A COMMUNITY group in Dursley which looks after 55 acres of beautiful Gloucestershire countryside is encouraging people to visit the newly-equipped site at an open day.

Breakheart Community Project was formed in 2009 by volunteers to secure and manage the disused quarry and woodland at Breakheart Hill.

Since then it as has gradually been improving the site and buildings, re-instating footpaths and tracks and offering refurbished facilities, including a fully equipped field study centre.

The group recently welcomed its first enthusiastic users since the completion of its month-long project to provide eight toilets, washroom facilities and a new kitchen.

The project includes a disabled facility, which will allow the charity to invite bigger groups on site to take advantage of the unique setting.

Dursley out of School Club pronounced them to be great when they spent an energetic day on site in the sunshine.

The charity received £30,000 various trusts and made up the rest of the needed funds from its on fundraising as well as a donation by the Summerfield Charitable Trust.

Breakheart chairman, Ray Pekala, said they were very grateful for the generous grants.

“It has been great to see groups up here already using the facilities and we are now taking bookings as far ahead as July next year,” he said.

“We hope to encourage more schools, playgroups and clubs to take advantage of all that Breakheart has to offer”

To celebrate, Breakheart will be holding an open afternoon on Saturday, May 24 from 2pm onwards. Everyone is free to attend.

The project is also enjoying a brand new café on site. The Yurt Café will be open over the weekends from 10am until 4pm, serving a range of simple dishes and snacks.

As well as the official unveiling of the new facilities, there will be organised walks, nature identification competitions and a visit from the Glorious Ghostbusters.

For more information, or to offer your services as a volunteer, visit: www.breakheart.org.uk