Plan lodged for new outdoor education centre in Fife

The notice, submitted by Nature’s Nook, proposes the erection of a welcome centre and four basecamps at the site which lies close to the existing Pitcairn Centre, an outdoor education centre run by Fife Countryside and Coast Trust.

If planning is approved, a 10 acre-fenced woodland will provide a safe, outdoor play area with activity cards on offer which allows teachers, practitioners and group leaders to create structured teaching sessions.

Nature’s Nook said the site will offer “a safe outdoor space where visitors can attend and enhance spiritual, mental and physical capabilities which enables them to improve the conditions of their life.”

The  facility would be on offer to adults and children and opening hours would be from 9.30 am to 3pm, 7 days per week.

One of the basecamps has been designed to provide facilities for visitors with

additional support needs.

Each basecamp also hopes to accommodate groups of up to 35 visitors and will consists of toilets, changing area, kitchen area and a den for ‘quiet time’.

The buildings will be clustered in the southern half of the site and will be accessible by foot via an existing vehicle access or footpath, and disabled access via the main access at the Pitcairn Centre.

The northern half of the site will not involve any building as it is dedicated to planting new native woodland species and creating ‘clear spaces’ for visitors to learn at various interaction stations. 

In partnership with theWoodland Trust under its “More Woods More Hedges” Campaign, Nature’s Nook are currently planting 1400 native trees at the northern site prior to opening.

A face-to-face consultation with the community may take place in september depending on Covid-19 restrictions.

Fife Council agreed on the proposal of application notice on August 14.

Nature’s Nook are hoping to submit a planning application l in Sseptember. If  approved, it could be open in late 2021.