Unique loan puts Cumbrian outdoor learning centre in field of its own

An outdoor learning social enterprise in Cumbria is now helping even more people of all ages and abilities get closer to nature thanks to financial support from a unique loan fund.

Learning Fields CIC, in Appleby, recently received a £30,000 loan from The Social Enterprise Loan Fund (TSELF) which supplemented support from Natural England and Cumbria County Council’s Community Regeneration Fund, to enable the organisation to establish its residential facilities.

Set up in 2007, Learning Fields Community Interest Company (CIC) is based at Nag's Head Farm in Hoff. Spanning ten hectares of grassland and woodland, the centre 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.

Founder Director 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.

“All the renovations have been carried out to the highest standards and they are all easy to access and easy to use for less able visitors.”

Roy White, North West Regional Director at TSELF, said: “Working closely with local schools and disability charities to both educate and entertain, Learning Fields offers a fantastic service to many people in the area and we are pleased to be able to assist in this way.

“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.”

The Social Enterprise Loan Fund (TSELF) is a Community Development Finance Institution (CDFI) and a registered charity providing loans ranging from £3,000 to £250,000 to social enterprises and charities and has, to date, invested £8 million in social enterprises across the UK, helping clients to generate job opportunities as well as training places. And now, thanks to financial support from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), TSELF can provide funding to even more social enterprises across the region.

“We are here to help,” Roy says. “So we would encourage any social enterprises looking for loans, to contact us. With the recently acquired grant that we’ve received from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) we are looking to invest in social enterprises who are looking to grow and employ new people or who wish to exploit innovation and knowledge in their expansion plans.”

For more information about Learning Fields call 01768 353 860 or visit http://learningfields.co.uk.