Kids “learn moor’ at Let’s Learn Moor

This week, thousands of children from across the north of England will visit the moors, as part of the annual Let’s Learn Moor educational programme. 

Each of the seven Regional Moorland Groups host their own uplands education programme, involving numerous partner organisations including the emergency services, National Parks, local businesses, conservation groups, chefs, utility groups, gamekeepers and famers, among others. 

Co-ordinated by the Countryside Learning and the British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC) as well as the Moorland Groups, over fifty partner organisations will play a part and almost 3,000 children will get to experience the joys of peat, learn how to fight a wildfire, watch a sheep be sheared and find out why ground-nesting birds are so very vulnerable and in need of our help. 

Some of the children visiting the moors are from local, rural schools, but the majority are from more urban areas. Let’s Learn Moor is an opportunity to show them the biodiversity and wildlife that the moors are home to, as well as raising awareness of dangers that seemingly small things like a disposable barbecue or an off-lead dog can bring - all while having a fun day out. 

Andrew Gilruth, spokesperson for the Regional Moorland Groups, said: “Let’s Learn Moor is one of the most exciting events in the Regional Moorland Groups’ calendars, and the group co-ordinators are looking forward to meeting this year’s pupils. Each of the events offers different activities depending on the location and on feedback from previous attendees, but perhaps the most important thing is to encourage local youngsters onto the moors and to show them what happens not far from their doorstep. 

“Many of these children are unaware of the wildlife and biodiversity on the moors and how humans interact with this wild environment, and it’s fantastic to see and hear how much they gain from the Let’s Learn Moor days. The whole community benefits enormously, and working with BASC and Countryside Learning means we can deliver the best possible day for local children.” 

Curtis Mossop, BASC’s head of education and outreach, said: “We are so looking forward to welcoming children back to Let’s Learn Moor this year, we have a huge range of fun and educational activities in store. In previous years, children have “rescued” their teachers with the mountain rescue, solved rural crimes with the police and learned about the importance of the precious carbon-rich peatlands below their feet. Our young guests will also have a chance to sample wild food, with pigeon and venison burgers on the menu. We are very excited to be working alongside Countryside Learning and the Regional Moorland Groups once again to deliver this fantastic event.”