[M]ore than 100 school children from the Ullswater area became official members of the ‘great outdoors’ at the Ullswater Outdoor Fest held earlier this month, thanks to a cash boost from the Lake District National Park’s Communities Fund.
The £3,000 donation made it possible for children to try out a range of outdoors activities, such as sailing, archery, indoor climbing, bushcraft skills and horsemanship.
Suzy Hankin, Area Ranger for the Lake District National Park, organised the funding for the project. Suzy said: “You’d be surprised by how many local children aren’t aware of the range of activities and experiences that are on their doorstep, so I was delighted to be able to connect with local outdoor providers and inspire the children about the National Park. This has proved a huge success, so we’re keen to find the next project to support with the Local Communities Fund.”
The Lake District Communities Fund is available for communities within the Lake District National Park area to apply to, for projects supporting the local area. Find out how to apply on the Lake District National Park website.
School children attended from Penruddock, Stainton, Patterdale, Yanwath and Lowther Endowed primary schools.
George Jackman, aged eight from Penruddock School took part in the Bushcraft Activities with Reach Beyond Adventure, said “I had a great afternoon in the woods. I started a fire with the firewood I’d collected, and baked some bread which I ate with some hot chocolate. It was better than any subject at school!”
The annual Ullswater Outdoor Fest organised by Ullswater Association takes place every year at the end of September and offers nine days of guided walks, outdoor adventures, films and talks celebrating the great outdoors and the Ullswater Valley in particular.
The school children’s activities were supported by businesses from the Ullswater Association, including Ullswater Yacht Club, Distant Horizons, Reach Beyond Adventure and Rookin House Centre.
