Nell Bank voted Britain's Best Environment Project
Nell Bank Outdoor Activities Centre has beaten opponents from around the country to scoop a National Lottery Award at a star-studded ceremony on Saturday night.
Bruce Fowler and Ruth Welch from the Ilkley centre were handed their trophy and a £2,000 cash prize by boy band McFly for the Best Environment Project in the awards which were voted for by viewers.
The winners, in seven different categories, represented the UK’s favourite Lottery-funded projects and recognise the difference they have made to their local communities.
Nell Bank, which is managed by the Council’s Early Years and Childcare Service, received a £250,000 Big Lottery Grant to build a 90-seat amphitheatre classroom and shower block which opened in July 2006. There are year-round activities at the centre for children, young people and community groups and about 15,000 pupils visit it every year.
This award is well-deserved national recognition for the centre. Congratulations to all involved and thank you to everyone who voted.
For further details please contact:
Bruce Fowler
Centre Manager,
Telephone: (01943) 602032
Fax: (01943) 601690
Email: nell.bank@bradford.gov.uk
Website: www.nellbank.com
Bradford Early Years, Childcare & Play
| A Unique Experience for All |  |
The Nell Bank Centre was conceived in 1977 by the then Lord Mayor of Bradford, Paul Hockney, as part of his Appeal, and is situated on the outskirts of Ilkley.
The Centre is now administered by Bradford Early Years, Childcare & Play on behalf of the trustees of the Nell Bank Silver Jubilee Trust. Standing in a 17 acre site, with the River Wharfe as its southern boundary and Middleton Woods to the north, the Centre offers great potential as a venue for outdoor and environmental education.
Its close proximity to Bradford makes it an ideal location for day or short residential visits. Visitors with limited mobility will appreciate the ramps and easy access to the buildings, whilst those with a thirst for adventure will be drawn towards the practical problem solving and team building equipment.
The venue provides a range of award winning outdoor and educational activities for both children and adults. Programmes of activity are devised in consultation between group leaders and Centre staff - management and personnel training, staff development, conferences, pond dipping, river studies, orienteering, nature trails, creative art, etc. The list is endless.
Learning Outside Traditional Settings
With the launch of the Government's Learning Outside the Classroom Manifesto, group leaders are supported in their belief that how and where we learn can be just as important as what we learn.
Learning outside provides a powerful route to the 'Every Child Matters' outcomes. in particular enjoying and achieving, staying safe and being healthy. At Nell Bank visitors have the opportunity to consider values which promote the concepts of quality of life and more sustainable lifestyles.
Access for ALL - with the new 'Nellmobile'
Youngsters with disabilities can now enjoy more outdoor fun as Nell Bank has a new £10,000 electric buggy 'Nellmobile', which will be used to help children with disabilities and those using wheelchairs enjoy the woodland trails and activities. Over 180 metres of limestone paths have been created at Nell Bank, with the help of volunteers, to accommodate the needs of children in wheelchairs and the new Nellmobile. Nell Bank is probably the first outdoor education centre in the country to be totally accessible for all.
How to find us
For further details please contact:
Bruce Fowler
Centre Manager
Telephone (01943) 602032
Fax (01943) 601690
Email nell.bank@bradford.gov.uk
Website: www.nellbank.com
