Calvert Devon – A Legacy of Adventure Without Limits - to close its doors
Calvert Devon – A Legacy of Adventure Without Limits
After more than 30 years of providing life-changing outdoor experiences for people of all abilities, Calvert Devon will close its doors at the end of August 2026.
This is an extremely difficult decision for everyone connected with the centre. Calvert Devon has been much more than an outdoor activity centre. For over three decades, it has been a place where people have been encouraged to discover what they can achieve, challenge perceptions and experience adventure in an environment where inclusion has always been at the heart of what we do.
A history rooted in inclusion
Originally established as Exmoor Calvert Trust, the centre developed from a vision that people with disabilities should have the same opportunities to experience adventure, challenge and the outdoors as anyone else.
Set in the beautiful landscape of Exmoor, overlooking Wistlandpound Reservoir, the centre became a specialist provider of accessible outdoor adventure. Over the years, thousands of young people, adults, families, schools, charities and community groups have visited the centre and taken part in activities designed to challenge, inspire and build confidence.
The programme evolved to include a wide range of outdoor and adventurous activities, including climbing, abseiling, canoeing, archery, trikes, sailing, swimming, equestrian activities and a variety of specialist activities adapted to meet individual needs.
But the activities themselves were never the whole story.
The real purpose was what happened through those activities – seeing someone achieve something they had never believed possible, watching confidence grow, creating opportunities for people to participate alongside their peers, and helping individuals recognise their own potential.
An ethos of adventure without limits
The ethos of Calvert Devon was founded on a simple principle: adventure should be accessible to everyone.
Our approach was not about defining people by their disability or focusing on what they could not do. Instead, we worked with individuals to understand what they could achieve and then found ways to make that possible.
That philosophy shaped the culture of the organisation. Our instructors, support teams, volunteers and wider staff community were passionate about creating opportunities rather than barriers. Accessibility and inclusion were not additional features of the programme; they were fundamental to the way the centre operated.
For many visitors, the experience went far beyond a residential visit or an outdoor activity session. It was an opportunity to try something new, overcome a fear, develop independence, build relationships and return home with a different view of what might be possible.
That is a legacy of which everyone associated with Calvert Devon can be immensely proud.
A contribution to the outdoor sector
Calvert Devon also played an important role within the wider outdoor learning and adventure community.
The centre demonstrated that high-quality adventurous activities and genuine inclusion can work hand in hand. It helped develop the skills, confidence and understanding of staff working with people with disabilities and provided an environment in which practitioners could continually develop their approach to inclusive adventure.
The centre's work was recognised through its participation in the wider outdoor sector and through accreditations and quality standards, including AHOEC, AALA, Adventuremark, RDA, RYA, and LOtC.
Most importantly, however, its contribution can be measured in the experiences of the people who came through its doors and the lasting memories they took away with them.
Why are we closing?
The decision to close Calvert Devon has not been taken lightly.
Over recent years, the centre has faced significant financial and operational challenges. Every available avenue to secure a sustainable future for the Devon centre has been explored, including fundraising, appeals, changes to the operating model and efforts to rebuild and strengthen its programme of activity.
Despite those efforts, the Trustees have concluded that the centre is no longer financially viable and that closure is necessary.
The decision has been particularly difficult because of the strength of feeling for the centre among staff, volunteers, supporters, customers and partners. There remains a deep belief in the importance of the work that Calvert Devon has delivered over the past 30 years.
The wider Calvert Trust continues
It is important to clarify that the closure of Calvert Devon is specific to the Devon centre.
The other Calvert Trust centres – Calvert Lakes in the Lake District and Calvert Kielder in Northumberland – remain open and continue to provide outdoor adventure and inclusive experiences.
The closure of Calvert Devon should therefore not be understood as the closure of the wider Calvert Trust or as a reflection of the future of these two centres. We very much hope that Calvert Lakes and Calvert Kielder will continue to build on the wider Calvert vision and provide opportunities for people of all abilities to experience the outdoors.
A legacy that must continue
While the physical centre in Devon will close, we hope that the principles behind its work will continue.
Adventure without limits doesn't end here.
The outdoor sector has an important role to play in ensuring that people with disabilities continue to have genuine opportunities to experience adventure, challenge and the natural environment.
We hope that the experiences, knowledge and relationships built over 30 years at Calvert Devon will continue to influence the sector and inspire others to keep challenging the barriers that prevent people from participating.
We would like to thank every member of staff, instructor, volunteer, trustee, donor, partner, customer and supporter who has contributed to the life of Calvert Devon.
Most of all, we thank the thousands of people who trusted us to share their adventures with them.
It has been a privilege.
Calvert Devon may be closing, but the belief that adventure should have no limits must continue.
