Thousands of children and young people could benefit from opportunities to connect with nature, build confidence and develop essential life skills through plans to ensure outdoor learning possibilities remain available on the east coast while longer-term arrangements are considered.
We operate two outdoor education centres at Bewerley Park in the Nidderdale National Landscape near Harrogate as well as at East Barnby near Whitby.
Over the years, generations of young people from the county’s schools and other regional organisations have had a taste of adventure in the surroundings of East Barnby, coming away with new-found confidence and friendships that have been a vital addition to their studies in the classroom.
However, the East Barnby site, located close to the coast, and with the North York Moors National Park as a backdrop, has been closed since December 2025 due to electrical and infrastructure issues. Significant levels of investment would be required to address these issues and bring the site up to a standard to remain operational.
Members of our executive are due to meet on Tuesday next week (18 August) to discuss a proposed alternative option for the delivery of outdoor learning on the east coast.
The proposals would see residential outdoor learning opportunities continue to be delivered on the coast through an interim arrangement with Birch Hall Scout Campsite in Scarborough while options for the future of the service are explored.
Executive member for education, learning and skills, Cllr Annabel Wilkinson, said: “For many children and young people, outdoor learning offers the chance to try new experiences, build friendships and develop skills that will stay with them throughout their lives.
“The proposals being considered seek to ensure there is no disruption to outdoor learning opportunities for children and young people while we consider options for the future delivery of the service on the east coast.”
If approved, the proposals would continue a temporary arrangement that has been in place since the closure of the East Barnby site, during which schools would transfer residential visits to Birch Hall Scout Camp.
The site offers access to a range of activities including coastal exploration, climbing, canoeing and team-building exercises, allowing outdoor learning programmes to continue while future service options are considered.
The report to the executive can be viewed or downloaded as a PDF here.