North Yorkshire County Council has said the review of its outdoor learning centre at Bewerley Park in Pateley Bridge generated a big response.
There was widespread opposition to an announcement in February this year that the future of the two council-run centres — Bewerley Park and East Barnby near Whitby — were under threat. Both centres experienced a dramatic loss of income due to covid.
As a result, senior county councillors voted to review the outdoor learning service.
The review collected feedback from hundreds of adults, children, stakeholders and organisations and looked at the range of facilities and activities the service offers to schools, children and young people.
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It has also looked at the number of people who use the service and the cost of operating it.
Questionnaires were also sent to members of the public, staff and schools in North Yorkshire.
East Barnaby outdoor learning centre
A report containing a recommendation for the future of the outdoor learning service will now go before the council’s executive in autumn.
Cllr Patrick Mulligan said:
“We have had a very high response to questionnaires and engagement exercises and would like to thank everyone who took the time to give their feedback.
“That information is now being used along with extensive data from both residential sites to come up with the most suitable recommendation for the future of outdoor learning services in North Yorkshire.
“The ultimate goal is to ensure we are making the best use of facilities and opportunities for young people in the county and to ensure this is a sustainable service fit for the future.”
Schools have used the facilities at Bewerley Park and East Barnby this summer for day activities.
While the review continues, both sites will be open to schools for residential visits in the forthcoming academic year.
