Nestled along the River Wye, Biblins Youth Campsite is on a mission to give more children and young people outdoor adventures by renovating the old bunkhouse building. For generations, Biblins Youth Campsite has been a beloved base for schools, Woodcraft Folk, Scouts, and countless other youth groups, offering life-changing outdoor experiences in the heart of nature.
However, since 2013, the iconic Bunkhouse, once a warm and welcoming shelter, has stood empty. Originally built in the 1960s by locals, including young people, the bunkhouse fell into disrepair and no longer rings with the sound of campfire songs or children’s laughter. With support from Design for All, the staff and volunteers at Biblins have plans to breathe new life into this historic building, creating an inclusive, sustainable, and fully accessible bunkhouse that will sleep up to 39 young people and their leaders.
“This is a critical time, we all know that residentials and outdoor adventures support the wellbeing of our children and young people. Therefore we are keen to reopen the Bunkhouse to ensure more children can get to benefit from our activities on site” said Debs McCahon, Chief Executive of Woodcraft Folk who operate the Biblins Youth Campsite.
“With rising costs and increasing demand for outdoor learning spaces, we rely on the kindness of people who believe in our mission. Every donation will help us get closer to our goal of hosting residentials in the building, providing essential support to those who need it most.”
The team has launched a fundraising campaign to take the first steps toward reopening the building and is calling for support from individuals and local businesses. They would especially like to hear from individuals like Roger Lane, who were involved in the construction of the original building.
Roger Lane says:
“As a 17 year old living in Gloucester I was taken with a group to this magical place called The Biblins, where, in return for some unskilled labour, carrying wood and knocking in nails, we were allowed to bivvy in a half completed building; they didn’t have high standards of health and safety in the 60s.
It’s been a great joy to me to have had the opportunity to return to the site in recent years with our venturers.
And I’m excited to learn that the buildings may be further improved to give extra and more comfortable access to the site, perhaps for those less able”
The group needs to raise £20,000 to help them on their journey of renovating the building. The funds will be used for essential survey work and architect fees. Your financial contribution, in cash or in kind, will directly support this transformation, ensuring that more young people can connect with nature in a safe and inclusive space. Donations can be made easily and securely through our fundraising page at www.justgiving.com/campaign/biblinsbunkhouserevival or by contacting us at biblins@woodcraft.org.uk
When completed, the Bunkhouse will restore a vital resource for schools, Scouts, Woodcraft Folk, and other youth organisations. The building will be fully sustainable, using timber from the local forest and renewable energy only. Now is the time to take action—your generosity can be the key to bringing this historic space back to life.