Carlisle Youth Zone outings for John Muir Award

The first Fellfoot Forward John Muir Award group from Carlisle Youth Zone started making outings into the scheme area from May 2021. The group travelled from Carlisle to Brampton by train, walked to Talkin Tarn Country Park in the sunshine, and built shelters in the woods with Independent Adventures. They had a mini raft building competition, and, after making their own campfire, reflected on their day whilst enjoying hot chocolate and marshmallows.

The group’s second visit took place in Cumrew, with an introduction to camera trapping by naturalist Guy Broome. One keen eyed member of the group spotted a roe deer, a first for some of the teenagers. This was followed by a walk in Miltonrigg Woods, where they loved the contrast to their home surrounds of Carlisle, climbed trees, and gained a sense of freedom they have not had during the pandemic.

The group were able to learn how uplands are managed on an adventurous trip up to Cardunneth Pike, a prominent hill overlooking Cumrew with views across the Fellfoot Forward area. Everyone took on the challenge of exploring a new wild place and returned home ready to share their experiences with others.

The John Muir Award encourages participants to connect with, enjoy and care for wild places and this group have been doing just that in the Fellfoot Forward area, using Fellfoot Forward travel grants. The group have also carried out conservation work at RSPB Geltsdale, tree planting at Hallbankgate, and shared their experiences through art activities including creating this animated video: