Ferny Crofts Scout Activity Centre
Ferny Crofts Scout Activity Centre is one of a number of The Scout Association's National Scout Activity Centres in the United Kingdom. It is the newest of the Scout Activity Centres and is both owned and managed by Hampshire Scouting. It is 31 acres
The Centre is located in the heart of the New Forest National Park, and is open to Scouts, guides and other visitors on a daily basis.
Location
The activity centre is located in the centre of the New Forest and well within the national park boundary. It is located off the B3056 and is a mile from Beaulieu Road Train Station, five miles from Lyndhurst and five miles from Beaulieu. The nearest city is Southampton, ten miles away.
Local attractions
Facilities
Campsites
Ferny Crofts has 23 campsite areas with 13 of these being located in the woodland that surrounds the edge of the centre. All campsites are within easy reach of water facilities and the amenities block located in the centre of the compound.
Indoor accommodation
- The Croft Centre was the original building of the compound. It contains the site office, and can be split into separate units if necessary. It sleeps 32, has a hall and kitchen, numerous wet rooms and toilets.
- The Mountbatten Lodge was an addition to the site and is located close to the activities area and overlooks the fields. It also sleeps 32, has a large hall and kitchen, as well as leaders room and toilets.
- The Sky High Conservatory is an annex to the Croft that has separate access. It therefore can be used separately as a day activity zone. It has no bed facilities, and toilets are via the nearby amenity block.
- The Inca Suite is another annex to the Croft that contains 6 beds and a small living area.
Other facilities
- Dilly's Den is a wooden building nearby the croft, ideal for visitors or campers requiring an indoor space. There is no sleeping accommodation
- The Roundhouse is a Gambian roundhouse nearby the lake and a useful base for lake activities. It can also be used in conjunction with a campsite or other group.
- The Log Cabin is another side building that can be used by campers
- The Wood Chapel is located near the Croft and is a miniature chapel for the spiritual.
- The Camp Fire Circle
Activities
A number of activities are available around the site
- Abseiling
- Archery from the full size Archery Range. Located in the activity area.
- Climbing Towers from either the 6m or the 12.5m. Located in activity area.
- Crate Stacking located in activity area.
- High Ropes Course with 4 disciplines, located in activity area.
- Mountain Bikes for hire.
- Air rifle Target shooting located at Dillys Den
- Mega Zip Wire from the top of the big climbing tower through the woods.
- Mega Abseil
- Raft building at and on the lake
- Team Building at the lake side
- Adventure Course, a fun trail through pipes and over walls, located in the activity area.
There are a number of other activities free to scouts and guides staying overnight, but chargeable to other users.
- Frisbee Golf
- Nature Trail/Orienteering
- Pioneering
- Volleyball