Outdoor hub to boost resilience, minister says

A recently revamped activity centre on the Isle of Man will help boost the confidence and resilience of young people, the education minister has said.

Formerly known as Ardwhallan, the rebranded Outdoor Learning Centre (OLC) in West Baldwin was officially opened last week after trials with teachers and students.

A raft of play equipment has been replaced at the facility following its closure when the previous operator handed back his contract in 2021.

Daphne Caine said the refurbished site would enable her department to "deliver a programme of activities and experiences designed to inspire our island's young people".

She said some of the equipment previously in place was "a bit tired" so it "did need a revamp and a reimagining".

The centre offers a range of outdoor challenges including a problem-solving field, orienteering, bush craft zone to learn survival skills, and new purpose-built adventure course.

The centre has been officially opened after a three-year closure

A newly developed wilderness education programme, including a wildlife trail, will be delivered at the facility to all pupils in their penultimate year of primary school in the new academic year.

The course, which will showcase the various activities on offer and encourage teamwork skills, will be delivered in collaboration with Manx Wildlife Trust.

Plans to expand the activities available further to include paddle-boarding and mountain biking are currently being developed.

'Lifelong skills'

Ms Caine said "integrating hands-on learning with adventure and problem solving" to equip young people with lifelong skills would "enhance educational outcomes".

The cost of the refurbishment has not been revealed, but a spokesman Department of Education, Sport and Culture confirmed the OLC had been funded by the department, with staffing and renovation work being covered within budget.

The Ardwhallan Jubilee Trust had supported delivery at the centre, which had included equipment replacement, however over the years it has "taken other forms of part funding", he said.