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Avon Tyrrell in numbers – UK Youth’s outdoor learning centre celebrates another great year
27 December 2023
- Blog
Staff at a our outdoor learning centre in the New Forest are celebrating a brilliant 2023 helping thousands of young people experience the benefits of outdoor learning – and are looking forward to helping even more in the coming 12 months.
Avon Tyrrell Outdoor Centre welcomed almost 17,000 people to its site in Bransgore, Hampshire, during 2023 – its highest number since before the coronavirus pandemic.
The centre, operated by UK Youth, is a leading outdoor learning venue dedicated to the development of young people. It supports equitable access for all young people and is proud to be a leader in the use of outdoor learning to transform the lives of young people and communities. Operating on the principles of experience, learn and develop, it offers educational visits, family breaks and days out, featuring activities such as archery, bushcraft, canoeing, climbing, abseiling, high ropes, orienteering and mountain biking.
David Watts, UK Youth director of outdoor learning, said:
David Watts, UK Youth Director of Outdoor LearningYoung People sit at the heart of our work at Avon Tyrrell and our experience, learn and develop model ensures we support personal development on every visit. We believe experiential outdoor learning gives young people the chance to develop life skills, including improved communication, motivation, teamwork and resilience, and building character.
“As 2023 draws to a close, it is a perfect opportunity to reflect on another wonderful year at Avon Tyrrell. Seeing the joy on the faces of the thousands of young people who have engaged in our activities many of whom will never have had the chance to experience outdoor learning beforehand, and often achieving, supported by our thoughtful experienced staff, more than they thought they could – makes it all worthwhile.
“Thank you to our expert outdoor learning team for their hard work ensuring another successful year of making memories that will last a lifetime for our visitors.”
Avon Tyrrell’s 2023 in numbers:
- 27,750 – This year 27,750 people attended the centre;
- 58,000 – More than 58,000 days of outdoor learning delivered for young people;
- 17,000 – Almost 17,000 young people enjoyed inclusive outdoor learning activities;
- 332 – Some 332 welcome talks were delivered by the centre’s customer experience team to welcome schools and groups to the site, making young people feel comfortable and ready for their upcoming outdoor adventure;
- 21,943 – The catering team served visitors 21,943 hot lunches in 2023;
- 65 – Avon Tyrrell is set within 65 acres of grounds featuring picturesque lakes and large open fields surrounded by woodland, to support a range of events and programmes.
UK Youth has also been selected as the delivery partner for the second phase of the Adventures Away from Home Fund. Led by our experienced outdoor learning leadership team and in partnership with the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, the new £1.5 million, England-wide fund aims to provide 8,500 young people, aged 11-18, or up to 25 for those with special educational needs and/or disabilities with bursaries to take part in outdoor learning. It is designed to allow under-represented young people to take part in outdoor learning experiences that support their personal development through connections with others and nature.
This year also saw the centre given a royal seal of approval, when it welcomed HRH The Princess Royal, patron of UK Youth, in October to launch its new fundraising appeal. The Avon Tyrrell Capital Appeal aims to modernise and expand the space and create more opportunities for disadvantaged young people to enjoy outdoor learning experiences.
UK Youth is aiming to raise £6.4m to restore the original manor house, which was built in 1891, alongside plans for an experiential learning and sports hall, which it is hoped will also contain a small indoor climbing wall.
Ndidi Okezie OBE, UK Youth chief executive officer, said: “Opportunities for young people to have access to nature and experience outdoor learning are vital for their personal, social and educational development. “Outdoor learning helps young people build confidence, get out of their comfort zone and develop key leadership and life skills – as well as improving their mental health and reducing behavioural issues.”
