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.

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).

As the governors of the College could not provide any money or take any responsibility for the venture, the Association was founded as a voluntary body free to formulate it's own policy and run it's own affairs. It is registered with the Charity Commission as a registered charity.

This Campus at Becketts Park is now part of The Leeds Metropolitan University and Low Gillerthwaite Field Centre is completely independent from them.