Chirdon Head Expedition Centre (CHEC)
Based in Kielder
The Chirdon Head Expedition Centre provides many outdoor activities and learning opportunities in a remote, but idyllic location in the heart of Kielder Forest.
Opened as a Duke of Edinburgh expedition centre, on Friday 26th April by HRH The Earl of Wessex, Chirdon Head is a new innovative project which is self-sustainable.
Accessible to all children and young people up to the age of 25, including those with disabilities and additional needs, Chirdon Head is an exciting retreat.
Background of the Project
In April 2014 a public meeting between Northumberland County Council and The Kielder Partners made Chirdon Head available to CVYP- Chirdon Head was a disused cottage south of Kielder reservoir with one acre of land. A site visit included land agents from the Forestry Commission and a building surveyor. Northumberland Social Service expressed an interest in the project, announcing a £48,000 contribution to Phase 1 of any building work.
Since its inception a north and south extension were added to the cottage, in keeping with the original look of the property. The outdoors was also cleared through several days of hard work with the volunteers from the Sage Foundation and Fire Service helping to clear the land, construct walls and lay a road into the site. Through further support received, the centre is now fully operational.
Objective
Create an innovative outdoor experience for our service users, provide a facility for CVYP and our network to use at minimal cost. Deliver a long-term sustainable income for CVYP.
Our Activities
Bike rides have been developed to and from Cramlington and Kielder. Other rides will be explored in and around the Kielder Water. We will deliver multiple bike rides and training opportunities and offer a range of self-catering and catering residentials.
Get-aways– Chirdon Head provides a retreat, a time out residential for those requiring space and respite.
Team Building- CVYP has resources for team building for young people and adults, including a mobile archery facility with its own qualified staff.
Wild camp areas, for expeditions, explorations, residential Bronze, Silver and Gold are available for training use and for young people to complete their awards.
Night Walks, Star Gazing and night bike rides will be available periodically throughout the year
John Muir Award
Music Residentials
Arts Award
What our Gold DofE participants think about CHEC:
“Words I’d use to describe my time are Fun, Developing, Sustainable, Family, Exploring, Problem Solving, Experimenting, and Motivating.”
— Brendan, age 18, Cramlington
“There’s bits that you like and bits that you don’t, but fun overall.”
— Toby, age 17, Cullercoats, North Tyneside
“From the stars in the sky to the stones in our hands, between them all was an experience I won’t forget.”
— Henry, age 16, Devon
“I’ve had an amazing time at this place and learnt new experiences that I couldn’t of done anywhere else.”
— Ryan, age 18, Oxfordshire
“I have gained confidence and experienced many new things. I can take the skills that I have learnt here into all aspects of life.”
— James, age 16, Cheshire
"I have had the best experience of my life at the Chirdon Head Expedition Center. I have learnt life skills used in everyday life, but the most important thing is making new friends and creating real connections with people.”
— James, age 17, Manchester
“One of the greatest experiences I’ve had so far in life. I’ve had a great time making new friends. The best activity was the rifle shooting, which was set up amazingly and I managed to win 1st place in the competition we had. The leaders and volunteers were amazing and so helpful even when I arrived with an injured ankle.”
— Matty, age 17, Liverpool
“When I first came into the group I was really anxious, as I didn’t know anyone or anything. Now I feel more comfortable as I have made new friends and the staff helped me through it.”
— Katie, age 17 Edinburgh
“This experience has taught me the value of the natural world, especially dry stone walling, which has highlighted the importance of preserving our man-made structures. “
— Katie, age 17, Leeds
"This experience has taught me the value of sustainability”
“I have had an amazing time at Chirdon Head Expedition Centre. Not only did I learn new skills and get to take part in experiences I never thought I would, but I met some of the nicest people who will remain firm friends for life.”
— Penny, age 17, Edinburgh
Facilities
The main living area contains 22 beds, with the North and South extensions hosting the toilets, showers, kitchen and dining, dry rooms and power supplies from carbon free sources. Overnight residential stays for our users are available with the building being accessible to all. Following a successful planning application 3 camping pods have been added and are now ready to use.
Participants will also have access to our 20m archery range or have the opportunity to stay out on our campground. Outdoor sinks are available to all our campers.
Location
Chirdon Head is situated 6 kilometres south of Kielder Water. The reservoir is one of the largest in Europe and provides almost every water sport available. One of our key partners (Northumbria Water) owns many of the rights, access points and are partners with many of the water sport providers. The building is set in quite a remote area; however, it is only 15 minutes from the main road. Heritage is also one of our key objectives and Hadrian’s Wall is only 7 kilometres due south of the building. This will provide us with many expeditions and exploration routes to and from both locations. Bike riding recreation and bike riding expedition are also one of our fortes, this location is ideally situated to link with multiple national trails and off-road graded challenges.