Investigating Natural Sciences in Wild Ennerdale: building an Education Hub at Low Gillerthwaite Field Centre
Lead Research Organisation:
Low Gillerthwaite Field Centre
Department Name: Educational Hub
Abstract
The Low Gillerthwaite Field Centre Association (LGFC) is seeking an STFC Public Engagement Small Grant to recruit and train a core group of 10-12 volunteers from the LGFC membership and the wider community in West Cumbria to deliver a series of events that will showcase the excitement of natural science in core STFC subject areas. The approach will be to inform, entertain and inspire the audience by providing the opportunity to do hands-on experimental and observational science during both residential and open access (public) events. Under the banner of the STFC-LGFC Education Hub, this project will build and sustain a team of volunteers who will deliver residential workshops and public access events in STFC key subject areas of astronomy, particle physics, solar system and space science and sustainable energy to facilitate public awareness of STFC science projects.
To support the LGFC volunteer team we will establish a network of external experts in the key STFC subjects who will contribute at workshops and experimental/observational events held the STFC-LGFC Education Hub. We will draw on expertise from the academic community in northern England, particularly those engaged in STFC projects, and from industry. We will also draw on the wealth of expertise in our local communities, particularly in amateur associations and societies, where we already have strong links.
We will aim to provide opportunities for "hands-on" activities in STFC core subjects through provision of equipment and materials to support the classroom presentations. Our participants will learn to describe and understand the nature of astronomical objects visible in the Gillerthwaite dark skies and we will provide familiarity with simple equipment used to study and gather data about them. This will include information about techniques of astrophotography at a level sufficient to enable participants to start taking their own images. We will emphasise how this work at an introductory level relates to the cutting-edge science and facilities available at STFC-funded laboratories. In the sustainable energy theme we will aim to foster awareness of the issues involved in implementing strategies in sustainable energy at a micro- (LGFC operates its own micro-hydroelectric scheme) and macro-scale and focus on the opportunities and threats that exist for the UK, and the world, in the transition to a low-carbon economy. We will emphasise how STFC technologies in this field are enabling this transition.
LGFC has an integrated approach to public engagement with the natural sciences. In addition to core themes of astronomy and sustainable energy the Centre will also offer workshops and public access events in planetary geoscience and geology. We intend also to develop a theme in ecology and biology reflecting our Ennerdale location at the focus of the Forestry Commission Wild Ennerdale wild land restoration project (www.wildennerdale.co.uk). While we do not seek support for these initiatives here, they are mentioned to show the potential for future cross-research council, multi-disiplinary funding applications in response to calls for greater integration and outreach activity by individual research councils and RCUK.
The mission of the LGFC (www.lgfc.org.uk) is to inform and enthuse young people about natural science and conservation in the beautiful setting of Ennerdale in the Lake District National Park. The Centre focuses on bringing an appreciation and understanding of the natural world to young people from urban backgrounds particularly those from cities and large towns of northern England and those from underprivileged backgrounds. The impact on the individual within the target groups is potentially profound. Many of our visitors may never have ventured out of a city before experiencing the wild environment and dark skies of Ennerdale. By introducing young people from such backgrounds to natural science in this environment we can change lives.
To support the LGFC volunteer team we will establish a network of external experts in the key STFC subjects who will contribute at workshops and experimental/observational events held the STFC-LGFC Education Hub. We will draw on expertise from the academic community in northern England, particularly those engaged in STFC projects, and from industry. We will also draw on the wealth of expertise in our local communities, particularly in amateur associations and societies, where we already have strong links.
We will aim to provide opportunities for "hands-on" activities in STFC core subjects through provision of equipment and materials to support the classroom presentations. Our participants will learn to describe and understand the nature of astronomical objects visible in the Gillerthwaite dark skies and we will provide familiarity with simple equipment used to study and gather data about them. This will include information about techniques of astrophotography at a level sufficient to enable participants to start taking their own images. We will emphasise how this work at an introductory level relates to the cutting-edge science and facilities available at STFC-funded laboratories. In the sustainable energy theme we will aim to foster awareness of the issues involved in implementing strategies in sustainable energy at a micro- (LGFC operates its own micro-hydroelectric scheme) and macro-scale and focus on the opportunities and threats that exist for the UK, and the world, in the transition to a low-carbon economy. We will emphasise how STFC technologies in this field are enabling this transition.
LGFC has an integrated approach to public engagement with the natural sciences. In addition to core themes of astronomy and sustainable energy the Centre will also offer workshops and public access events in planetary geoscience and geology. We intend also to develop a theme in ecology and biology reflecting our Ennerdale location at the focus of the Forestry Commission Wild Ennerdale wild land restoration project (www.wildennerdale.co.uk). While we do not seek support for these initiatives here, they are mentioned to show the potential for future cross-research council, multi-disiplinary funding applications in response to calls for greater integration and outreach activity by individual research councils and RCUK.
The mission of the LGFC (www.lgfc.org.uk) is to inform and enthuse young people about natural science and conservation in the beautiful setting of Ennerdale in the Lake District National Park. The Centre focuses on bringing an appreciation and understanding of the natural world to young people from urban backgrounds particularly those from cities and large towns of northern England and those from underprivileged backgrounds. The impact on the individual within the target groups is potentially profound. Many of our visitors may never have ventured out of a city before experiencing the wild environment and dark skies of Ennerdale. By introducing young people from such backgrounds to natural science in this environment we can change lives.
Planned Impact
Marketing of the STFC-LGFC Education Hub
The workshops and activities of the Education Hub are targeted at children of school ages from 9-17, parents and the general public together with youth groups from city areas. We will seek to market our offering of innovative and inspiring workshops, and hands-on experimental and observing sessions in natural science to this diverse group using:
1) The STEM-schools network; initially STEM Cumbria Ltd (Tony Gill) and MerseySTEM (Michelle Dow) (Merseyside, North Cheshire and Warrington);
2) The Youth Project network in Cumbria and Merseyside building on existing links with the Walton Youth Project and the South Workington Youth Project;
3) Dedicated pages on the LGFC and STFC websites explaining the aims of the Education Hub;
4) Our contacts with journalists in the local (West Cumbria) press: The Whitehaven News and The Cumberland News and the local press in our target cities of northern England; Radio Cumbria.
5) Popular science publications and websites of national organisations: The Astronomical Society; BBC Star Gazing Live; Sky at Night magazine; Astronomy Now magazine;
6) The Lake District National Park website and publications where we already place advertising in connection with our Dark Sky Discovery Site activities.
7) BBC 1 "Countryfile" and "Secret Britain" programmes - The Wild Ennerdale Project has already featured twice on "Countryfile";
8) The Ennerdale Centre - a lottery-funded development of a community centre at Ennerdale Bridge, our nearest village - will be a focus for dissemination of information about the Hub and how to become a volunteer. More information about the Ennerdale Centre can be found at ennerdalecentre@btinternet.com.
We will also search out non-STEM schools in our target geographic areas and seek to engage science teachers in these schools in our activities.
Teaching and instruction material prepared for our interactive workshops and observing sessions will be made available as a resource to our visiting groups through our website, and publicly through the STEM e_library.
The medium-term objective of this marketing activity is to build up a local and national awareness of our activities and a client base such that after the completion of this project (in 2018) LGFC will be in a position to offer 4-6 Educational Hub activity residential weekends each year on a sustainable basis.
Dissemination of outcomes, resources and ideas
We will vigorously pursue a programme of communicating the activities and successes of the STFC-LGFC Education Hub to scientists, educators, communicators, and 'Public Engagement' people using:
1) The LGFC membership and their networks;
2) Our network of STEM and non-STEM schools and Youth Project Groups;
3) STFC and LGFC websites and LGFC Facebook account;
4) The PSCI-Conm Digest - an email list containing opportunities and information for public engagement people nation-wide. containing opportunities and information for public engagement people nation-wide.
5) Our contacts with Dark Skies Discovery Sites in northern England and southern Scotland: North Pennine Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty; The Galloway Forest Dark Sky Park; Kielder Water and Forest Park/Kielder Observatory;
6) Our contacts with the Lake District National Park;
7) The Forestry Commission, particularly the management of the Wild Ennerdale project;
8) Our network of contacts in local astronomical societies in the north of England;
9) The media: local and national press; Radio Cumbria; BBC 1 programmes "Countryfile and "Secret Britain".
The workshops and activities of the Education Hub are targeted at children of school ages from 9-17, parents and the general public together with youth groups from city areas. We will seek to market our offering of innovative and inspiring workshops, and hands-on experimental and observing sessions in natural science to this diverse group using:
1) The STEM-schools network; initially STEM Cumbria Ltd (Tony Gill) and MerseySTEM (Michelle Dow) (Merseyside, North Cheshire and Warrington);
2) The Youth Project network in Cumbria and Merseyside building on existing links with the Walton Youth Project and the South Workington Youth Project;
3) Dedicated pages on the LGFC and STFC websites explaining the aims of the Education Hub;
4) Our contacts with journalists in the local (West Cumbria) press: The Whitehaven News and The Cumberland News and the local press in our target cities of northern England; Radio Cumbria.
5) Popular science publications and websites of national organisations: The Astronomical Society; BBC Star Gazing Live; Sky at Night magazine; Astronomy Now magazine;
6) The Lake District National Park website and publications where we already place advertising in connection with our Dark Sky Discovery Site activities.
7) BBC 1 "Countryfile" and "Secret Britain" programmes - The Wild Ennerdale Project has already featured twice on "Countryfile";
8) The Ennerdale Centre - a lottery-funded development of a community centre at Ennerdale Bridge, our nearest village - will be a focus for dissemination of information about the Hub and how to become a volunteer. More information about the Ennerdale Centre can be found at ennerdalecentre@btinternet.com.
We will also search out non-STEM schools in our target geographic areas and seek to engage science teachers in these schools in our activities.
Teaching and instruction material prepared for our interactive workshops and observing sessions will be made available as a resource to our visiting groups through our website, and publicly through the STEM e_library.
The medium-term objective of this marketing activity is to build up a local and national awareness of our activities and a client base such that after the completion of this project (in 2018) LGFC will be in a position to offer 4-6 Educational Hub activity residential weekends each year on a sustainable basis.
Dissemination of outcomes, resources and ideas
We will vigorously pursue a programme of communicating the activities and successes of the STFC-LGFC Education Hub to scientists, educators, communicators, and 'Public Engagement' people using:
1) The LGFC membership and their networks;
2) Our network of STEM and non-STEM schools and Youth Project Groups;
3) STFC and LGFC websites and LGFC Facebook account;
4) The PSCI-Conm Digest - an email list containing opportunities and information for public engagement people nation-wide. containing opportunities and information for public engagement people nation-wide.
5) Our contacts with Dark Skies Discovery Sites in northern England and southern Scotland: North Pennine Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty; The Galloway Forest Dark Sky Park; Kielder Water and Forest Park/Kielder Observatory;
6) Our contacts with the Lake District National Park;
7) The Forestry Commission, particularly the management of the Wild Ennerdale project;
8) Our network of contacts in local astronomical societies in the north of England;
9) The media: local and national press; Radio Cumbria; BBC 1 programmes "Countryfile and "Secret Britain".
| Description | Dark Sky Discovery open to the public event - 5-6 Oct 2018 |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Dark Sky Discovery open-to-the-public events have been held at LGFC since the centre was designated as a Dark Sky Discovery Site (Milky Way class) in 2010. This was the sixth event held under the auspices of the LGFC Education Hub following the award of a Small Public Engagement Grant from STFC. Presentations were given by members of the Cockermouth Astronomy Society and a local astronomer. The event was held on 6th October 2018. The programme for the event was as follows: 3pm onwards: Starlab (provided by The Science and Technology Facilities Council) will be running 20 minute shows (as required). Starlab is an inflatable planetarium with the latest projection technology. See the stars of the night sky form the comfort of inside the inflatable dome. Shows provided by Chris Darwen of Cockermouth Astronomical Society. 3.30pm: Telescope Set Up - Roger Vine will be available to help set up telescopes if you need advice. 5pm: Speaker: Roger Vine 6.15pm Free homemade soup and traditional Lakeland Parkin provided - donations welcome. 7pm: Speaker: Chris Darwen - Astronomy Talk 8pm Observing sessions |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
| Description | Dark Sky Discovery open to the public event - February 25 2018 |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Dark Sky Discovery open-to-the-public events have been held at LGFC since the centre was designated as a Dark Sky Discovery Site (Milky Way class) in 2010. This event was held under the auspices of the LGFC Education Hub following the award of a Small Public Engagement Grant from STFC. Presentations were given by members of the Cockermouth Astronomy Society, a local astronomer and the Public Engagement team from STFC Daresbury. The event was held on 25th February 2018. The programme for the event was as follows: 1.30pm Amazing Archaeology - a short walk up the valley followed by a 30 minute talk about archaeology and its link to astronomy by Alan Brown (Masters student at Chester Uni). 2.30pm Fun Activity - trying to find planets in other solar systems. 3pm onwards: Starlab (provided by The Science and Technology Facilities Council) will be running 20 minute shows (as required). Starlab is an inflatable planetarium with the latest projection technology. See the stars of the night sky form the comfort of inside the inflatable dome. Shows provided by Gemma Reed. 3.30pm: Telescope Set Up - Jeremy Hunt (Cockermouth Astronomical Society) and Alan Brown (Liverpool Astro Society)will be available to help set up telescopes if you need advice. 5pm: Speaker: Alan Brown - The Power of Light 6pm Speaker: Roger Vine - Mt Wilson's 60" reflector From 6.pm Free homemade soup and traditional Lakeland Parkin provided - donations welcome. 7pm: Speaker: Jeremy Hunt - Photographing Stars 8pm Observing sessions |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
| URL | http://www.lgfc.org.uk/content/9/Dark-Sky-Discovery-site/ |
| Description | Dark Sky Discovery open to the public event - October 21 2017 |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Dark Sky Discovery open-to-the-public events have been held at LGFC since the centre was designated as a Dark Sky Discovery Site (Milky Way class) in 2010. This was the fifth event held under the auspices of the LGFC Education Hub following the award of a Small Public Engagement Grant from STFC. Presentations were given by members of the Cockermouth Astronomy Society, a local astronomer and the Public Engagement team from STFC Daresbury. The event was held on 21st October 2017. The programme for the event was as follows: 2.00pm: Fun Activity - Meteorite handling session/ infra-red camera. Gemma Reed STFC 3pm onwards: Starlab (provided by The Science and Technology Facilities Council) will be running 20 minute shows (as required). Starlab is an inflatable planetarium with the latest projection technology. See the stars of the night sky form the comfort of inside the inflatable dome. Shows provided by Gemma Reed. 3.30pm: Telescope Set Up - Jeremy Hunt (Cockermouth Astronomical Society) and Roger Vine will be available to help set up telescopes if you need advice. 5pm: Speaker: Roger Vine - The 'Great American' Eclipse 6.15pm Free homemade soup and traditional Lakeland Parkin provided - donations welcome. 7pm: Speaker: Jeremy Hunt - Astronomy Talk 8pm Observing sessions |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
| Description | Dark Sky Discovery open to the public event - October 6 2018 |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Dark Sky Discovery open-to-the-public events have been held at LGFC since the centre was designated as a Dark Sky Discovery Site (Milky Way class) in 2010. This event was held under the auspices of the LGFC Education Hub following the award of a Small Public Engagement Grant from STFC. Presentations were given by members of the Cockermouth Astronomy Society, a local astronomer and the Public Engagement team from STFC Daresbury. The event was held on 6 October 2018. The programme for the event was as follows: 3pm onwards: Starlab (provided by The Science and Technology Facilities Council) will be running 20 minute shows (as required). Starlab is an inflatable planetarium with the latest projection technology. See the stars of the night sky form the comfort of inside the inflatable dome. Shows provided by Alan Brown. 3.30pm: Telescope Set Up - Jeremy Hunt (Cockermouth Astronomical Society) and Alan Brown will be available to help set up telescopes if you need advice. 5pm: Speaker: Roger Vine - Astronomy Presentation 6.15pm onwards - free homemade soup and traditional Lakeland Parkin 7pm Speaker Chris Darwin - Astronomy presentation 8:15pm Star gazing |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
| URL | http://www.lgfc.org.uk/content/9/Dark-Sky-Discovery-site/ |
| Description | Dark Sky Discovery open-to-the-public event |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Dark Sky Discovery open-to-the-public events have been held at LGFC since the centre was designated as a Dark Sky Discovery Site (Milky Way class) in 2010. This was the third event held under the auspices of the Education Hub following the award of a Small Public Engagement Grant from STFC. Presentations were given by members of the Cockermouth Astronomy Society, a local astronomer and the Public Engagement team from STFC Daresbury. The programme for the event was as follows: Stargazing at Low Gillerthwaite STFC Dark Sky Discovery Site Programme for 25th February 2017 1:30pm Amazing Archaeology - a short walk up the valley to discover hidden gems (taken at own risk) followed by a short 30 minute talk about archaeology and its link to astronomy led by Alan Brown (Masters Student at Chester University studying Archaeology) 5pm Welcome to the LGFC Dark Sky Discovery Site Wolfson room John Irwin (LGFC) 5:10 pm Talk: "The Power of Light, Emission Spectroscopy and its use in Astronomy" Wolfson room Alan Brown (Masters Student at Chester University studying Archaeology) 6:00pm Talk: "Mt Wilson's 60" reflector" Wolfson room Roger Vine Local amateur atsronomer 7:00 pm Talk: "Photographing Stars" Wolfson room Jeremy Hunt Cockermouth Astronomical Society 8:00pm Talk: "Constellations and the Night Sky" StarLab set up in the barn Wendy Cotterill and Gemma Reed STFC Daresbury Unfortunately due to rain and cloud no stargazing was done on this occasion. From 8.00pm "Soup and Parkin" Farmhouse dining room Paddy and Rachael Muir (LGFC) |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
| URL | http://www.lgfc.org.uk/pdf/Dark%20Sky%20flier%202017-02.pdf |
| Description | Dark Sky Discovery site open-to-the-public event 06/02/2016 at Low Gillerthwaite Field Centre (LGFC) |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | The event programme was as follows: Stargazing at Low Gillerthwaite STFC Dark Sky Discovery Site Programme for 6th February 2016* 3.00pm - 4.15pm** Minibus shuttle** from Bowness Knott CP to LGFC Nicola Burn (LGFC) and Pat Grocott (LGFC) 4.30pm Welcome to the LGFC Dark Sky Discovery Site Wolfson room Malcolm Morris (LGFC) 4.40pm Talk: "Capturing Images of the Universe" Wolfson room Jeremy Hunt (Cockermouth Astronomy Society) 5.30pm and on-going throughout the evening if skies are clear: Observing session with LGFC telescopes and binoculars Alan Brown (Science and Technologies Facilities Council & LGFC), Roger Vine (Scope Views &LGFC), Dave Hutchinson (LGFC), Malcolm Morris (LGFC) John Grocott (LGFC) 5.30pm cloudy weather alternative or to run parallel with observing session Talk: "Telescopes and Binoculars: Getting Started in Astronomy" Large barn: Roger Vine (Scope Views) From 6.00pm "Soup and Parkin" Farmhouse dining room Sue Morris (LGFC), Pat Grocott (LGFC) 6.45pm cloudy weather alternative or to run parallel with observing session Talk: "Life and Death of Stars" Wolfson room John Irwin (LGFC) 6.45pm-7.30pm cloudy weather alternative or to run parallel with observing session Astronomy-themed activities for children and their parents Farmhouse small sitting room Pat Grocott (LGFC) and Sue Morris (LGFC) Every 30 minutes from about 7.30pm: Minibus shuttle from LGFC to Bowness Knott Nicola Burn (LGFC) and Dave Hutchinson (LGFC) * Variation to the times of the activities may occur due to the weather and other circumstances. We will try to give priority to looking at the stars if the evening is on-and-off cloudy. ** The minibus shuttle will run from the car park at Bowness Knott at end of the public road in Ennerdale (GR NY 109153; 54°31´33"N; 03°22´40"W) to Low Gillerthwaite Field Centre (GR 139141; 54°30´53"N; 03°19´52"W). Please travel early and note that there will be no non-resident's parking available at the Centre. Parking anywhere on the Forestry Commission road is not permitted. The last shuttle up the valley to Low Gillerthwaite will be at 4.15pm. For any last-minute updates, please keep an eye on our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Low-Gillerthwaite-Field-Centre-112682102170665/ or telephone Ellen on 01946 861229. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
| Description | Dark Sky Discovery site open-to-the-public event 9/01/2016 and 10/01/2016 at Low Gillerthwaite Field Centre (LGFC) |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Dark Sky Discovery open-to-the-public events have been held at LGFC since the centre was designated as a Dark Sky Discovery Site (Milky Way class) in 2010. This was the first event held under the auspices of the Education Hub following the award of a Small Public Engagement Grant from STFC. Telescopes and binoculars bought using the grant were in use for the first time and presentations were given by members of the Cockermouth Astronomy Society and the Public Engagement team from STFC Daresbury. An illustrative programme for these events is as follows: Stargazing at Low Gillerthwaite STFC Dark Sky Discovery Site Programme for 6th February 2016* 3.00pm - 4.15pm** Minibus shuttle** from Bowness Knott CP to LGFC Nicola Burn (LGFC) and Pat Grocott (LGFC) 4.30pm Welcome to the LGFC Dark Sky Discovery Site Wolfson room Malcolm Morris (LGFC) 4.40pm Talk: "Capturing Images of the Universe" Wolfson room Jeremy Hunt (Cockermouth Astronomy Society) 5.30pm and on-going throughout the evening if skies are clear: Observing session with LGFC telescopes and binoculars Alan Brown (Science and Technologies Facilities Council & LGFC), Roger Vine (Scope Views &LGFC), Dave Hutchinson (LGFC), Malcolm Morris (LGFC) John Grocott (LGFC) 5.30pm cloudy weather alternative or to run parallel with observing session Talk: "Telescopes and Binoculars: Getting Started in Astronomy" Large barn: Roger Vine (Scope Views) From 6.00pm "Soup and Parkin" Farmhouse dining room Sue Morris (LGFC), Pat Grocott (LGFC) 6.45pm cloudy weather alternative or to run parallel with observing session Talk: "Life and Death of Stars" Wolfson room John Irwin (LGFC) 6.45pm-7.30pm cloudy weather alternative or to run parallel with observing session Astronomy-themed activities for children and their parents Farmhouse small sitting room Pat Grocott (LGFC) and Sue Morris (LGFC) Every 30 minutes from about 7.30pm: Minibus shuttle from LGFC to Bowness Knott Nicola Burn (LGFC) and Dave Hutchinson (LGFC) * Variation to the times of the activities may occur due to the weather and other circumstances. We will try to give priority to looking at the stars if the evening is on-and-off cloudy. ** The minibus shuttle will run from the car park at Bowness Knott at end of the public road in Ennerdale (GR NY 109153; 54°31´33"N; 03°22´40"W) to Low Gillerthwaite Field Centre (GR 139141; 54°30´53"N; 03°19´52"W). Please travel early and note that there will be no non-resident's parking available at the Centre. Parking anywhere on the Forestry Commission road is not permitted. The last shuttle up the valley to Low Gillerthwaite will be at 4.15pm. For any last-minute updates, please keep an eye on our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Low-Gillerthwaite-Field-Centre-112682102170665/ or telephone Ellen on 01946 861229. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
| Description | Educational Hub event for local Primary Schools March 14-15 2018 |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Schools |
| Results and Impact | A one day event was organised for a local Primary schools aimed at Key Stage 2 pupils for a school who were unable to attend the event organised in October 2017 (Jericho Primary School). The pupils (approx 30 ) and teachers arrived mid-morning of day 1 and were taken on various River based activities by Rebecca Neal of the West Cumbria Rivers Trust during the morning and the afternoon. After evening meal the pupils were then assembled in the STFC's StarLab (mobile Planetarium) where a talk on the constellations of the night sky was given by Roger Wensley (STFC) and Chris Darwin (Cockermouth Astronomical Soc). The children then stayed overnight in the Centre and departed the following morning after a brief summary of what had been covered. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
| URL | http://www.lgfc.org.uk/content/10/STFC-Educational-Hub/ |
| Description | Educational Hub event for local Primary Schools October 1-5 2018 |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Schools |
| Results and Impact | A series of one day events was organised for local Primary schools aimed at Key Stage 2 pupils. The pupils (approx 26 from each school) and teachers arrived mid-morning of day 1 and were taken on various River based activities by Rebecca Neal of the West Cumbria Rivers Trust during the morning and the afternoon. After evening meal the pupils were then assembled in the STFC's StarLab (mobile Planetarium) where a talk on the constellations of the night sky was given by John Irwin and Roger Wensley of LGFC. The children then stayed overnight in the Centre and departed the following morning after a brief summary of what had been covered. This programme was repeated for 4 successive days for different local schools: Gosforth Primary School, St Bridget's PS Egremont, St Bees PS and Frizington PS. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
| URL | http://www.lgfc.org.uk/content/10/STFC-Educational-Hub/ |
| Description | Educational Hub event for local Primary Schools October 16-20 2017 |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Schools |
| Results and Impact | A series of one day events was organised for local Primary schools aimed at Key Stage 2 pupils. The pupils (approx 30 from each school) and teachers arrived mid-morning of day 1 and were taken on various River based activities by Rebecca Neal of the West Cumbria Rivers Trust during the morning and the afternoon. After evening meal the pupils were then assembled in the STFC's StarLab (mobile Planetarium) where a talk on the constellations of the night sky was given by Alan Brown of the STFC and John Irwin of LGFC. Roger Wensley of LGFC assisted. After the StarLab talk the plan was to use the telescopes for stargazing but the weather was not suitable and instead Chris Darwin of Cockermouth Astronomical Society gave a talk on telescopes. The children then stayed overnight in the Centre and departed the following morning after a brief summary of what had been covered. This programme was repeated for 4 successive days for different local schools: Blennerhassett Primary School, Jericho PS Group 1, Jericho PS Group 2, Ennerdale Bridge PS. Unfortunately there was a major storm just a few days before the event (Storm Ophelia) and someof the land immediately around LGFC was flooded and consequently Jericho PS cancelled at short notice. The visits from the other schools went ahead without a problem. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
| Description | Whitehaven Academy Pupil Referal Unit 14/03/2016 |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Schools |
| Results and Impact | Unfortunately, this event for severely disadvantaged children was cancelled by the School with less than one-week notice. The reason given was that a change of leadership of the Pupil Referral Unit lead to a redesign of parental permission paperwork which then had to be completed by parents for the second time at short notice. Unsurprisingly, the parents involved did not respond in time to the new request and the event was cancelled. The was sad but typical for these children as it seemed they were caught between hard pressed teachers doing their best in an underfunded and under-loved sector of education and school politics. Working with PRU unit children was also extremely controversial for the LGFCA. Although fully in line with the mission of the Association the chairman and some trustees did not support this initiative. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
| Description | Wild Ennerdale Information Day 06/06/16 |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | This was a workshop for the LGFCA volunteer group lead by Rachael Oakly .who is the Wild Ennerdale officer for the National Trust. The idea was to learn from her how to add the re-wilding of Ennerdale as a theme in our Education Hub syllabus. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |