The Field Studies Council at Blencathra were pleased to welcome Doug Scott who took time out of his busy schedule to officially open the Blencathra Eco-garden on Sunday 9th September. Members of the local community, businesses and organisations joined pupils and staff from Ullswater Community College to celebrate the efforts undertaken in the garden.

The students from Ullswater have enjoyed learning about conservation and taking part in environmental activities and were rewarded for their efforts with John Muir Awards, presented by Doug Scott. The young people gave a presentation to the guests followed by tours of the garden.Tim Foster Head of Centre said 'This endeavour has improved a neglected area of the site to create a sensory flora bed, seating area, dipping pond, bog garden, woodland sculpture and up-graded pathways. This is the culmination of visiting schools undertaking an 'eco challenge' as part of the John Muir Award. All the students taking part should be proud of their achievements and a special mention should go to Jo Morris and Catherine Englebrecht from the Blencathra Centre who have been a key driving force behind the project.

The Blencathra Centre would like to thank everyone who has helped to make the Eco-Garden and its Opening a great success and we should particularily mention the Youth Opportunities Fund who have been instrumental in providing some of the funding required.

Tim Foster - Head of Blencathra Centre.

For more information you can email Tim Foster