Prime Highlights:
Notts Outdoors is celebrating its 40th anniversary, marking four decades of helping children and teenagers connect with nature and develop life skills.
The programme offers residential trips and adventure activities that build confidence, independence, and resilience in young people.
Key Facts:
Since 1985, Notts Outdoors has hosted around 60,000 pupils across its centres in Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire.
The service includes multiple centres such as St Michael’s, Hagg Farm, Camp Redwood, and The Mill Adventure Base, offering both day and residential learning experiences.
Background:
Notts Outdoors, Nottinghamshire’s outdoor education service, is celebrating 40 years of helping children and teenagers enjoy nature and learn important life skills.
Launched in 1985 by Nottinghamshire County Council, Notts Outdoors was created to improve the lives of young people by encouraging them to enjoy and learn from the great outdoors. Since its inception, the programme has welcomed approximately 60,000 pupils on tailored residential trips designed to boost confidence, independence, and resilience.
The service operates a range of centres in both Nottinghamshire and neighbouring Derbyshire. Two of its flagship residential centres, St Michael’s Environmental Education Centre in Hathersage and Hagg Farm Outdoor Education Centre near Bamford, are set in the heart of the Peak District National Park. Other facilities include Camp Redwood near Clumber Park, three environmental education day centres at Bestwood, Perlethorpe, and Sherwood, and The Mill Adventure Base in Sutton-in-Ashfield, which offers both day and residential programmes.
A special celebration event was held at St Michael’s earlier this autumn, with county councillors meeting Year 5 pupils from Haddon Primary School who were beginning a four-night residential stay. During their visit, councillors also toured Hagg Farm to see the facilities in action.
Councillor Rory Green, Cabinet Member for Children and Families, praised the initiative, saying, “Residential visits give young people a vital opportunity to unplug, learn, have fun, and build genuine connections. It was a privilege to witness the work of our outdoor learning team firsthand.”
The service is led by Pom Bhogal, Head of Young People’s Service, and Gary Richards, Service Manager for Notts Outdoors. The centres have skilled staff and provide inclusive programmes, such as holiday clubs, Peak District trips, and adventure activities like high ropes and water challenges.
