the Kitchen and Bathroom
- Floor Finishes and Decoration
- Access ramp and Landscaping
Why it's a great idea
We aim to reduce barriers to outdoor learning. This space will provide a desperately needed base, amongst the trees for over 100 young people, covering 3 full scouting groups (beavers, cubs and scouts) and for 2 local forest schools to branch out and broaden their horizons. There will be an accessible WC and kitchen facilities to make scouting and forest school truly accessible for all.
Evidence suggests that the sites within the natural environment have many benefits:
Outdoor experiences enhance critical thinking.
Real-world situations build confidence.
Nature reduces stress.
Exposure to nature helps alleviate ADHD and Anxiety Symptoms
Outdoor play fosters social skills.
Group situations teach empathy.
Active play contributes to stronger muscles and bones.
Sunlight exposure increases vitamin D levels.
Outdoor play benefits overall health, wellbeing and development of young people.
Steps to get it done
- Foundations
- Roof Complete
- Building Shell is Watertight
- Electrics And Plumbing installed
- Internal fit out complete
- First Use of our amazing new building
- Landscaping complete
As we have been fundraising for many years, with such a significant amount to reach, we have had to make a start on the build, or we would have lost funding and our planning permission. This means we are no longer eligible for many grants. We are would love to hear from other community, nature and environmental groups who might like to use our wonderful forest space.
