DOWNE @ 11 ACRES – Issue 5

Things have changed at our campsite!

This is the first newsletter from your campsite since spring. It’s been incredibly dry all year (the grass definitely wasn’t “riz” by July!).

August marked a landmark after a change in how we manage the campsite. Here’s what’s been done to make Eleven Acres safer and easier to use—and what’s next.

At a glance

• Immediate safety fixes completed across site
• Car park fully resurfaced for all-weather use
• Updated fire strategy, muster point & alarms
• Shower block refresh + outdoor washing-up sinks
• USB charging points installed in sleeping corridors
• First aid kits, accessible stretcher & on-site defibrillator
• Asbestos removed from Brownsea Hut & shower block
• Modernised electrics & improved lighting
• New signage & way-finding around the site
• Brownsea Hut upgrades with insulation & reconfigured kitchen space
• Rebuilt altar fires & added picnic tables
• Woodland safety work: ash dieback management, boundaries & steps
• New inclusive, accessible campfire circle by the field

Immediate safety & site tidying

• Paving and floor repairs completed.
• Hanging light switches fixed.
• Trial holes and trenches made safe.
• Damaged manhole cover replaced.
• Loose materials consolidated into a clearly marked storage area.

Doors & access

Two external doors were beyond repair and have been replaced. A third door was rebuilt to remedy wet rot and damage. Two door frames and steps were repaired and adjusted.

Drainage upgrades

• Bypassed collapsed soakaways for hut gutters.
• New bypass gulley diverts drive runoff past the car park.
• New soakaway installed for the car park sink.

Car park: now usable in all weathers

The car park used to be memorable for all the wrong reasons. We’ve removed the mud, added bypass drainage, and laid hardcore across the full area.

Fire strategy & equipment

• Revised fire plan with clearly visible muster point.
• Alarms in all buildings.
• New extinguishers in previously uncovered areas.

Shower block refresh & outdoor sinks

• Replaced damaged tiles and fittings.
• Installed outdoor washing-up sinks for convenience.

USB charging points

USB outlets and storage pockets have been fitted in boys’ and girls’ corridors so devices can be charged safely.

First aid & emergency equipment

• First aid kits in each building.
• Accessible stretcher and on-site defibrillator.
• Bleed control kit for trained adults.

Asbestos removal

All asbestos removed from Brownsea Hut and shower block; surveys confirm it’s not present elsewhere.

Electrics & lighting

Systems modernised, new lighting circuits installed in garages, and safety checks updated.

Way-finding & signage

New directional and safety signage installed across the site for easier navigation and safety.

Brownsea Hut: refreshed & re-configured

• New plastered ceilings with insulation and energy-efficient lighting.
• Kitchen reconfigured for better use and access.
• Future plans include showers and toilet spaces.

Woodlands: safety, access & ecology

Tree safety, fencing, and woodland paths improved to protect the environment and ensure access.

New campfire circle (inclusive & accessible)

The new campfire area provides a safe, accessible space for all users.

What’s next (0–12 months)

Completion of ongoing works and consolidation of recent improvements.

Programme direction

Developing Eleven Acres into a Bushcraft & Environmental centre with self-led and supported activities.

Longer term

• Complete Brownsea Hut improvements.
• Improve site communications.
• Add showers and facilities.
• Reinforce boundary fencing and posts.