Funding from Chichester Harbour Friends enhances environmental learning at Cobnor Activities Centre

Cobnor Activities Centre Trust is celebrating the successful refurbishment of its Martin Beale Classroom thanks to generous funding from Chichester Harbour Friends.

The funding has transformed the classroom into an engaging and inclusive learning environment that helps young people connect with the wildlife, habitats and heritage of Chichester Harbour National Landscape.

Each year, Cobnor welcomes nearly 4,500 young people through day visits and residential programmes. Visitors include pupils from local primary, secondary and SEND schools, scout and youth groups, young people accessing Alternative Provision and those experiencing disadvantage through funded programmes.

The refurbishment included a full redecoration of the classroom, the creation of a dedicated Bird Hide Zone equipped with binoculars and bird identification resources, and the installation of interactive and tactile displays designed to support hands-on environmental learning.

The new Bird Hide Zone enables young people to observe wading birds, track tidal patterns and experience seasonal changes across the harbour. These real-time observations help bring learning to life and deepen understanding of coastal ecosystems.

Caroline Fisk, Education Lead at Cobnor Activities Centre Trust, said: "The support from Chichester Harbour Friends has enabled us to create an inclusive learning space where curiosity, observation and environmental understanding can flourish. It has significantly enhanced how young people experience and learn about the harbour."

Heather Baker, Chair of Chichester Harbour Friends, said: "We are delighted to support this transformation at Cobnor Activities Centre. These inspiring 'living classrooms' will help people of all ages connect more deeply with Chichester Harbour's unique landscape, wildlife and heritage. It is exactly the kind of project we are proud to champion, creating lasting connections for years to come."

The new resources have proved particularly valuable for young people with additional needs, supporting sensory and exploratory learning approaches that encourage participation and engagement from learners of all abilities.

The investment also helps preserve an important part of Cobnor's history. The Martin Beale Classroom is named after the founder of Cobnor's summer camps in the 1950s and remains central to the charity's educational work today.

Chichester Harbour Friends is a local charity dedicated to protecting, conserving and enhancing the natural environment of Chichester Harbour while engaging the local community through events, volunteering opportunities and educational programmes.

Cobnor Activities Centre Trust is extremely grateful to Chichester Harbour Friends for their support. The refurbished classroom will benefit thousands of young people in the years ahead, helping future generations to discover, understand and value the unique environment of Chichester Harbour.

For further information, visit: www.cobnor.com and www.chichesterharbourfriends.org