Community Power Brings Hengistbury Head Outdoors Back to Life

Published: 31 January 2026

On Saturday, I visited the Hengistbury Head Outdoors Education Centre (HHOEC) and spoke with Mark Merritt, the Chairman of Hengistbury Head Outdoors (HHO), a charity intent on reviving the centre for local people. 

For generations, the education centre was utilised by our community for canoeing, kayaking, sailing and windsurfing, as well as providing facilities for educational programmes and yachting qualifications. 

As a place of learning outside of the classroom and somewhere that people could belong, it was a pride of this community, and one that has been missed since the site’s closure in 2021. 

But in February of last year, HHO acquired the centre via a Community Asset Transfer from the BCP Council, granting them a 99-year lease of the site, supported by a £600,000 grant from the Government’s Community Ownership Fund. 

Prior to its closure, the HHOEC was utilised by 75 schools and hosted more than 15,000 educational and 5,000 public sessions a year. 

HHO hopes to restore the centre to the asset that it once was, renewing the facility for a sustainable and innovative future, and once again providing educational programmes for local children, as well as water sports and conservation courses. 

More than 60 people have already invested in community shares in the charity, alongside more than 1,000 supporters of the project giving their time, expertise and donations.

Mr Merritt told me; “Being owned by the community and run for community benefit, not for private profit, HHO will offer affordable, accessible activities on land and water for children, families and older people alike.”

To see the Hengistbury Head Outdoors return the HHOEC to its former glory would be huge for Bournemouth East, and I’m grateful for all those involved in this project. 

Ahead of its Spring opening, Hengistbury Head Outdoors will host two Open Days:

  • Saturday 28 March 2026 – Family Day
  • Sunday 29 March 2026 – Adults (18+)

Visitors can tour the centre, meet the team and find out how to get involved. Tickets and details on community shares and donations are available at www.hengistbury.org.