By Jason Lewis, Local Democracy Reporter
Scores of volunteers teamed up for a large-scale clean-up of Woodmill Outdoor Activities Centre which is being taken on by a youth movement.
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Southampton City Scouts marked the start of their stewardship of Woodmill Outdoor Centre in Swaythling by organising the community effort.
Last weekend more than 80 volunteers ranging in age from seven to over 70 met on site to carry out deep cleaning, clearing overgrown areas, electrical and plumbing repairs and servicing activity equipment.
The Scouts say their vision is to create a place where every community group can enjoy the outdoors.
A volunteer sweeps debris at Woodmill Outdoor Centre. Photo: Southampton City Scouts
Josh Smith, lead volunteer for Southampton City Scouts, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity to bring the community together and unlock local adventure, wildlife, and outdoor education for everyone in Southampton.
“We’re excited to work with both Scouts and non-Scouts to transform Woodmill and lead the centre into a new chapter as a community-led venue.”
Earlier this summer Southampton City Council agreed to sell the site following a joint proposal from Southern Water and Southampton City Scouts.
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After acquiring the freehold for the Stoneham side of the site, Southern Water is transferring the freehold for the activity area to the volunteer-led organisation.
The Scouts have partnered with more than 20 local charities and community groups, including Wessex Rivers Trust, Friends of Woodmill Fly Fishing, and Southampton Canoe Club.
Dave Rumble, chief executive at Wessex Rivers Trust, said the plans for the site offered an opportunity to put an important piece into the jigsaw of salmon population recovery and link the site to a wider vision for the ecology of the Lower River Itchen.
Volunteers clear an overgrown area at Woodmill Outdoor Centre. Photo: Southampton City Scouts
Mr Rumble said: “Being on the doorstep of a community who care deeply for the river, the proposals provide new ways for people to connect with this wonderful place.”
A new website for Woodmill Outdoor Centre has been launched at woodmill.org.uk
It says there will be “limited bookings” with local Scout groups while additional safety and safeguarding processes are developed on site.
The frequently asked questions page says the site will be open to community groups and schools, but initially this will be for “self-led activities, venue hire or adventurous activities where you provide your own accredited instructors”.
As reported by the Local Democracy Reporting Service, Southampton City Scouts confirmed none of the existing staff at the centre before they took over have continued in their jobs.
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