Origins

To commemorate the City of Leeds College of Education Diamond Jubilee in 1967, the College staff and students established a fund to promote outdoor educational activities. The first object of this fund was the acquisition and development of a Field Centre for the training of young people in nature conservation and the responsible use of the countryside.

After a year of unsuccessful searching, it was learned that a site was being advertised for just such a project, and in May 1968 the Association signed a 49 year lease on Low Gillerthwaite Farm, Ennerdale, with the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Forestry Commission).

The premises had been vacated by the Youth Hostel some time earlier and were in need of much repair. The governors of the College could not provide any money or take any responsibility for the venture, so the Association was founded as a voluntary body free to formulate it's own policies and run it's own affairs.

The former CLCE Campus at Becketts Park, Headingley, later became part of Leeds Polytechnic, and in 1992 gained university status and is now part of The Leeds Metropolitan University.

Low Gillerthwaite Field Centre is completely independent from them, and is registered with the Charity Commission as a registered charity.