THE new owner of the Wilderness Centre in the Forest of Dean says the site will once again be ‘something special’.

Now contracts have been exchanged, the new owner Dr Daniel Sturdy, has confirmed the site will be brought back into use because introducing children to the natural world is extremely important.

Dr Daniel Sturdy has signed the contract for the Wilderness Centre and is keen for the centre to be put to good use as soon as possible.

Having worked in education all his life, Dr Sturdy confirmed that the centre will be used as an educational hub that can be used by schools and community groups in Gloucestershire as well as those out of county.

The Sturdy family have been involved in education since 1976. Firstly the family started a school in Cambridge, and since then they’ve opened a special school for children with dyslexia and an outside educational centre.

Speaking about the purchase, Dr Sturdy said: “I’ve lived in Gloucestershire with my family for more than three years now and I’ve always known that the Wilderness Centre is something very special. It can’t be bettered as a site and introducing children to the natural world is extremely important.

“Education has always been a big part of my life. As well as this beautiful building in the Forest of Dean, I’ve also opened a special school for children with dyslexia in Bedfordshire and an outdoor education centre just outside Cambridge.”

Cllr Ray Theodoulou, deputy leader at Gloucestershire County Council added: “We’re extremely pleased that the Wilderness Centre will still be used to teach young people important and valuable environmental lessons.”

Money from the sale of the centre will help the council support its front line services.