Our Vision for Woodmill
Woodmill Outdoor Centre will be Southampton’s home of outdoor adventure - built for the community and run by volunteers.
Our vision is to create a place where every community group can enjoy the outdoors: from camping to discovering the water for the first time. We believe every young person deserves the chance to experience adventure, build confidence, and connect with nature, no matter their background.
Community
Southampton City Scouts has been part of the city for over 100 years, helping generations of young people grow in confidence, learn skills for life, and discover adventure. We are a local charity, led entirely by volunteers, with strong roots in every part of the community.
Over half of our groups are based in areas of deprivation, ensuring that those who benefit most have access to affordable and inclusive opportunities. Beyond Scouting, our centres are also used by schools, charities, and community groups, creating spaces that bring people together.
Woodmill represents the next chapter in this story - expanding our impact and giving Southampton a non-profit activity centre where every penny raised is reinvested locally.
Environment
Caring for nature will sit at the heart of everything we do at Woodmill Outdoor Centre. Working with partners including, Wessex Rivers Trust, Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, and Friends of Woodmill Fly Fishers, we will restore habitats, protect endangered salmon, and create an urban nature reserve in the heart of the city.
Together we will repair riverbanks, improve wetlands, and ensure Woodmill Outdoor Centre becomes a place where wildlife and people can flourish side by side. For young people, every visit will be a chance not only to enjoy adventure but also to learn about protecting nature for the future.
Youth
Young people are at the centre of our mission. Week in, week out, Scouting provides opportunities to explore, learn, and grow — and Woodmill will take that even further.
The site will open up new experiences: from trying water activities for the first time, to camping close to home, to gaining leadership skills that last a lifetime. Our vision is to ensure every young person in Southampton can access outdoor adventure, regardless of their background or ability.
Adventure
The outdoors is exciting — and at Woodmill Outdoor Centre, adventure will be at the heart of every experience. From paddling on the river to sleeping under the stars, we want every visit to spark confidence, teamwork, and a lifelong love of the outdoors.
As a non-profit centre, our focus will always be on making adventure affordable and accessible. Whether it’s a first taste of water activities, a weekend camp with friends, or learning new skills, Woodmill will be a place where unforgettable memories are made.
Volunteering
Woodmill Outdoor Centre is powered by people who care deeply about their community. Our volunteers give their time, skills, and energy to create safe, welcoming spaces where young people can thrive.
From leading activities to maintaining the site, every role matters — and every volunteer makes a difference. At Woodmill, we support and celebrate those who give back, showing that volunteering is not only about service, but also about belonging and being part of something meaningful.
Get Involved
Join us in shaping the future of Woodmill Outdoor Centre. Whether you're interested in volunteering, partnering, or supporting our vision, there are many ways to be part of this transformative project.