Some dads and the siblings of children who have attended Naomi House recently spent the day at our centre. They took part in a number of activities to promote bonding of the families and we were very glad to be able to support our local children's hospice.

A sales team from Eli Lilly, the UK affiliate of the major American pharmaceutical manufacturer, recently spent the day at NFODC. They enjoyed a range of activities during the day before setting out on foot on an orienteering exercise to the local pub for supper. On return to the centre, we were able to offer the privacy of single occupancy overnight accommodation in our Shepherd's Huts. The delegates commented on their peaceful night in the woods and departed at lunch time after a company meeting held in our Carpenter's Barn.

Gill Stewart from Living Life Learning brought the new sabbatical officers for the Student Union for a three day team development programme. This programme is running for the third year and we are delighted to be able to support Gill and work with her clients.

Emma Dewhirst, interim project manager for NFODC, has been successful in obtaining a grant from the the Sustainable Development Fund. This is a grant scheme to encourage sustainable living within the New Forest National Park, the funding for which comes from Defra. The fund supports projects that  bring environmental, economic and community benefits as well as furthering at least one of the National Park purposes:

to conserve and enhance the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage of the Park; and

to promote opportunities for the understanding and enjoyment of the Park’s special qualities by the public.

Our grant will contribute 40% towards the cost of a green heating and water recycling initiative at the centre, which will help to address the challenges we face from climate change by reducing the consumption of non-renewable resources and helping people to live a more sustainable lifestyle and ensure that our team building programmes will be even "greener".