Woodrow Celebrates 80 Years of Outdoor Learning, Adventure and Life-Changing Experiences
On 18 May 1946, the doors to Woodrow High House were officially opened to young people by Sir John Maud, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Education. The grand old Manor House, home to many Amersham nobles over the centuries, welcomed boys from youth clubs linked to The Federation of London Youth Clubs – now known as London Youth – who were about to enjoy their very first residential in the countryside. For many, this would be their first trip away from home and away from the city; and for London Youth, it marked the start of a new era of providing opportunities for young people to access nature.
Pauline Daniyan, London Youth CEO, says: “Eighty years ago, the gift of Woodrow from the Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths to London Youth created life-changing opportunities for young people at a time of great need. Since opening in 1946, Woodrow has welcomed generations of children and young people, helping them build confidence, resilience, leadership skills and lasting friendships through powerful outdoor learning. We are proud of this enduring partnership and look forward to welcoming many more young people through Woodrow’s doors for years to come.”
Outdoor learning has long been recognised for its positive impact on wellbeing, education and personal development. This anniversary marks not only an important milestone in our centre’s history, but also celebrates the countless young lives shaped by time spent learning, exploring and growing outside the classroom and away from home.
At a time when young people face increasing pressures from technology, social isolation and mental health challenges, opportunities to connect with nature and experience adventure have never been more important. We see first-hand how outdoor experiences can transform confidence, encourage communication and nurture leadership skills.
Dave Jackson, Director of Outdoor Centres at London Youth, says: “Woodrow has been at the forefront of outdoor education, and it’s use in changing the lives of young people since the end of the Second World War. This was a pivotal time for the sector and saw many local education authorities set up centres across the country. Woodrow was one of the first and has introduced hundreds of thousands of young people to the outdoors for 80 years, including seeing off the very first DofE expedition from its grounds in 1957. I look forward to it continuing its legacy for the next 80 years”.
As Woodrow celebrates this milestone, the focus is not only on reflecting on the past, but also on looking ahead to the future of outdoor learning. With growing recognition of the importance of experiential education and access to the outdoors, we remain committed to ensuring future generations can continue to benefit from the life-changing power of adventure, challenge and connection.
Asti Kanaris, Head of Woodrow, says “Outdoor experiences are transformational, but barriers to access prevent many young people from enjoying these. As gatekeepers, it’s imperative that we work to ensure spaces like ours and trips away from home are not a privilege, but open and available to every single young person. We must preserve this legacy for another 80 years, and I look forward to Woodrow continuing to be a place where young people discover who they are, what they can achieve and how far they can go. Outdoor learning remains just as powerful and relevant today as it was in 1946.”
Whether through school residentials, youth group stays, or community programmes, the centre continues to provide safe and inspiring spaces where young people can step outside their comfort zones and realise their potential. Over the decades, the site has evolved significantly. New activities such as high ropes and off-road mountain biking, improved accommodation and expanded programmes have enabled Woodrow to welcome more visitors than ever before while maintaining the warm, inclusive atmosphere that generations have come to love.
Here’s to another 80 years of learning through adventure, limitless impact and unforgettable memories.
Your support. Their adventure.
We believe that every young person should have the chance to step into nature, try new things and discover what they’re capable of. Your support can help us provide unforgettable outdoor learning and leisure experiences, making sure more young people can access adventures that might otherwise be out of reach.
Find out more about Woodrow’s long and fascinating history and become part of the Woodrow story today.
