L-R: Ollie Wood BEM, Chris Lomas DL, Jim Smith, Helen Ainscough, Cath Lee and Richard Charnock
West Lancashire Scouts is celebrating a major milestone in the transformation of Waddecar Scout Activity Centre, as construction officially begins on a brand-new accommodation building that will significantly increase capacity, accessibility, and opportunity for young people across Lancashire and beyond.
The development marks a once-in-a-generation investment in Scouting, strengthening a site that has delivered adventure, challenge, and life-changing experiences for more than 70 years. At a time when demand for high-quality youth spaces and outdoor learning continues to grow, this investment ensures Waddecar can meet the needs of more young people now and in the future.
Representatives from The Bill Ainscough Foundation joined volunteers and supporters at a recent ceremonial “spade in the ground” event to mark the start of construction, including Foundation Trustee Helen Ainscough and Jim Smith.
The project has been made possible thanks to an extraordinary £1 million donation from The Bill Ainscough Foundation—one of the most significant charitable gifts ever received by West Lancashire Scouts. This investment will help deliver a modern, accessible, and sustainable facility, supporting thousands more young people each year and enabling over 1 million nights away over its lifetime.
Beyond the scale of the investment, leaders say the true significance lies in its impact on young people, creating more opportunities to experience Scouting, develop skills for life, and feel part of a safe, inclusive community.
Jim Smith, Trustee, The Bill Ainscough Foundation, said: “I was genuinely amazed by the dedication and impact of the volunteers at West Lancashire Scouts and the work being done at Waddecar Scout Activity Centre. This is a place where young people and volunteers alike can gain real-life skills in a safe, supportive environment. This project is about much more than a building, it’s about creating opportunity, growth, and experiences that shape young people’s futures.”
Cath Lee, County Lead Volunteer for West Lancashire Scouts, said: “Waddecar is a place where young people discover what they’re capable of, build confidence, and develop skills for life through adventure and challenge. This investment helps us strengthen Scouting’s vision of creating a place where young people feel they belong, where they are supported, included, and able to thrive. Importantly, it allows us to reach more young people at a time when access to safe, positive spaces and outdoor experiences really matters.
"This will directly contribute to our ambition of enabling one million nights away, giving thousands more young people the chance to experience adventure, independence, and personal growth. We are incredibly grateful to The Bill Ainscough Foundation for their generosity and belief in our purpose. This support strengthens our ability to provide opportunities that genuinely change lives.”
Richard Charnock, Chair of Trustees for West Lancashire Scouts, said: “A gift of this scale is remarkable in itself. But what makes it truly special is the vision behind it, a belief in young people, in opportunity, and in the power of experiences that last a lifetime.
“For decades, Waddecar has been a place where young people have their first night away from home, their first experience of independence, and their first real challenge outside of their comfort zone. This project is not just about constructing a building. It is about expanding opportunity, strengthening access, and ensuring young people from all backgrounds can experience everything Scouting has to offer. Through the generosity of The Bill Ainscough Foundation, we are investing in a future where even more young people can benefit from everything Waddecar provides.”
Ollie Wood BEM, Trustee and Project Lead, said: “After years of planning and hard work from our dedicated volunteers, I’m delighted that we are now able to commence construction on this once-in-a-generation project.
“The new building will offer young people from across Lancashire and beyond a place to belong, a safe space to enjoy the outdoors, gain skills for life and make lasting memories. We expect the building will facilitate over 1 million nights away in its lifetime.
“We are extremely grateful that The Bill Ainscough Foundation have given us a £1m donation. This has enabled us to start on-site and has secured the project’s success. We hope to raise further funds in the months ahead so that we can make our new building the best it can be.”
Waddecar has played an important role in the lives of generations of Scouts and volunteers since the site was first gifted by Albert and Alice Waddecar over 70 years ago. The new development continues this legacy, ensuring young people can access outdoor adventure, build resilience, develop lifelong friendships, and gain skills for life.
The project also responds to a growing need for accessible, high-quality spaces where young people can connect, learn, and develop in safe environments, helping more young people benefit from Scouting at a time when such opportunities are increasingly important.
The project will also benefit the wider community by increasing access to outdoor learning and strengthening youth provision across Lancashire.
Further fundraising will continue throughout the project as West Lancashire Scouts moves into the next phase of development, working with partners and supporters to maximise the impact of this landmark investment.
Find out more and get involved:
Waddecar Scout Activity Centre is part of West Lancashire Scouts’ commitment to creating more places where young people and volunteers feel they belong. Through adventure, community, and volunteering, Scouting helps people build confidence, develop skills for life, and make a lasting difference.
To find out more about the Waddecar development project, opportunities to volunteer or support Scouting across West Lancashire, or to enquire about activities and bookings, visit:
