This course fulfils the requirements for the residential element of the Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award and will provide participants with the opportunity to learn about the stunning natural history of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, meet new people and discover new skills along the way.
An outline programme is given below, please note that the exact nature and timings of the activities may vary depending on weather, availability and other factors.

We anticipate that this course will run with between 5 and 16 participants.

Tutor: Aaron Bailey

Aaron Bailey has delivered outdoor learning for the FSC since 2018, teaching fieldwork skills in biology, ecology and geography. He has previously worked as a marine conservation volunteer with sea turtles in Costa Rica, monitoring and conserving threatened species; as well as having experience in leading expeditions and DofE residentials in the UK and abroad.

Example Timetable

Monday Afternoon: Welcome to the centre.

Classic limestone landscape walk from the centre to Malham (walking boots required) including the spectacular Malham Cove

Monday Evening: Team building activities and personal objectives

Tuesday All Day: Ingleborough; explore the stunning subterranean world of Ingleborough Cave and walk past Gaping Gill to the summit of Ingleborough Evening Bat walk around the National Nature Reserve and moth trapping

Wednesday All Day: Visit Dry Rigg Quarry to learn about reclamation and conservation followed by an insight into local industrial archaeology at the former Craven Lime Works (including bee orchids, hopefully!) Evening Small mammal trapping

Thursday All Day: Conservation day (specific activity will depend on weather and suitable tasks) Evening Camp fire and group reflection

Friday All Day: Environmental stewardship at Lower Winskill Farm including drystone wall building.

Please arrive between 11:00am and 11:45am on arrival day, allowing time to settle into your room before the course starts at 12 noon.
The course will end at 3.00pm on the last day and we ask that rooms are vacated by 9.30am.

What's Included

  • Up to 9 hours of tuition a day
  • Full board accommodation including a cooked breakfast, packed lunch, home-made cakes and an evening meal. Vegetarian and other dietary options are available on request
  • Tea and coffee making facilities available throughout the day
  • Use of resources including library, workrooms and the Centre grounds
  • Centre organised transport during the course and most admission fees

Before You Attend

  • What to Bring
    Warm clothes and a torch for evening studies
  • Waterproof jacket and trousers *
  • Walking boots, wellington boots *
  • Warm clothing, hat, scarf, gloves, thick socks
  • Small rucksack, flask / water bottle
  • Packed lunch container
  • Sun cream, insect repellent
    *These items can be borrowed at the Centre

Sorry this course has ended