Ashworth Valley is committed to investing into the future by the development and improvement of the site. We have many ongoing projects aimed at moving the site forward. Some of those projects have now been completed such as Crate Stacking, Ladder Climbing and the new outdoor Archery Range, the Axe Throwing Range and, for the youngsters, a Dipping Pond. We have also updated and improved the Air-Rifle and Crossbow ranges.
Update from Matt Rush
I have now been in post as Interim Warden for just over six weeks, and it has been an incredible experience so far. I’ve had the opportunity to work more closely with our fantastic site team and spend time with the amazing groups who visit us.
At Ashworth Valley, we are heading into our busiest period of the year, with over 3,500 visitors and campers expected between now and the end of July — and that’s before factoring in our regular weekday use. Our volunteers will be working tirelessly to ensure every group has a safe, enjoyable, and memorable experience on site.
We are also continuing to make great progress towards becoming a more ecofriendly campsite:
Solar Panels
Following the successful installation on the shower block, we have now expanded our solar provision to the garage roof thanks to grant funding. This was completed a few weeks ago and is already generating clean electricity for the site. An added benefit is that any surplus energy can be exported back to the grid, creating additional income to reinvest into site improvements. We are currently exploring ways to make this visible to visitors in real time.
Recycling
We have recently introduced two recycling bins in the top car park (cardboard and mixed recycling) to help improve waste separation on site. Plans are underway to introduce additional bins within buildings to support this further. We hope this encourages everyone to play their part in helping us become a greener campsite.
Food Bank Donations
As a leader myself for over 12 years, I know there is often surplus food at the end of a camp. We are now offering groups the option to leave any unopened leftover food with our team, which we will donate to local food banks across Rochdale, Heywood, and Middleton. This is a great way for us to give back to the local community.
Activity Days
Our activity days are back for another year, with the Scout and Explorer event already proving a success. Upcoming dates include:
· Squirrels & Beavers – Saturday 6th June
Cubs – Saturday 4th July
We hope to see as many Pennine groups as possible. As always, feedback and suggestions are very welcome via office@ashworthvalley.org.uk.
Big Investments
Following successful grant applications and a huge amount of work from both the site and district teams, our new “village” development — featuring wooden camping pods and a central roundhouse for cooking and dining — is now in the final stages of planning approval. We are hopeful for a positive outcome soon so construction can begin as quickly as possible.
We are also starting to plan for the future replacement of our climbing wall. While it has served the site well since 2001, it is approaching the end of its lifespan. Our aim is to have a new facility in place, or under construction, by 2031.
Throughout the year we have several groups participating in service weekends. If you would like to join our adventure, please get in touch!
