YOUTH organisation, Woodcraft Folk, have just taken over management of the Biblins campsite at the Doward near Ross-on-Wye and have already begun their spring clean.

The site, which was run directly by the Forestry Commission for many years, is now under long-term lease to the charity and they began the season with a working weekend to give the site a makeover.

Debs McCahon, Woodcraft Folk’s director of development, said “It was great to have the keys and be on site with a team of Woodcraft Folk volunteers. We had spent many hours during the autumn developing our business plan and working on spreadsheets – so to actually be on site doing something practical to make it clean and safe for future guests was fantastic.

“We can’t wait for the new staff team to be in place next month and to welcome the first guests.

“It wasn’t all work over the weekend, with volunteers taking time to enjoy a campfire, a walk along the river and spotting wildlife, including otters, buzzards and boar.

“Volunteers will be gathering again during the February half-term holidays to ensure the site is fresh and ready for the first guests of the season who arrive in March. If you have a few hours to spare and don’t mind getting your hands dirty please get in touch, especially if you enjoy tiling and painting.”

Judith Lack, Forestry Commission recreation manager for the Forest of Dean, said: “Woodcraft Folk is a progressive youth organisation with 90 years’ experience of supporting children and young people to camp, play and learn about the environment.

“We are pleased to select a tenant who provides the investment the Biblins requires to upgrade the campsite facilities, whilst retaining the site’s youth camping ethos for many years to come. We are very much looking forward to working with Woodcraft Folk.”

Debs McCahon added: “Our groups have camped at Biblins for over 20 years and we are delighted that we will be in a position to safeguard this site for future generations of children to enjoy.

“The site is beautiful and is a special haven allowing children to play, learn and explore the environment. Woodcraft Folk will welcome all youth and community groups to the site and will prioritise creating a fun and safe experience for children”

If you are interested in making a booking, or volunteering to support the site, contact biblins

@woodcraft.org.uk or visit www.biblins.org.uk for more information.