More than £460 raised at the Moors for the Future Partnership’s fell race will help children at Edale CE Primary School learn about nature.
In September, the Partnership held BogFest in the village, a conference and festival to celebrate all things boggy. It brought together professionals and the public to learn about, share and enjoy peat bogs, like those that make up iconic local landscapes such as Kinder Scout and Bleaklow. Part of the fun was a fell race, co-organised by Bob Berzins of the Dark Peak Fell Runners. The 7km run drew in 71 participants and scaled Kinder Scout. 17 young people took part in a junior race.
The entry fees and car parking raised £464 and a cheque was handed over to the school on Wednesday 18th October by Bob Berzins.
Jill Garmeson, Teacher in Charge at the school, said: “A massive thank you to the Dark Peak Fell Runners and Moors for the Future Partnership for their fantastic donation to us as a result of the BogFest fell run. The money will be used to purchase resources for our 'Forest School' activities which take place on our newly acquired piece of land close to school and The Moorland Centre named 'Edale Island'.”
The contribution will enable the school to buy equipment for the outdoor learning sessions including sets of waders for children to get to the island, which is a short wade across a stream. Once on Edale Island, children will take part in activities like den-building and woodland crafts, activities aimed at building self-esteem and social skills in a supportive community environment.
Bob Berzins, from the Dark Peak Fell Runners, added: “Fell runners love to visit the Edale Valley. It’s great to support the local community, especially children of the village school, to enjoy outdoor activities.”
Charlotte Kenyon from the Moors for the Future Partnership organised the fell race alongside Bob. She said: “Both the Partnership and the Dark Peak Fell Runners would like to thank local farmer Andrew Critchlow and landowner Tom Noel. Without their support, the hugely successful race would not have been able to take place. Andrew allowed us to use his field for registration and parking, and Tom allowed the race to take place on his land.”
Children at the school have been learning about moorland plants and animals and were involved in BogFest, showcasing their work alongside an array of academic posters throughout the conference. The display is available to view at the Moorland Centre in Edale until 24th November.
BogFest took place last month and was jointly organised by Moors for the Future Partnership and the IUCN UK Peatland Programme.