Wellingtons and rock

Doing their bit

The Outward Bound Trust’s involvement in Fix the Fells has a double benefit for Lakeland’s paths. Not only do the paths get thoroughly maintained by keen groups of people, but those same people then spread the word about using the fells in a responsible manner. In time, this will reduce the future damage.

A Diary of Ullswater Outward Bound Centre’s Involvement in the Fix the Fells project

Who are The Outward Bound Trust?

The Outward Bound Trust was founded in 1941 as a survival school for merchant seamen who might find themselves shipwrecked. Nowadays The Outward Bound Trust is an educational charity that helps young people to access safe, adventurous experiences through which they can raise their self-esteem, realise their full potential and achieve more than they ever thought possible. The Ullswater and Howtown Centres have been providing courses since 1955, their lakeshore locations make them perfectly placed for overnight expeditions in the mountains and adventures on the lake.

What prompted you to get involved with the Fix the Fells project?

The Outward Bound Trust aims to inspire and increase awareness about the natural environment in the young people with whom we work. We saw a potential link with this aim, the conservation work of Fix the Fells, and our journeying in the mountains. We are also keen to maintain and develop our relationships with both the local community and other organisations working within the Lake District.

Students…“Everybody who steps on the fells makes an impact”

How would you describe the type of activities you undertake with students?

The Outward Bound Trust offers a range of truly adventurous activities, journeys and expeditions in or on mountains, lakes and rivers. Whilst some of our activities are centre based, such as high challenges and rope courses, the true Outward Bound experience is based on activities in wild environments – rock climbing, gorge walking, mountain walking, overnight camping, canoeing, kayaking and raft building.

How did you go about setting up the programme?

We began our partnership by discussing practicalities with Richard Fox, the Fix the Fells Project Officer, in May 2009. We prepared displays in the Centres and linked the work to the John Muir Award which was already an element of some of our courses. In July, Paul Delaney, the National Trust Footpath Supervisor, worked with two of our Classic courses. This was followed by a training session for our staff in September. We have made a small contribution to the cost of tools provided by Fix the Fells and a site for a tool shed, although the main cost involved has been in time accrued by Outward Bound staff.

Students...“Footpaths – not for once, for ever!”

Which groups have you worked with so far and what activities you have done with them?

We start by showing the group the Fix the Fells DVD and identifying the path we plan to work on. We then carry out maintenance work on paths already repaired by Fix the Fells, such as clearing drainage channels and moving debris off the paths. On return to the Centre work is logged.

Fix the Fells has so far been integrated into our courses as follows:

• Classic Courses – these involve a conservation day. So far six Classic groups have worked on the Fix the Fells project, with each group focusing on a particular stretch of path.
• Courses with a John Muir Award element – these groups combined working on paths with Mountain Day Walks and Overnight Expeditions, working on the sections of path that needed attention as part of their journey. Eight groups have participated to date.
• Current development – due to the success of the Fix the Fells element within the previous two course types, we have extended the project to give groups the option to work on sections of path as and when they come across them on their Mountain Walks and Expeditions. So far we have had three groups involved this way.

What has been the response from the young people and their staff about this type of work?

Overall the response from students has been positive. For most groups, the work creates a sense of camaraderie and team work, providing an often welcome break from walking, as well as a sense of purpose. They enjoy seeing the difference their labour has made to the condition of the path and can appreciate the benefits to the environment and to other users, especially when they get the chance to chat to passing walkers about what they are doing and why! Some are more enthusiastic than others, for example, one group spotted another path that needed maintenance on their way back from an expedition and persuaded their instructor that they should stop and do more work!

However, a small number of groups have responded negatively. Some young people find it hard to get motivated on the project, expressing the view that the work is pointless as it will need to be repeated again. Some can be a bit slow to get going but once they get stuck in most seem to enjoy the work!  

What have been the greatest successes and challenges inundertaking this type of work?

• The biggest success has to be the sense of pride students feel for having done something demanding but worthwhile.
• Perhaps the greatest challenge we have had is the weather! Poor weather has prevented groups from working on planned paths on a few occasions.

Do you have any advice for other OECs considering getting involved with similar schemes?

• Make sure there is a clear link with Fix the Fells with promotional material and some initial training for staff.
• Take care to integrate the project into the work of the Centre, ensuring that both staff and students view it as a key element of the course.
• Expect to do more work on the project during the summer than the winter.