Ghyll Head centre could become a trust

Manchester City Council is exploring the possibility of turning its Ghyll Head outdoor education centre into a charitable trust to ensure its future.

The move is part of an overall plan to create an outdoor education fund to back the long term target of giving all Manchester pupils the benefit of a high quality residential outdoor education experience.

The council's Executive Committee has now approved the setting up of the outdoor education fund and the development of proposals for turning the 41-year-old Ghyll Head centre on the shores of Lake Windermere into a charitable trust.

With 17 acres of grounds, Ghyll Head is a Victorian house catering for groups of up to 40 with a bungalow giving disabled access for up to 13 people.

Visitors can experience climbing, trekking, caving and water-sports, with the aim of raising confidence, motivation, teamwork and self-reliance through offering a positive outdoor experience.

Schools pay for the use of the centre, with most Manchester secondary schools using it each year and around a third of primaries.

Pauline Newman, Director of Children's Services for Manchester City Council, said: "These proposals aim to secure the long term future of a centre that is of real importance to the schools which use it. Providing a really good outdoor experience for children is life-enriching and can provide skills and memories to last a lifetime and encourage all kinds of outdoor activities."

Media contacts:

Dave Hulme, tel: 0161 234 4610

Jane Lemon, tel: 0161 234 3179