Loan helps social enterprise to build accommodation

A NOT-for-profit learning centre in Cumbria has received £30,000 from the Social Enterprise Loan Fund (TSELF) to help it build visitor accommodation.

Learning Fields, a community interest company based at the Nag’s Head Farm in Hoff, near Appleby is a ten-acre piece of land containing farmland and woodland.

It provides an opportunity for individuals or groups to observe and enjoy the countryside in a safe environment, with facilities including a sensory area, nature ponds, kitchen garden and woodland activities.

The money from the loan fund has been supplemented with cash from Natural England and from  Cumbria county council’s Community Regeneration Fund.

The founder of Learning Fields, Alex Chalmers, said: “We are delighted to have received such invaluable support from TSELF, which has really helped us to create our visitors’ accommodation.

“The loan has enabled us to build a brand new kitchen and dining area, bunk room for up to 12 people, a bedroom for teachers or carers, a shower, toilets and a classroom which we can also now use for general meetings.

Roy White, regional director at TSELF, said: “The new accommodation provides superb facilities for visitors of all ages, teachers, carers and families, and enables Learning Fields to welcome even more people to the unique outdoor learning centre, especially those from further afield.”