LAST-ditch talks to save the Wilderness outdoor education centre will take place early next month – but owner Gloucestershire County Council has put the facility onto the open market.

Campaigners say the decision to put the centre at Mitcheldean up for sale will not affect the negotiations as bids would only be invited if their proposals were not accepted.

The Wilderness Project, which wants to take over the running of the centre which has been used by generations of Gloucestershire schoolchildren, says it has funding agreed in principle of £300,000.

Trevor Roach of the Wilderness Project said: "We have until May 4 to submit our final proposals requesting transfer of the Wilderness under the terms of the Localism Act.

"If our request fails the council has put in place a mechanism for the sale of the centre."

As well as raising money, the campaigners have contacted schools in the county to assess the likely demand for outdoor education at the Wilderness and had a survey of buildings on the site.

They also met last week with opposition Labour and Liberal Democrat councillors to brief them on the situation.

Mr Roach said: "The council is saying it wants to sell the property to get a capital receipt in its budget.

"If it is allowed to continue as a resource for young people it will deliver that and continue to deliver."

The potential sale of The Wilderness has been placed with the Gloucester office of estate agents Bruton Knowles.

The sale would be split into two lots, the first being the buildings, land and woodland covering 11.29 acres and the second 20.66 acres of grazing land. Offers are invited for individual or both lots.

Bids would have to be with the agents by Friday, May 16 and viewing days will be held on Friday, April 25 and Friday, May 9 between 10am and 4pm.

Julian Capewell, who is handling the sale at Bruton Knowles, refused to be drawn on how much the property could raise.

He said: "We envisage it could be converted into a sumptuous family home or a small spa hotel.

"Given its location in the heart of the Forest it would also lend itself to a number of outdoor pursuits such as outward bound courses, triathlon training, abseiling, mountain biking, kayak and canoeing as well as walking.

"Another potential use could be an equestrian or trekking centre as it is ideally located to explore the local forest and the main outbuildings offer significant potential for conversion (or reversion) to this role."

"The Wilderness is a unique location which would make an ideal project for the well-heeled and enthusiastic renovator. The premises are in need of TLC rather than JCB."