About Us

What is HHO?

Hengistbury Head Outdoors (HHO) is a local, community-led charity with a big ambition – to breathe new life into the beloved activity centre at Hengistbury Head.

Originally opened in 1964, Hengistbury Head Outdoor Education Centre was a thriving hub for schools, groups and nature lovers. It was a place where people of all ages and the local community came together to explore, learn new skills, and spend time in nature. It was used by 75 schools, supporting around 15,000 school sessions and 5,000 public sessions each year.

Where are we?

HHO sits at the heart of a stunning protected Site of Special Scientific Interest and nature reserve beside Christchurch Harbour. The Harbour is home to many activities, clubs and associations, including sailing, rowing, SUP, swimming, running, birdwatching, hiking, and a poetry club and historical society.

However after decades without major investment, and with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the centre closed in 2020, and its facilities have since fallen into serious disrepair.

 

Our Vision

To transform this stunning natural site into an inspiring community destination. A place where everyone, of all ages and backgrounds, can connect with nature, enjoy outdoor adventures,and thrive in body and mind.

It will:

  • Be inclusive and accessible for everyone
  • Offer both land-based and water-based activities
  • Provide education, development and training
  • Support both physical and mental wellbeing
  • Respect and nourish our unique natural environment
  • Be financially sustainable

Who are we?

We are a group of passionate, local volunteers who have stepped up to save this precious place. 

Through public meetings, widespread consultation and huge local support, Hengistbury Head Outdoors Ltd (HHO) was formed, a Community Benefit Society (CBS), recognised as a charity by HMRC. In February 2025, we secured a 99-year lease with BCP Council to take over and manage the site.

Since then, we’ve brought together a skilled Board of Directors, a group of trusted advisors, and over 900 community members – and have already secured more than £600k in funding to support the centre’s restoration.

 

We are building a new future for HHO - better, brighter, and bolder than ever

The objects of Hengistbury Head Outdoors Community Benefit Society shall be for the public benefit:

  • To provide or assist in the provision of facilities for recreation and other leisure time occupation for the general public in the interests of social welfare and the with the object of improving the conditions of life;
  • To promote community participation in healthy recreation, in particular, by the provision of facilities for the learning, teaching  and practicing activities which promote physical and mental wellbeing;
  • To advance education in water-sports and other health and well-being activities, in particular but not exclusively, by the provision of training and information for health or fitness professionals, coaches, instructors and the general public. Activities include but are not limited to sailing, canoeing, paddle-boarding, safety boat handling, water safety, dragon boating, Yoga and Pilates;
  • The advancement and protection of the environment providing education and conservation programmes;
  • The creation of training and employment opportunities by the provision of workspace, buildings and land for use on favourable terms for providers of activities that promote community physical and mental wellbeing;
  • To cooperate with other charities, voluntary bodies and statutory authorities operating in the furtherance of the objects or similar charitable purposes and to exchange information and advice with them;
  • To pursue such other charitable purposes consistent with the above as the Directors, in their absolute discretion, shall determine.

HENGISTBURY HEAD OUTDOORS (HHO) has, as of 3rd November 2023 been registered by the Co-operative and Community Benefit Societies Act 2014 as a Community Benefit Society: CBS Registration number: 9176. As of November 3rd 2023 was also granted charitable status for tax purposes by HM Revenue and Customs. HMRC Charities reference number: ZD28944. Hengistbury Head Outdoors Ltd.

Spring 2025 Update

At the end of February we signed a 99 year lease for the centre with BCP Council, which now brings the centre into community ownership, which is fantastic progress. In addition we have applied and now secured a grant of c.£669,000 from the Government's Community Ownership Fund (COF) for the immediate repair and refurbishment of the centre. It is subject to us raising an additional £155,000 in matching funds from the community to support the full fund allocation. Initial refurbishment work to repair the waterfront and to provide usable facilities on site will take place throughout the Summer & Autumn of 2025.

 

The Current HHO Directors (January 2025)                                  

Max Buttinger  Chartered Physicist, business owner. - Local Resident.   

Bill Howlett  Business Manager (Retd). Sailor, RYA Instructor. - Hengistbury Head Sailing Club. 

John Merritt  Community Business Development Worker. Sailor & Swimmer.

Mark Merritt  Managing Director (Retd). Sailor, Kayaker & Cyclist. – Friends of Stanpit Marsh.

Becs Vince  Consultant on Inclusion in Education. Wellbeing & the Great Outdoors, Boating & Water Sports.             

Neil Woods  Recruitment Manager.- Paddle UK Leader & Instructor. - BH Activity Junkies Founder

Sara Glen   - Deputy Chief Constable Hampshire Constabulary (Retd) and founder of Infinite 8 life - Healthy Communities Director - Active Water sports user

Alan Price 

Diana Parkes

Anne Benmore (Dr)

Julia Shaw

Will Behenna

Trusted Advisors

Alongside the named Directors, the Society also has a diverse group of Trusted Advisors who bring specific skills and professional support to the board as it progresses into the ownership of the centre.

 

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