Where It All Began: North York Moors Marks a Decade of Let’s Learn Moor
Close to 500 schoolchildren spent three days on the North York Moors this week, marking a decade since the UK’s largest upland education programme was born on these very moors.
Held over 6, 7 and 8 July, Let’s Learn Moor 2026 welcomed children from 14 schools, who moved between hands-on stations run by gamekeepers, conservationists, farmers and the emergency services, meeting the people whose work shapes and protects the moors. For many, it was their first ever visit to a managed moorland.
Let’s Learn Moor began in the North York Moors a decade ago as a partnership between the North York Moors Moorland Organisation (NYMMO), Countryside Learning and BASC, welcoming 300 children to its inaugural event. It has since grown to eight locations across northern England, with close to 2,500 children taking part this year. The project is overseen by BASC and made possible through BASC’s legacy fund, with the support of more than 50 partners.
Curtis Mossop, Head of Training, Education and Outreach at BASC, said: “There is something truly special about watching hundreds of children step off the bus, their faces lighting up as they take in the vast landscape before them. Those moments perfectly capture what Let's Learn Moor is all about: connecting young people with the uplands in a way that inspires curiosity, appreciation and lasting memories. It all began here with NYMMO, Countryside Learning and BASC, sparked by what initially seemed like a slightly wacky idea, and welcomed 300 children to the inaugural event. Since then, Let's Learn Moor has grown to eight locations, with more than 2,500 children taking part over the course of the project. None of it would have been possible without the vision and passion of NYMMO and Countryside Learning.”
Tina Brough, Coordinator of the North York Moors Moorland Organisation, said: “We’ve had another incredible three days of Let’s Learn Moor, with more than 500 children taking part, and the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. NYMMO has been involved from the very beginning, and we’ve watched with great pride as the project has grown year after year, reaching even more children. The gamekeepers work incredibly hard throughout the year, and it’s especially rewarding to see them share their knowledge, skills and passion for the moorland with the visiting children. Seeing young people engage with the countryside, ask questions and develop a greater understanding of the environment makes all the hard work worthwhile.”
Andrew Priestley of Scarborough and Ryedale Mountain Rescue Team said: “The team really enjoy supporting the Let’s Learn Moor events each year. It’s great to share a little about mountain rescue and safety on the moors. The kids always seem so engaged and throw themselves into the activities with such vigour.”
Miss Pope of Gillamoor CE Primary School said: “It’s been great to see the children in their home environment, showing what they know and learning new things. It’s also a welcome opportunity to be in, learn about and appreciate the incredible surroundings that are around us.”
The verdict from the children themselves was unequivocal. One Year 6 pupil said: “I loved the mountain rescue session and feel safe exploring the moors now,” while a pupil from Sleights Primary School summed it up simply: “This is the best day ever!”
Let’s Learn Moor ensures that young people from a wide range of backgrounds can access high-quality outdoor education experiences that deepen their understanding of conservation, biodiversity and rural land management.
Let’s Learn Moor 2026 takes place from Monday 29 June to Friday 10 July across northern England.
For more information about Let’s Learn Moor and its impact, visit https://basc.org.uk/lets-learn-moor/