Muddy boots discoveries

By Thom Kennedy

Last updated 05:17, Friday, 21 November 2008

A NEW world has been opened up for Carlisle children unfamiliar with the countryside.

Discovering nature: Pupils from St Bede’s RC Primary School prepare for their expedition to Ullswater. They are members of the Muddy Boots Walking Club who meet for after school walks in the countryside

St Bede’s RC Primary School in Carlisle has set up the Muddy Boots Walking Group, taking youngsters out on walks in the country surrounding Carlisle.

The youngsters have enjoyed visits to destinations including the Hadrian’s Wall path, Kingmoor Woods, Caldbeck, Castle Carrock and Tindale Tarn.

Teacher Clare Wilson said: “The aims of the group are to give children an opportunity to explore the environment that surrounds them, a chance to see walking as a form of exercise and as a source of fun, and a chance to spend time with their friends away from the usual school surroundings.

“Many pupils don’t have independent access to the countryside, and are very enthusiastic.”

The Strathclyde Avenue school has used grants from Belle Vue Neighbourhood Forum, Cumbria Communities Foundation, Edmund Castle Trust, and Cumbria County Council to buy equipment for the children, such as boots, waterproofs, maps and first aid kits.

And they have also hired minibuses, meaning that the service is free for the children.

Experts on wildlife have also accompanied the group to teach them about moths, birds and the environment.

And some of the children have begun to acquire their own equipment.

Mr Wilson added: “Walking with the children is a delight.

“They are eager to explore the landscape and enjoy having fun – building dams, throwing stones, playing Pooh sticks, searching for bugs. The list is endless and different on every walk.”

The after school programme has ended for 2008, but the school will continue to take children on weekend walks, and will continue their club in April.