Little Deer Wood is a woodland setting hidden in the middle of Kirklees where many young people are able to come and participate in activities that challenge them in a safe environment. Developed to fit the needs of young people, sports and team building activities are run in a way that are accessible to everyone. Because it isn’t run for profit, Little Deer Wood ensures that its activities are affordable at a time when it’s so hard for families to afford activities like canoeing, archery and Duke of Edinburgh expeditions.

This amazing facility is under threat and faces closure if plans by Kirklees Council go ahead. The council’s budget proposals across the whole council were published on 5th February and will be discussed by Cabinet members before final decisions are made at a meeting of all councillors on 6th March.  If the proposals were to be approved, it would mean that the council will not provide any financial support for the Outdoor Learning team based at Little Deer Wood from the 1st April 2024 - a move that could lead to its closure.

Losing Little Deer Wood would have a devastating affect on the young people and families of Kirklees, hundreds of whom use the facility.  Uses range from residential and day visits for outdoor and teambuilding experiences (including archery, bushcraft, canoeing, climbing & bouldering) for young people (many with additional needs) from the ages of 7 to 25, holiday clubs, Duke of Edinburgh’s Award provision (including expeditions), support for Schools, Scouts, Brownies, Guides, Groups for Adults with disabilities and volunteer/leader training in First Aid, navigation, leadership, paddle sports and other outdoor skills.
 
PLEASE SIGN THIS PETITION TO DEMAND THAT KIRKLEES COUNCIL CONTINUE TO SUPPORT AND FUND LITTLE DEER WOOD