Teenagers from the Bowness-on-Solway area spent a day out on the Burgh Marsh being shown by county council rangers how to read a map, use a compass and follow a route on the marsh.
Six young people aged between 14 and 16 took part in a day of orienteering, crossing ditches and bridges and finding their way on the marsh to help them work towards their Duke of Edinburgh Awards.
The event was organised by rangers from Cumbria County Council’s Countryside Access team and Mobex Cumbria - a young people’s personal development organisation.
The aim of the day was to improve navigation and give the young people the know-how and to stay safe when walking on footpaths and in the countryside. Youngsters were treated to an earlier classroom session on navigation before heading out for some hands-on experience on Open Access land at Burgh Marsh by the Solway Firth.
Ranger Geoff Fewkes said: “Cumbria’s weather can change rapidly during the day, being able to find your way on the hills, moors or mosses will make your day out safer and more enjoyable.”
Howard Knudtson from Mobex said, “The group had a great day out. They have gained a lot of confidence using maps and finding their way in the countryside.”
For information on the work of Cumbria’s Countryside Access Team either call on 01228 601022 or visit the County Council web site www.cumbria.gov.uk and look for the link to Transport, then Countryside Access.
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Media enquiries to Justin Hawkins, Media Officer on 01228 606334