A NEW outdoor classroom will be created in the grounds of a leading Keswick field centre, thanks to a funding boost from the Wainwright Society.

FSC Blencathra, located in Threlkeld, has received £1,500 from the society, which helps to raise funds for local organisations which support the fell-walking traditions promoted by British author and illustrator Alfred Wainwright.

The centre, which is operated by the Field Studies Council (FSC), provides outdoor learning opportunities for school pupils, runs nature and art courses for all ages and operates as a base for family holidays.

It will use the cash injection to create an outdoor classroom for its art classes, field sketching and other activities.

Tim Foster, head of Group North, said: “We are very grateful to the Wainwright Society for this funding which will not only enable us to develop our outdoor learning facilities but will also strengthen our links with the Wainwright Society.

“The outdoor classroom will provide a fantastic area for field sketching and other activities and will also allow visitors to view some of the 28 fells or Wainwrights as they are commonly known as from the centre’s elevated position.

“In addition we will also develop a viewing platform and south facing interpretation board which will be linked to a laminated fold out chart based on ‘field sketching Wainwright style’.”

The centre is one of 20 operated by FSC, an environmental educational charity providing outdoor learning opportunities for all ages.

Visitors travel from all over the UK to visit the centre and for many it is their first trip to the Lake District World Heritage Site.

Courses run by the centre, which is also home to the Mountain Heritage Trust, encourages students to think about green tourism.

For more information about FSC Blencathra visit www.field-studies-council.org/centres/blencathra.aspx.