Veterans’ charity to open outdoor activity centre in Garstang

Paintballing, low ropes and a memorial garden will all be part of a new outdoor activity centre coming to the Garstang area.
Cabus woodlandCabus woodland
Cabus woodland

The centre will be situated at the site Fowler Hill Wood, Cabus, and ran by ex-servicemen to give “people who have left the forces purpose”.

And project manager Colin Johnson says it will mean an “untidy and unkept area will become vibrant and lively for all the community in just 12 months”.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

It’s after Preston-based charity Our Local Heroes Foundation bought the six-acre wood and a two-acre field behind it and were granted planning permission by Wyre Planning Committee to begin building the centre.

And Mr Johnson say objectors who say the project will destroy the wood have been “misinformed”.

“This centre will be run almost entirely by ex-veterans,” Mr Johnston said.

“It has been rumoured as a huge paintballing site but that is very far from the truth.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“The paintballing is a necessity to allow us to bring in revenue but the rest of the plans involve transforming the wood in a community area for families to enjoy.”

Mr Johnston also says the centre will include team-building activities, the planting of a new wood, a memorial garden, two wild flower gardens and enhancing the bridle path into a nature trail.

“Every bit of profit will go back into the charity, so it is essentially veterans helping raise money for veterans.

“Our aim is to enhance the area to become a nature friendly, community hub that attracts families and schools and I’m really excited.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“Our ideal situation is for people to be bringing their children to the centre to see the nature, maybe have a picnic and enjoy what the place has to offer. We’ve put a lot of thought into this and I know when it’s finished it’s something everyone will love.”

However, several neighbours have raised concerns.

“To allow paintballing, low rope obstacle courses, World War One trench recreations and ‘veterans teaching kids such things as how to camouflage themselves with foliage for their clothes’ in a small wood with a public bridleway running through it would be completely irresponsible,” wrote Rosemary Hogarth, the British Horse Society Access and Bridleways Officer (Fylde Coast).

Related Articles: