More than 300 schoolchildren have been given a hands-on introduction to life on the Yorkshire Dales moors as part of the UK’s largest upland education initiative.
Pupils from across the region took part in Let’s Learn Moor 2026, which was held over two days on July 9 and 10 and marked the programme’s 10th anniversary.
The event introduced children to a wide range of traditional countryside skills and conservation work, including drystone walling, sheep farming, gamekeeping, gundog handling, beekeeping, vegetation and fire management. They also met volunteers from Swaledale Mountain Rescue Team to learn about safety in the uplands.
For many of the children, it was their first visit to a managed moorland landscape and their first opportunity to learn about the work involved in protecting and managing the countryside.
The event was organised by the Yorkshire Dales Moorland Group in partnership with Countryside Learning and BASC, with support from more than 50 organisations. It forms part of a series of events held across northern England to help young people better understand biodiversity, conservation and rural land management.
As well as learning about traditional land management, pupils explored peatland habitats, moorland wildlife and the important role the uplands play in supporting both nature and local communities.
Darren Chadwick, coordinator of the Yorkshire Dales Moorland Group, said this year’s event had been a success despite the hot weather.
“Phew, what a scorcher. The weather was a challenge this year, but the event was a phenomenal success,” he said.
“With more than 300 schoolchildren attending and eight key partners providing the food, entertainment and learning resources, it was quality time for everyone involved.
“This annual event brings children out onto the moors to learn about rural skills, wildlife, community and their future responsibilities when visiting the uplands.”
Mr Chadwick praised the partnership between the organisations involved, as well as the teachers, volunteers and pupils who took part.
Let’s Learn Moor is delivered by regional moorland groups and private estates across northern England and is overseen by BASC through its legacy fund.
Organisers say the programme aims to ensure children from both rural and urban communities can experience the countryside first-hand while developing a greater understanding of conservation, biodiversity and the importance of responsible access to the uplands.
For more information about Let’s Learn Moor and its impact, visit https://basc.org.uk/lets-learn-moor/
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Including teaching children that it’s ok to kill birds for fun!