Latest News – Updated Friday 21st July 2023

This page has been designed to give you the latest updates and information about Overstone Scout Campsite & Activity Centre.

We would advise all Groups / Sections to view this page before visiting Overstone to know what is available. NDS Groups and Sections do not have to book to use Overstone for evening use but if you want sole use of a field for a Group event like an AGM then it is recommended you should book it in advance.

All Groups and Sections not in Northampton District and all other organisations must book before attending Overstone.

For the latest booking and availability of Knights Lodge, Camping and Activities please use the following links.

Knights Lodge Bookings and Availability

Camp Site Bookings and Availability

Activity Bookings and Availability

Overstone Update: –

Dogs – A reminder to all Leaders. The exercising of dogs is prohibited at Overstone. This means dogs with the exception of assistance dogs should not be brought to Overstone. Please ensure all parents are aware of this.

Use of Utilities – Everyone is aware of the increase in prices for utilities. Water and Electricity is a major expense at Overstone. Please make sure that lights are turned off after use in the toilets and shelters and water is used sparingly.

CaveBus Headtorches – Overstone will endeavour to provide headtorches for use with the CaveBus, but is recommended that Groups and Sections supply some of their own in the event that the provided ones have not been misplaced, damaged or left switched on. Can you please ensure that headtorches are switched off and correctly put away after use.

Tree Felling – Although a lot of work has taken place to significantly reduce the risk of trees and branches falling Leaders should be aware that it does not remove the risk entirely. Appropriate RA must be in place and take into account the weather and other mitigating circumstances.

Hedging Plants – Following on from the planting of 420 hedging plants at the beginning of November 2022 donated by the Woodland Trust another 300 hedging plant have been planted during March 2023. Overstone is due to receive another batch of hedging plants in October / November.

Fires – If you are having a fire at Overstone, please use the main Campfire Circle, Altar Fires, or the small campfire areas on the campsites. Most of the campsites have areas for campfires. Please do not use the open areas around the rest of the woods for fires. Although there is an abundance of wood at this moment, in log piles near the campfires, it will not last forever, so please be respectful how much you use. A lot of the wood is still in large logs so you may need to put into practice your skills with saws and axes.

Slide in the Bottom Field – The OMT is aware of the iconic stature of the slide having been there for many years and being a centre of attraction in between the two fields, unfortunately following damage caused to the slide by the large falling branch in September the slide and the remainder of the tree was inspected, and the decision had to be taken to fell the tree and remove the slide. This decision was not taken lightly. Over the years when the tree has been growing the slide has imbedded itself in the trunk. This resulted in the slide slowly being lifted, becoming distorted and buckled. This also affected the steps which also over the years have rotted. When the tree was inspected it was identified as being at risk with the likelihood of further falling branches and the possibility of the tree falling. The risk could not be tolerated, and the decision was therefore taken to remove it along with the slide. It is hoped that once a decision is taken with regards to the Asset Review a decision will be made as to some form of replacement.