[M]ore than 3,000 people will be able to connect with ‘wild spaces’ across the Lake District, thanks to the renewal of a partnership between the John Muir Trust and the National Park.
The John Muir Award is a national environmental award which encourages participants to enjoy wild places and have a role in caring for nature. In Cumbria it is managed by John Muir Award Manager, Graham Watson, hosted and supported in the role by the Lake District National Park, enabling both residents and visitors to enjoy, learn about and care for the environment around them.
The success of the John Muir Award in the Lake District:
- More than 3,000 people achieve a John Muir Award in Cumbria every year
- In 2011 the Lake District National Park began funding the regional role and during the seven-year partnership more than 19,500 participants have achieved the award
- The award has encouraged both residents and visitors to learn about and take action to address important issues such as footpath erosion, woodland management, and water quality
- The current John Muir Award Manager for Cumbria, Graham Watson, has been in the role since 2007 and he now continues to manage the renewed contract for two more years, until 2020
Graham Watson, John Muir Award Manager for Cumbria said: “I’m delighted that the Lake District is once again supporting the John Muir Award in the region, it’s such a popular framework for people to use here in Cumbria and really reflects the values of the National Park.
“People who take part in the award connect with the Lake District in a new way; it reinforces their understanding and appreciation of this world class landscape, strengthening their connection with the Lake District.”
In order to achieve the award participants must demonstrate that they can discover a wild place, explore its wildness and take responsibility for its conservation and whilst being open to all the award is popular and widely used by schools.
Shelagh Hughes, Head Teacher, St Herbert’s Primary School said: “In my experience, their hands on experience during the activities excites and inspires them to continue to conserve and be aware of the natural world.”
Kerry Powell, Director of Communications and Resources at the Lake District National Park said: “We see the huge value that the John Muir Award brings to the Lake District, providing vital awareness and education of how we can work together to protect this special World Heritage Site. The award is enjoyed by thousands of people who both live in and visit the Lake District and we’re thrilled to see it continue.”
News of the John Muir Award contract renewal comes as the John Muir Trust is celebrating what would have been John Muir’s 180th birthday on 21st April 2018. Find out more about the John Muir Award and how to take part here: http://www.lakedistrict.gov.uk/learning/johnmuiraward
