SCHOOLCHILDREN from across North Yorkshire and Teesside enjoyed a day on the North Yorkshire Moors learning about the region’s unique habitat and wildlife.

The second annual Let’s Learn Moor event saw 600 children from Middlesbrough, Billingham and Ryedale visit Blakey Ridge over three days to carry out activities and walks organised by the North York Moors National Park, Countryside Learning, British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC) and local gamekeepers.

Gareth Dockerty, BASC North regional officer, who led the scheme, said it had been a fantastic opportunity for the children. “We showed the children the bell heather, they listened to the distinctive call of a lapwing, watched the keepers’ dogs at work and jumped up and down on the spongy moss.

“In essence, we explained to the children just how special this area is and how we achieve balance in this beautiful countryside.”

Tina Brough, of the North Yorkshire Moors Moorland Organisation, said: “It’s important to show the next generation how we are working together to produce this unique landscape and habitat and the balance between communities and nature.

“The gamekeepers really enjoyed the experience as it was very different to what they would normally do, and we believe the project provides an excellent model for future engagement.”