Skelton Grange Environmental Centre: a South Leeds hidden gem

Skelton Grange Environmental Centre is a hidden gem in the heart of South Leeds.

As an award-winning eco-centre, Skelton Grange welcomes over 6500 people a year, including young people joining environmental education and play activities, and adult trainees and volunteers leading education sessions and conservation and biodiversity projects.

The centre has an ethos around widening young people’s experience and aspirations, reducing social exclusion and building confidence, developing skills for further training or employment, and promoting lifelong learning and cohesive communities. It offers educational visits for schools and groups, seasonal activity days for families and childminders, supports people to volunteer in conservation and education, and runs lots of training and fun events for kids, adults, teachers, childminders and families.

While Skelton Grange doesn’t have regular public opening hours, families are welcomed to visit during specific events to look round, “join in and feel good!”

“We would love to see you at Skelton Grange – join our Monday Green Gym or Friday volunteer team to look after the wildlife area, the kids can spend their holidays learning bushcraft skills, and adults can enjoy learning something new in our great course programme too.”

 

Skelton Grange – Nature Activity Days

Skelton Grange hosts monthly ‘Nature Activity Days’ for families and childminders, opening its doors between 10am-1pm for visitors to come and explore the lovely nature area independently, and see how things change throughout the year. The sessions are self guided, although the centre can provide simple materials such as bugs jars or pond nets if needed. There are toilets and a covered space within the centre for visitors to shelter during bad weather.

Pre-booking is required and visitors are asked to donate £3 donation per child which can paid on arrival, with proceeds going towards The Conservation Volunteers, the charity that runs Skelton Grange Environment Centre. These funds help to buy equipment and manage the centre and site for all to enjoy.

 

Upcoming 2019 Events at Skelton Grange

• Tues 29th October, 10am-4pm – Bushcraft Day (for 8-13 years) – more info on our October half term page here
• Mon 4th November, 10am-1pm – Nature visits for families & childminders
• Sat 30th November, 10am-1pm & 2pm-5pm – Christmas Tree Forest: stained glass workshop with Caryl Hallett
• Mon 2nd December, 10am-1pm – Nature visits for families & childminders
• Sat 7th December, 10am-1pm – Fabric Wreaths with Agnis Smallwood
• 17th – 19th December, 4pm-7.30pm (45-1-hour time slots) – A Winters Trail at Skelton Grange: An early evening lantern-lit magical woodland trail with campfire, warm drinks and snacks. Wander in the magic of winter solstice and see what the little folk have built.

Full events and booking information here (booking essential)

 

The Conservation Volunteers

Skelton Grange is run by The Conservation Volunteers charity. The charity has been working for almost 60 years across the UK to create healthier and happier communities for everyone by connecting people and green spaces.

 

Find out more…

Visit the Skelton Grange website here.

Skelton Grange Environment Centre, Skelton Grange Road, Leeds, LS10 1RS.