The future of the pioneering upland education initiative Let’s Learn Moor has been secured and strengthened by a grant from the UK’s largest shooting organisation.
Building on the first three successful years, the £37,000 legacy funding from the British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC) will enable the initiative to continue to grow over the next three years and achieve its ambitious educational aims.
This summer the initiative welcomed 1,400 children to seven moorland locations in the north of England. They were introduced to and educated by more than 30 partner organisations including conservation groups, national park and AONB authorities and local produce businesses, water utility companies, the emergency services and farmers.
All of the events were hosted on grouse moors with gamekeepers and regional moorland groups acting as coordinators and one of the key attractions. Events were held at locations across Yorkshire, Lancashire, the Peak District and the northern Pennines.
At its heart, the project aims to show children the variety of wildlife on our uplands and the importance of creating a balanced and healthy moorland for future generations. The funding will allow phase two of the initiative to begin, creating further opportunities to allow local organisations to engage and educate children.
Gareth Dockerty, Let’s Learn Moor coordinator and BASC northern regional officer, said: “The excitement and enjoyment Let’s Learn Moor is providing for children makes the whole initiative worthwhile. Many of today’s younger generations are simply not being provided with the opportunity to get outside and learn about nature.
“It is fantastic to have the support to provide this gateway to the uplands, since its inception we knew it was going to be an outright success.
“The support of the BASC legacy fund, alongside commitments from a variety of other partners such as Moorland Communities Trust, the National Gamekeepers Organisation, Countryside Alliance and the Moorland Association will keep the project growing into the future and achieving its educational aims.”
BASC legacy funding contributes towards activity that promotes and protects shooting, so benefactors can be confident that their legacy will have an impact, now and in the future.
For more information, email sandra.loton-jones@0ld.basc.org.uk