East Ayrshire Leisure - The Guide May-Aug 2016 Jan Feb March April 2017 | Page 30

D E AN CAST L E & CO U N T RY PAR K CO U N T RYS I D E Outdoor Learning Taster Weekend Artists impression of new Visitor Centre As part of the Dean Castle Country Park multi million pound redevelopment project, we are extending our visitor centre to include an education centre with residential accommodation aimed at supporting outdoor learning and volunteering opportunities. Together with the existing auditorium, the proposed residential accommodation and flexible workshop space, the Education Centre will be used for: School / Group Residential Activities Providing accommodation in small 4 person rooms, the aim of Centre will be to provide countryside, sport and cultural activities delivered by East Ayrshire Leisure as part of a residential experience targeted at young people. Volunteering & Conservation Holidays The residential element of the Education Centre will also be used to tap into the increasing conservation holiday market. This market is aimed at individuals and families who want to do something a bit different for their holidays, learn new skills, make new friends and give ‘something back’. This is a growing market in Scotland with a greater demand for outdoor activities. To launch this new centre, we are offering some fantastic introductory offers in Summer 2017. Now’s the time to be one of the first to use these facilities... 30 eastayrshireleisure.com 23-24 SEP & 7-8 OCT TEACHERS/COMMUNITY GROUP LEADERS · FREE BOOKING ESSENTIAL · T: 01563 554736 From this summer, Dean Castle Country Park will be offering exciting outdoor holidays for schools, young people and community groups. Set in 80 hectares of woodland and parkland and with a grand 14th century castle, the breaks will encompass a range of cultural, sport and adventurous activities, from bushcraft to orienteering, with a large programme to choose from. After a day in the fresh air, everyone can get a cosy night’s sleep in the brand new accommodation, which sleeps up to 32 young people and 4 adults. Create an outdoor learning experience your group will never forget. Come and try an all-inclusive taster holiday, absolutely free for teachers or community group leaders AND their families on the dates above. Booking now open for groups from August 2017 onwards. Contact us for a pricing guide for all activities, accommodation and meals. Tailor your own holidays from 2 - 7 nights. Conservation Volunteering Holiday 5-6 AUG & 14-15 OCT £40 ADULT · £20 CHILD · ALL AGES BOOKING ESSENTIAL T: 01563 554736 Fancy helping behind the scenes conserving the countryside for wildlife, learning new skills and making new friends? From summer 2017, Dean Castle Country Park will be offering exciting practical conservation holidays for everyone to suit every interest and ability. After a day out and about in the fresh air, enjoy a well-earned rest in our brand new accommodation. You’ll meet like-minded people and help us make a difference. Try your hand at willowweaving on a living maze, have a camp-fire, go rhodie-bashing or help us maintain the paths in the beautiful Ayrshire countryside. If you love nature, getting outdoors, and giving new things a try, then why not have a go? You could make a real difference to Ayrshire’s wildlife and have a great time doing it. For a weekend with a difference, try an all-inclusive conservation short break on 5-6 August & 14-15 Oct at an exclusive taster cost of £40 for a whole weekend. Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult. eastayrshireleisure.com 31