About the Sayers Croft Trust

The Sayers Croft Trust is a registered charity established in 1996 with the aim of involving the local community, especially young people, in the enjoyment and care of the environment.

By working in partnership with the Sayers Croft field centre, the Trust aims to make all the facilities of Sayers Croft available to those who may otherwise be unable to access them due to physical, financial or social disadvantage.

The Trust exists to serve and support the local community and takes an active role in education and conservation. By providing fun, adventurous and challenging activities for young people we hope to create good relationships, increase self esteem, and foster a sense of responsibility and community spirit.

The Trust is managed by a board of trustees and the Community Education Officer runs a busy programme of activities and events for all ages throughout the year.

pitch hill getting wet on the raft pond minibeast hunting just conquered the climbing wall

History of Sayers Croft

Sayers Croft Field Centre was built in 1939 as part of the Camp Schools Programme to provide an educational base for city children to visit and learn about the countryside. However, at the outbreak of World War II the following year, the centre became home to evacuees from Catford Central Boys School in London, many of whom spent four years at Sayers Croft and remember it fondly.

After the war the centre returned to its original purpose, to provide residential visits for schools where children could study science, geography and a wealth of other hands on subjects in the natural environment.

The centre still has all of the original buildings as well as original air raid shelters but a lot has changed in 70 years!

pitch hill getting wet on the raft pond minibeast hunting just conquered the climbing wall pitch hill getting wet on the raft pond minibeast hunting just conquered the climbing wall

If you would like to contribute to the continuation of the Sayers Croft Trust and the valuable work we do please visit our Projects page.

Facilities

The Burrow

The Burrow is the Trust's community building and is available for use by local groups and organisations. There is no charge but we are grateful for donations towards the upkeep of The Burrow.

The Burrow is ideal as a venue for meetings, talks, youth activities or as a rehearsal space. It has a large room with a separate disabled toilet and contains 6 large foldaway tables, 35 chairs, 2 sinks, a fridge, tea and coffee making facilities (bring your own milk), a whiteboard and TV/video. It does not have any cooking facilities. A portable projector and laptop can be provided on request.

Sayers Croft

Sayers Croft has 56 acres comprising of a variety of habitats including ancient and managed woodlands, meadows, ponds, streams and fields. The site also has:

  • Wildlife hides
  • Two large halls
  • Outdoor solar heated swimming pool
  • Adventure playground
  • Facilities for wheelchair users
  • Ropes courses, climbing tower, rafting pond and zip wire
  • Internet access, projectors, laptops etc.
  • Indoor archery range
  • Iron Age roundhouse
  • Maze
  • Craft room
  • Original WWII air raid shelters
  • BBQ and campfire areas
  • Camping field and tents
Mr. Mole coveys ropes course dormitory pool