Our top priority is to rebuild the Camp Centre, creating a modern reception area, dedicated office and administration space, and improved volunteer accommodation. Volunteers are essential to keeping Lees Wood running safely and efficiently, as overnight camping can only take place when volunteers are present on site.

However, recruiting new volunteers has become increasingly challenging, with the poor condition of the existing accommodation acting as a major barrier. By providing comfortable, functional, and welcoming facilities, we aim to attract and retain the dedicated team members needed to keep Lees Wood open for camping and outdoor adventures well into the future.

After more than 40 years of service, our Camp Office and volunteer accommodation has served us well but, the moment is right to look ahead. A new building presents a fantastic opportunity to create a welcoming, warm, and well-equipped space that properly reflects the dedication of our volunteers and the ambitions of our organisation

Our proposed new Camp Centre is a vital part of the future of Lees Wood, designed to meet the growing needs of our Scout and Guide campsite. The building will provide modern, comfortable sleeping accommodation for volunteers, along with improved facilities such as fully accessible bathrooms for visitors with disabilities.

This energy-efficient development has been carefully planned to complement the natural woodland surroundings of Lees Wood, preserving the charm of our site while significantly improving its usability. Planning permission has already been granted, and the project is estimated to cost £370,000. Once built, this new Camp Centre will ensure that we can continue offering safe, inclusive, and sustainable camping experiences for children and young people for years to come.

We’ll kick off Phase 1 by building the new crew bedrooms. Following the removal of the climbing wall on 14th February 2026, we’ll be putting the first phase of our much-needed Volunteer Centre out to tender. This phase will involve demolishing the old portacabin bedrooms and adjoining corridor, as well as reworking the water pipes beneath the current crew garden.

Phase 1 will include 10 bunk beds, one Doc M-compliant single bedroom, and two toilets — one of which will also serve as an accessible wet room. Later on, one of the bedrooms will be converted to a kitchen, once Phase 2 has been built. We will use the existing kitchen in the current Crew Quarters in the mean time.

Click on the image of the plan to view the full plan in more detail.