A family run business which celebrates its 45th anniversary this year has launched a new UK activity centre in the heart of the Purbeck.

Poole-based Rockley will be operating Buddens Activity Centre in association with Dorset County Scouts.

It will offer adventure day and residential trips to scouting groups as well as primary and secondary schools.

There will also be provision for camping and glamping for families and small groups.

Buddens is based on 96 acres of land and is in addition to Rockley’s two watersports centres in Poole and three activity centres in the south west of France.

Jack Clark, Schools and Groups Manager, said: “We are very excited to be working collaboratively with the Dorset County Scouts and welcoming both current and new scouts, as well as schools and groups to Buddens Activity Centre.

“While our other activity centres focus primarily on water-based activities, Buddens has created new opportunities to diversify our offering.

“The centre is already fully equipped to provide activities including climbing, archery, rifle shooting, high ropes, zip-wire, tomahawk throwing and den building.

“With the provision of a small lake, we can continue to offer some water-based activities including kayaking and stand up paddle boarding.

“In what has been a difficult year for everyone, it is so important that we make the most of the outdoors and continue to offer young people exciting outdoor experiences and activities that will develop confidence, encourage teamwork, highlight leadership qualities and help develop key life skills.”

Pip Woods, Rockley’s Managing Director, pictured, said: “We have been looking for a UK land-based centre for some time now and we were more than delighted when the opportunity to run Buddens Activity Centre came along.

“The centre is in a wonderful location and offers so much space and freedom for young people to explore, build dens, light fires and immerse themselves in challenging and exciting activities.

“The camping element provides a fantastic environment for young people and adults to connect and reconnect with each other and nature.

“The mental and physical benefits of being outdoors and participating in activities outside the classroom has been proven to boost the immune system, elevate creativity and increase productivity.

“We want to continue to create these positive, often life-changing experiences and help to restore and create a future generation of confident, capable and happy young people and adults.”

Peter Gordon, Rockley’s Owner, pictured with his eldest son Nathaniel, said: “It has been an incredibly hard year for outdoor providers and it has been heart breaking to see so many good outdoor activity centres fall victim to the global pandemic, so we are extremely grateful and excited about this new venture.

“We are always looking at ways to diversify and grow the business.

“The addition of our education programme over 12 years ago, alongside offering outdoor adventure experiences and RYA training, has enabled us to grab this opportunity with both hands.

“We have always been, and continue to be, hugely passionate about providing high-quality outdoor experiences.

“This new centre now allows us to reach even more people, including those within the scouting community.”