Field Studies Council to run The Start Bay Centre

Leading environmental education charity the Field Studies Council (FSC) is pleased to announce that from early November it will be running The Start Bay Centre, near Slapton. Start Bay, which used to be managed by Devon County Council, will continue to offer all of the same facilities and services to customers under the FSC.

The Start Bay Centre provides accommodation for up to 37 people and caters for school, youth and community groups. Schools and groups can book visits which include a range of led educational activities, visiting the beautiful surroundings of Slapton sands and National Nature Reserve as well as making use of the multi-purpose rooms and grounds at the Centre.


The FSC has a network of 17 Centres across the UK and welcomes over 100,000 people each year to them, ranging from school groups on fieldtrips to families on holiday courses to environmental professionals undertaking a professional course. With over 65 years’ experience of providing courses the organisation is ideally suited to maintain the services at Start Bay and further develop the Centre.



Andy Pratt, Head of Centre at nearby FSC Slapton Ley said: “The FSC are delighted to be involved with The Start Bay Centre and to help keep the Centre operating. As a charity we aim to give everyone the chance to be inspired by the environment so keeping as many learning venues like Start Bay open is really important to us. As it is located close to FSC Slapton Ley, which also manages the National Nature Reserve, it means we are well placed to manage it and share resources, so customers won’t see any change in service.”

Andy Simms, Head of Devon Learning and Development Partnership said: "I believe the Field Studies Council is an ideal organisation to run the centre, and I am pleased that this change in management has ensured it can remain open.”


Devon County Council's Cabinet Member for Schools and Skills Christine Channon added: “The Start Bay Centre provides a great service and cost effective learning location for schools in Devon and Cornwall."




Contact information for the Centre will remain the same. For more details about The Start Bay Centre or to make a booking enquiry please get in touch on 01548 580321 or email: startbay.centre@devon.gov.uk

Friday, October 21, 2011