Funding of more than £32,000 has helped transform facilities at Cowley Adventure, an outdoor activity centre near Cheltenham, creating long-term benefits for children and young people across Gloucestershire and beyond.
The funding, awarded by Enovert Community Trust, has enabled significant improvements to both activity and residential facilities at Cowley Adventure, formerly known as Deer Park.
The 30-acre residential and activity centre, owned and operated by Girlguiding Gloucestershire, provides outdoor learning opportunities for children and young people from all youth groups, not just Guiding. Activities are designed to help participants develop confidence, resilience, independence and practical life skills in a safe and engaging environment.
Volunteers at Cowley Adventure carefully managed the project to maximise the impact of the funding, which was provided through the Landfill Communities Fund. As part of the improvements, two new climbing challenges — crate stacking and a vertical challenge — have been installed. These activities are aimed at encouraging teamwork and helping young people build confidence as they overcome fears together.
Camping facilities at the site have also been significantly upgraded, with new electricity connections installed across rural camping areas. Two existing field shelters now have full grid connections via trenched cabling, allowing groups to access modern facilities while camping. Additional storage has also been added to help protect and maintain essential equipment.
Karen McFarlane, trustee of Girlguiding Gloucestershire, said the improvements would encourage wider use of the centre.
“This extensive development enables greater use of Cowley Adventure’s more rural camping areas by allowing groups to access full electrical facilities while camping,” she said.
“We are very grateful to Enovert Community Trust for the grant, which will enable young people to have an enhanced experience when they visit.”
Indoor facilities have also benefited from the funding. The Assembly Hall has undergone a long-awaited upgrade to its heating system, along with redecoration and repairs following the modernisation work. The improvements have created a more comfortable, flexible and energy-efficient space that can now be used throughout the year.
Angela Haymonds, trust manager of Enovert Community Trust, said the trustees were delighted to support the project.
“Cowley Adventure is a fantastic centre that provides a multitude of opportunities for young people to enjoy new experiences outside the Funding of more than £32,000 has helped transform facilities at Cowley Adventureclassroom,” she said.
“We were pleased to provide a grant to help enhance its facilities and offer new challenges to young visitors from across Gloucestershire and around the UK.”