SCHOOLS and organisations are amongst those being asked for their views on the future of Bewerley Park outdoor education centre.

Thousands of schoolchildren from across Craven have stayed at the centre near Pateley Bridge over the years on residential school trips - taking part in orienteering, canoeing and caving.

But, North Yorkshire County Council says the pandemic has had a significant impact on its two residential sites - Bewerley Park and East Barnby, near Whitby, and it needs to decide how to go forward.

It says the outdoor learning service lost the majority of its £2.25m annual income since March, 2020 when the centres were forced to close, and in the last financial year has lost almost £1m.

In addition, it says the wooden huts at Bewerley Park were built as temporary structures in 1939, had an expected life span of 10 to 20 years and have become increasingly expensive to maintain.

Over the next few months, the council is asking schools, organisations, young people and residents through questionnaires, user groups and ‘other channels’ how they think the outdoor learning service should look in the future, and what services it should provide for young people. Skipton MP Julian Smith has said he will also be following the consultation.

The county council says given the investment needed at both sites, the review will look at bringing back the service after the pandemic in a way that places it on a sustainable footing, makes the best use of the site and offers a range of facilities and experiences to schools, children and young people.

Cllr Patrick Mulligan, the council’s Executive Member for Education and Skills said: “At the moment Bewerley Park is used largely by primary schools offering week-long residential trips involving outdoor activities such as canoeing, gorge-walking and caving.

“The review will look at what kind of activities we provide in the future, how we use the estate, the facilities we provide and how we make it a sustainable service. We’re looking at this from every angle – including whether we need to work collaboratively with partners in the future, or if we are able to continue with the service as it is.”

The county council says it is currently engaging with individuals and organisations with an interest in outdoor learning services, including young people and others who contacted the council after the review was announced to share their opinions, along with existing outdoor learning staff and other stakeholders.

A user group has been established, to consult with organisations and agencies that have some involvement with Bewerley Park and East Barnby, along with a project board.

A questionnaire is also being sent to all schools in North Yorkshire, include primary, secondary, special schools, academies and Pupil Referral Services.

Focus discussion groups are taking place with secondary pupils, while primary school children who have visited one of the outdoor centres will be taking part in an art session looking at what worked, what could have been better and what their ideal setting would look like.

To take part in the consultation, email:outdoorlearningreview@northyorks.gov.uk