A GROUP who describe themselves as "volunteers" have taken over the Wilderness Centre at Mitcheldean and say they want to reopen it for environmental learning.

Claiming to be following the footsteps of the successful HOOF campaign to protect the Forest, the group walked into the Wilderness last Sunday. The police were called but say no criminal activity has taken place.

The group has warded off criticism by saying they simply plan to act as "caretakers" and run the centre on a voluntary basis. They want to begin free courses sharing skills and workshops.

In a statement on Tuesday they said: "We wish to work with the Friends of the Wilderness Centre and Gloucestershire councils to keep the centre open for the benefit of the local community and involve them in the process of deciding what the future of the centre should be.

"We believe there is an urgent need now more than ever to keep community hubs and educational spaces open, so people can come together and learn skills and share ideas. These spaces empower and enable communities to collectively forge a truly sustainable economy and local resilience for the times ahead."

Describing the closure of the centre as a big blow to local young people they said it deprived them a means to learn about the environment.

The county council, owners of the site which is to be offered for sale, say they are taking legal advice on what should happen next.