West Boldon sub-station, Newcastle Road, Boldon NE36 0BG, UK West Boldon, EnglandNE36 0BG(map)
About us
The Centre, provided by National Grid, opened in August 2010 and is an Erlund House log cabin constructed from high quality Northern Pine logs grown in Finland. The building is insulated using natural cellulose fibre insulation, made from recycled paper and also incorporates solar panels for heating water and wood burning stoves as supplementary heating.
We are located within 13 hectares of land which comprises open water, wet and dry meadows, grassland, woodland, coppiced willow areas and scrub woodland. One area of the site is known as Mount Pleasant Marsh Local Wildlife Site and contains locally rare species of Orchid and examples of ancient ridge and furrow meadow. The site is actively managed using traditional conservation techniques.
Education
The Centre and site offer safe and secure surroundings for all age groups to learn about the environment and encourage a positive and caring relationship with the natural World. Outdoor experiences offer fantastic opportunities to cover the National Curriculum and the rich and varied habitats of the site at West Boldon provide excellent places to study this. The sessions are appropriate for all types of learners, encouraging all to become involved.
The centre employs a capable and enthusiastic team with a range of skills and all equipment is provided. Our aim is to give visitors a rewarding and enjoyable experience by encouraging them to learn through the hands on activities we offer. The centre delivers a variety of environmental education packages for young people from Foundation to Secondary age such as woodland minibeast hunts, pond dipping, team building and sensory awareness activities.
Throughout the year there are specific themed weeks such as Vikings and seasonal craft sessions. Educational packages such as Forest School have been developed for Special Educational Needs and there is provision for young people Not in Education, Employment or Training (NEETs) with the aim of re-engaging them in a programme that... show more
will to lead to training or employment.
Through a partnership with Adult and Community Learning we deliver a number of family learning sessions including gardening and photography. We develop bespoke training courses on a variety of topics for both schoolteachers and environmental professionals.
Business
West Boldon Lodge is an excellent venue within an ideal environment for those wishing to hire the facilities for a meeting or a larger function or event. We are also able to offer corporate volunteering and team building days to the business community.
Communities
West Boldon Lodge has a “Wild Things!” group for young people aged 6 to 12 who meet once a month.
The centre delivers a programme of birthday parties on a variety of themes such as “Bugs at Boldon” and “Fairies in the Forest”. We are also able to offer a programme of school holiday club activities and out of hours activities for cubs, beavers and playgroups.
The Lodge can be hired by local community groups and is used for a programme of “Green Gym” green exercise sessions.
We run a variety of events such as seasonal arts and crafts sessions, wild food events, forest adventure days and Volunteer Make a Difference days.
We offer a wide range of opportunities for volunteers who would like valuable work experience to assist them in finding paid employment and also for those who are looking to do something rewarding with their spare time.
Volunteers can get involved in education and community work, site management, and practical conservation tasks such as meadow raking, reed pulling, coppicing, tree felling, footpath maintenance and species survey work. For those volunteers who would like to become more involved, we have a “Friends of” group who support and enhance our work. show more
Anyone know of any forest school or something similar for a three year old? Would love to have her with a few other kids having a messy outdoor adventure
Tracy B. replied:
https://www.facebook.com/WestBoldonLodge/
Allison J. replied:
Was just going to say West Boldon lodge.. They're great with kids x
Can any one recommend things to do at Christmas (I know you have to book things up early) I have a 3 year old . I have done polar express , kielder winter wonderland, was just wondering if their was anything else to do. Thanks in advance x
Christina W. replied:
Book online but tickets aren't available yet. They put it on there fb page https://www.facebook.com/WestBoldonLodge
Christina W. replied:
West Boldon Lodge have the elf workshop, kids take part in building toys (little wooden bike they hammer pegs in) testing toys (Potatoe heads) and make decorations. They then go for a walk with the christmas fairy and find different things in the woods and get a cup hot choc before meeting santa at the end. Santa was great last year very realistic- he had a list knew the kids names and what they'd asked for from santa :)
Sophie J. replied:
Where is west Boldon lodge apart from west Boldon obviously lol! Sounds great x
Leigh C. replied:
West Boldon lodge do a similar thing to kielder. But cheaper and was great x