A series of free landscape training events for outdoor leaders will start up again in a few weeks’ time following an enforced break in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Landscape charity Friends of the Lake District’s Leaders’ Landscape Training Programme is aimed at mountain leaders and outdoor practitioners to help expand their understanding of Cumbria’s landscapes and upland ecology, to cover the issues and pressures that outdoor users place on our landscape, wildlife and habitats, enabling them to pass on their knowledge to those with whom they work.

Ruth Kirk, Landscape Engagement Officer with Friends and organiser of the programme said: “As an events organiser, last year was so frustrating, given the restrictions on gathering we all faced, so we are delighted and feeling quietly optimistic that we can get back to offering these highly recommended sessions once again.

“We’ve got a packed programme this year including understanding tranquillity, dark skies discovery and night navigation, geology, interpreting the landscape, the challenges of upland management and balancing visitor pressure to name a few. The sessions are all of a walk and talk format giving participants the chance to learn from experts in their field face-to-face in an outdoor setting.”

Events are free to outdoor leaders and run from May through to October at various locations in Cumbria. Places are allocated on a first-come, first served basis.

Booking for Friends of the Lake District’s Leader’s Landscape Training sessions is essential and the sessions are also offered as accredited Continuous Professional Development training through the Mountain Training Association for members.

Friends of the Lake District’s Leaders’ Landscape Training Programme for 2021 is sponsored by CONQUER Lake District: designers and creators of National Park goods that have a touch of the nostalgia about them.

To find out more or to book a place, visit www.friendsofthelakedistrict.org.uk/leaders-landscape-training.