LOCAL children’s charity helps over 5,500 disadvantaged young people access outdoor learning since 2020, with over half a million pounds raised and reinvested to break down barriers to outdoor education.

Barnstondale Centre highlights life-changing impact of outdoor learning as it supports thousands of disadvantaged and disabled children through bursary part-funded residential experiences.

Barnstondale Centre has supported more than 5,500 disadvantaged children and young people to access outdoor learning experiences since 2020, thanks to a bursary scheme designed to remove financial and social barriers to participation.

Based in Barnston on the Wirral, the inclusive residential outdoor education centre works with schools, youth organisations, and charities across Merseyside and beyond to ensure children from all backgrounds have the opportunity to experience outdoor learning.

On average, around 6,000 children and young people visit Barnstondale each year. Of these, approximately two thirds are disadvantaged, and 1 in 4 has a disability or additional need.

The charity supports children eligible for Pupil Premium, Free School Meals, and SEND provision, as well as those from families facing financial hardship, including zero-hour contracts, multi-sibling households, and those requiring 1:1 support.


Created in response to growing need after COVID-19

The Barnstondale Bursary Scheme was developed following the COVID-19 pandemic, after schools and youth organisations reported increasing anxiety levels, widening educational gaps, and growing barriers preventing children from attending residential trips.

Since then, the scheme has ensured thousands of children are not excluded from outdoor learning due to their personal circumstance.


Did you know statistics.

· 13% of children under 16 never visit a natural environment, in the most deprived areas this rises to 18%.

· Nearly half (45%) of parents have been unable to afford trips and outings outside of school for their children, with this figure rising to 57% among working-class communities.


Investment and impact

Since 2020, Barnstondale has raised and reinvested significant funding to support access: • £279,096 raised in total from donors and surplus profit

This investment has enabled thousands of children to develop confidence, resilience, teamwork skills, and lasting memories through outdoor education.


Social value impact

Research shows that every £1 invested in outdoor learning generates £4.32 in social value, through improved wellbeing, educational outcomes, and reduced pressure on public services.

Based on this benchmark, Barnstondale’s total investment of £279,096 has generated an estimated:- £1,205,694.72 in social value

This impact is felt across Merseyside and beyond, including improved access for disabled children attending the charity’s fully accessible residential facilities, and long-term benefits for schools, families, and communities.


The power of “small moments”

Staff and teachers consistently highlight that the greatest impact is often seen in the smallest, most human moments:-

· A child instinctively running back to help push a friend in a wheelchair, so no 1 is left behind.

· Children proudly building shelters and asking if they need a “porch” and whether it’s a doorway or a sports car.

· Pupils excited about warm food and sharing a room with friends, for most as it’s their first time away from home.

· Children arriving hesitant and self-conscious, and leaving covered in mud, camouflage paint, and confidence.

· Young people overcoming social barriers, stepping into leadership roles, and forming new friendships.

Teachers describe how children who often struggle in the classroom thrive in the outdoor environment:-

“We saw children who are usually withdrawn take the lead, support others, and completely transform in confidence.” – Teaching staff

“The bursary didn’t just part-fund a trip, it ensured no child was left behind.” – School teacher

“It was the first time in 15 years we achieved 100% attendance on a residential.” – School staff

For many children, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds, this is their first experience of staying away from home, working in teams, and accessing outdoor adventure.


Transformational impact

1 school described the experience as life-changing:- “The residential allowed our pupils to grow in confidence, independence, and resilience in ways that cannot be taught in a classroom. For many, it was their 1st time away from home, and they returned with a strong sense of belonging and achievement.”

Another added:- “Some of our children had never had the opportunity to experience anything like this before. It widened their horizons and gave them memories that will stay with them forever.”

At Barnstondale, the belief remains clear, every child deserves the chance to experience the life-changing power of outdoor learning, regardless of background or ability.

As the charity enters its sixth year of fundraising for its bursary scheme, it is also pledging to further reduce its carbon footprint, continue developing its site to better support children with complex disabilities, and strengthen its wider offer to improve social mobility for future generations.

The aim is simple:- that every child who visits leaves with greater confidence, independence, and opportunity than when they arrived.

The vision is clear:- to inspire and unlock the potential of every child at Barnstondale.

If you would like to be part of that journey and support the next generation of children and young people, Barnstondale welcomes you to get in touch:- siobhan@barnstondale.org