Nell Bank Outdoor Education Centre, nature’s classroom based in Ilkley, is starting 2026 with a simple aim: to help more children access the outdoors, with all the confidence and wellbeing that comes with it.
In December, Anne Sutcliffe, Rotary District Governor (Yorkshire and North Lincolnshire), visited Nell Bank to present a £5,000 cheque to Head of Centre Dan Goodey, supported through the Rotary Club of Ilkley Wharfedale and matched through the District Grant scheme. The grant has funded the reopening of Nell Bank’s refurbished pond-dipping area, alongside essential surrounding groundworks, installed at cost by local contractors Jim and George Manson of Belman’s.
The refurbishment lands at a time when access to outdoor time cannot be taken for granted. In England, official statistics show that in term time in 2024, only around one third of children had lessons outdoors (not including PE) every day or most days. GOV.UK . In recent UK research (published September 2025 University of Exeter News), 34% of children did not play outdoors on school days, with researchers raising concerns for children’s physical and mental health.
Dan Goodey, Head of Centre at Nell Bank, said:
“Rotary’s support makes a huge difference to the Nell Bank Outdoor Learning Centre and the experience of the children who visit. Pond dipping is a key activity for many of our programmes. For many children, lowering a net into the pond transports them into another world, full of weird and wonderful creatures and rich learning opportunities. The refurbishment helps ensure the pond area remains an engaging, accessible and safe space for children of all ages and abilities. We are extremely grateful to the clubs that have supported us, and for the match funding from Rotary District 1040.”
The cheque presentation marks the completion of Nell Bank’s 2025 Rotary-backed project and launches a new phase for 2026, focusing on expanding the Centre’s Assisted Places scheme which offers subsidies for children facing financial hardship. The appeal aims to raise £10,000 in the coming weeks to help fund places for children facing financial hardship who might otherwise be unable to join their classmates.
Anne Sutcliffe said:
“This support reflects Rotary’s commitment across the region and Nell Bank’s commitment to the future. We want children to gain skills and confidence at Nell Bank that stay with them for life, and we are proud to help make those opportunities possible.”
Nell Bank is inviting Yorkshire organisations, local businesses, trusts and community partners to support the Nell Bank Charitable Trust through sponsorship, brand partnerships, donations, volunteer days, or in-kind support. Partner support directly helps open the outdoors to children who need it most, at exactly the point in the year when wellbeing and fresh starts are top of mind. Anyone interested is ask to contact Dan at Nell Bank, dan.goodey@nellbank.org.
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