As well as education programmes for schools, adults and families, we also run community events, offer room hire, and support a range of volunteers. The Centre, provided by National Grid, opened in August 2010 and is an Erlund House log cabin constructed from high quality Northern Pine logs grown in Finland. The building is insulated using natural cellulose fibre insulation, made from recycled paper and also incorporates solar panels for heating water and wood burning stoves as supplementary heating. We are located within 13 hectares of land which comprises open water, wet and dry meadows, grassland, woodland, coppiced willow areas and scrub woodland. One area of the site is known as Mount Pleasant Marsh Local Wildlife Site and contains locally rare species of Orchid and examples of ancient ridge and furrow meadow. The site is actively managed using traditional conservation techniques. Education
The Centre and site offer safe and secure surroundings for all age groups to learn about the environment and encourage a positive and caring relationship with the natural World. Outdoor experiences offer fantastic opportunities to cover the National Curriculum and the rich and varied habitats of the site at West Boldon provide excellent places to study this. The sessions are appropriate for all types of learners, encouraging all to become involved. The centre employs a capable and enthusiastic team with a range of skills and all equipment is provided. Our aim is to give visitors a rewarding and enjoyable experience by encouraging them to learn through the hands on activities we offer. The centre delivers a variety of environmental education packages for young people from EYFS to Secondary age such as woodland minibeast hunts, pond dipping, team building and sensory awareness activities. Throughout the year there are specific themed weeks such as Great Fire of London and seasonal craft sessions. Educational packages such as Forest School have been developed for Special Educational Needs and we also run alternative education provision. Business
West Boldon Lodge is an excellent venue within an ideal environment for those wishing to hire the facilities for a meeting or a larger function or event. We are also able to offer corporate volunteering and team building days to the business community. Communities
The Lodge can be hired by local community groups and is used for a programme of “Green Exercise” sessions. We offer a wide range of opportunities for volunteers who would like valuable work experience to assist them in finding paid employment and also for those who are looking to do something rewarding with their spare time. Volunteers can get involved in education and community work, site management, and practical conservation tasks such as meadow raking, reed pulling, coppicing, tree felling, footpath maintenance and species survey work. For those volunteers who would like to become more involved, we have a “Friends of” group who support and enhance our work.
