POLITICIANS visited a residential centre to push proposed legislation which would mandate adding outdoor educational experiences to the curriculum. 

South Lakes MP Tim Farron, MSP Liz Smith, and Sam Rowlands MS visited The Outward Bound Trust in Ullswater. The charity has centres across England, Scotland and Wales. They have all submitted bills calling for outdoor education to be added to the curriculum. 

The Westmorland Gazette: Conservative members in Scotland and Wales Liz Smith and Sam Rowlands met with Liberal Democrat Tim Farron in the LakesConservative members in Scotland and Wales Liz Smith and Sam Rowlands met with Liberal Democrat Tim Farron in the Lakes (Image: Submitted)

The politicians discussed the bills while rowing on Ullswater with Martin Davidson, chief executive of Outward Bound. 

Former Outward Bound participant Jade (15), said: "I overcame my fear of not being good enough and failing. The people I was in a group with helped me believe in myself and reassured me. [Afterwards], I felt happy and proud of myself because some of the things I’ve done, I thought I would never do.”

Another participant Helen (17), agreed: "I loved walking up the mountains with a backpack and just being in the middle of nowhere. Everything is sort of down to you, you’re sort of looking after yourself and stuff. It was very good. It helped me feel more independent.”

The Westmorland Gazette: Mr Farron and Mr Davidson meeting children at the residential centreMr Farron and Mr Davidson meeting children at the residential centre (Image: Submitted)

Tim Farron, Liberal Democrat MP for Westmorland and Lonsdale, said: “Outdoor education should not just be for the privileged. It should be an experience that is available to every young person from every school in our country.”

Sam Rowlands, North Wales Conservative MS said: “There’s lots of evidence that shows when children engage with the outdoors, there’s a big reduction in physical health issues and in mental health issues.

"Learning to enjoy and play outside and have adventurous experiences makes such a difference for our children in the long run.”

READ MORE: Bill put forward for required outdoor education opportunity

Liz Smith, Conservative MSP member for Mid Scotland and Fife said: "Outdoor education is hugely beneficial for both the mental and physical wellbeing of young people, which is so important, especially after the impact the pandemic has had on their education.”

Mr Davidson stated that Outward Bound would be throwing its weight behind the bill: "As educators and advocates for our young people, we not only support these Bills but will actively campaign in favour of them. We believe it's a crucial step forward for our sector, and more importantly, for our young people.”