About the FSC

Frequently asked questions about the FSC

What are FSC Centres like?

Who runs them?

Are all courses residential?

What's the accommodation like?

What's the food like?

What equipment is provided?

What else is there?

How do I reach FSC Centres?

What are FSC Centres like?

The FSC now runs seventeen Field Centres in some of the finest locations in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, all chosen for the richness and diversity of their surroundings. At all FSC Centres staff create a relaxed and informal atmosphere to make your stay enjoyable, as well as a special learning experience.

Each Centre has its own unique character. Many are historic buildings that have been a focal point of the local landscape and environment for many years: for example, Dale Fort, a converted Victorian fort on the Pembrokeshire coast and Blencathra, site of a Victorian sanatorium, stunningly situated on a mountainside in the Lake District. Certain Centres have become specially known for some of the courses included in their programme. For example Flatford Mill in 'Constable Country' has a wide range of art courses, Rhyd-y-creuau in Snowdonia is noted for outdoor leadership courses and Castle Head for outdoor and adventure activity courses. Six Centres are located in or near National Parks or National Nature Reserves, including Orielton in Pembrokeshire, Nettlecombe near Exmoor in Somerset and Slapton Ley in Devon. Amersham is located in the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).Flatford Mill, Juniper Hall and Malham Tarn are historic properties held on long leases from the National Trust.The non-residential Epping Forest Field Centre is the FSC's only purpose-built day Centre. Derrygonnelly Centre lies in the unspoilt West Fermanagh countryside, and Margam Park is set in 850 acres of beautiful parkland where 600 deer roam freely

Who runs them?

Each is run by enthusiastic, dedicated people led by a Head of Centre, who is qualified in an appropriate academic subject and has wide experience of field investigation and teaching. The rest of the team consists of three to six teaching staff, with wide ranging interests plus a full complement of domestic and administrative staff.

Are all courses residential?

Thirteen FSC Centres cater for residential courses. The Epping Forest Centre, near London, is a purpose-built day Centre offering a wide choice of mainly one and two-day courses.

All Centres (including Epping Forest) also offer the option of using local Bed and Breakfast accommodation. In addition, any course may be joined on a non-residential basis.

What's the accommodation like?

Original buildings have been adapted and extended so that they have the full range of services that visitors need. All provide simple, comfortable accommodation mostly in a mixture of twin and shared bedrooms, although single rooms are available on request. Most bedrooms have wash hand basins, with toilet and shower facilities close by. Preston Montford, in Shropshire, Malham Tarn in the Yorkshire Dales, and Derrygonnelly in Fermanagh, have purpose-built accommodation with twin rooms and en-suite facilities. We would stress that an FSC Centre is not a hotel, although the buildings do have lots of character.

What's the food like?

FSC Centres serve plenty of good wholesome food (with vegetarian and other dietary options available), in well-equipped dining rooms. Residential course fees include three meals a day and menus change daily. Some Centres also have a residential licence and bar.

What equipment is provided?

Equipment for working out of doors is provided as an integral part of many courses. All Centres have a number of well-equipped studios, workrooms and laboratories. Some also have darkrooms. Waterproof clothing and wellingtons are available if required.

What else is there?

All Centres have: an efficient drying room for outdoor clothing and boots; a library with a wide range of environmental books, journals and other publications; comfortable common rooms, often with TV; computer facilities; a small shop selling confectionery, relevant literature, stationery, postcards and souvenirs, etc.

How do I reach FSC Centres?

All Centres are readily accessible. None is more than 40 minutes from a railway station and some are much closer. Full details on how to reach the Centre will be forwarded to you when you book. As part of our environmental policy we encourage rail travel. Centres normally try to make arrangements for a Centre minibus or a taxi service to meet particular trains. Car sharing for visitors who live fairly close to each other is encouraged; we will put you in touch with like-minded people wherever possible.