SOME 300 people enjoyed a day in the Wilderness as the education centre officially re-opened its doors.

Activities at the landmark centre at Plump Hill, Mitcheldean included archery, tunnelling, camp-fire cookery and a scavenger hunt.

The community was invited to the 30-acre site to mark the official re-opening after the refurbished Georgian mansion and its grounds were bought by Cambridge-based Daniel and Sophie Sturdy from Gloucestershire County Council.

Office manager, Deborah Blackmore, said: “It was a wonderful day with some 200 to 300 visitors.

“The activities were so popular that we had to put on extra sessions.”

Although school visits will be the centre’s main business, staff there are hoping that it will also be used by the community.

Mrs Blackmore said: “Since we’ve re-opened, we’ve had corporate hire, young carer events and even a photoshoot.

“We’ve a mixed range of inquiries from holding art classes to a 40th birthday party.”

She added that because of its ’breathtaking’ location and local feedback, the centre is applying for a licence as a wedding venue.