Summer 2017 Update

Since our last post we've welcomed many more groups of young people to the Centre

 We now have a new sign up in the backyard and it is proving popular as a good place to take a photo of the whole group underneath it. The wild flower roof above is at it's best at the moment!

Also looking good is the wild flower meadow roof on the Garden Room across the road.

The garden itself has had some work done including a new BBQ area and 'Altar' fire pit, that are being regularly enjoyed by groups.

The new fire was used at a recent wedding reception held here

 

Behind the wedding party you can just make out a new willow hedge and archway in the photo below

we have added a few new videos to our You Tube Channel like the one above showing a group doing a stream study

We have also added our first video tour of part of the Centre. The one above showing the lounge, visiting staff kitchen and tuck shop. We hope to add further orientation videos over time.

 

DFSC Spring 2015 Update

Spring came early to DFSC and the lambs are already getting fat

 

The Bluebells were once again fantastic in the forest and the Centre grounds are fragranced with wild garlic

Our nest boxes are full of bluetit chicks once again and the parents are busy feeding them

Our centre garden was looking like the Somme before Easter!

 

It has now transformed into a lush lawn ready for enjoying some new activities that are in the pipeline

 

New steps access the lawn and an alcove to one side will shortly be transormed into a new archery range

Inside the house we now have Wifi! This is coded so that visiting staff have access but so that it can be restricted from students.

Staff can also keep in touch via the internet using the staff computers in the lounge

We have now installed a data projector and sound system in the lounge so that audio visual presentations & DVD's can be viewed

 

Lots more developments are planned for the Summer...

Summer 14 Update Including Karaoke!

All the living roofs at the Centre are looking lush and verdant after spring rainfall and sunshine:

 

Roundhouse roof

 

Recycling Centre Roof

 

 

Dean Garden Room roof

 

As well as looking good they provide habitats and food for insects and help with retaining storm run off

The willow sculptures above the Tunnel System are also bushing well since planting in January.

 

We have installed a new sliding and concertinaing wall in the Dean Garden Room that separates the end of the building into a separate meeting room. This can then be opened back to create a larger space.

 

We  have also now equipped the main room with disco and Karaoke equipment for use by groups which is proving popular! 



We Love it When the Sun Shines!

Being on Outdoor Learning Centre we love it when the sun shines as our groups enjoy being outside in good weather. We now have even more reason to love it as we have just had 4 kWp Photo Voltaic Array installed on the roof of the Main Centre Building.

In under a week of use we've generated 50kWh of energy. Projected figures are that we should avoid 2,937 kg of CO2 emissions each year. Let's hope for lots more sunshine!