Looking to the New Year...

So, it's the last Friday of 2011 and we're busy preparing to have another great year! 2012 starts with a 5 mile walk across the moors, fingers crossed that the weather improves for that. Rain and wind would certainly blow the old cobwebs away though!

There will be plenty happening on the Marsden Moor Estate during 2012, lots more events and activities planned, more footpath improvements and other estate work. Plus, our new exciting 'Marsden Moor Bog Biodiversity' project will get underway which we are able to do with SITA funding. This 3 year project should keep us busy for a while!

So, keep your eyes open to find out what we have going on throughout the 2012.

Happy New Year!

Defeated by the snow

The wardens tried to test out a bike ride today in order to create a new downloadable trail for the website. The route was sorted, the date booked and the bikes dusted down and ready to go. Unfortunately, on the day of the bike ride, the weather decided it wanted to test us further. The snow arrived heavier than it has so far this winter and the clouds were low over the tops.

After a bit of umm-ing and aar-ing, we decided that since we'd brought the bikes over we'd have a trip out and see how it was. The higher we got, the snowier it became and, in the end we let the weather win. The way back was nice and easy downhill, and we retreated back to the office for a cup of tea and some chocolate. We'll try again when it's just muddy and there's not snow and ice to challenge us too!

Navigation for Beginners

We are happy to announce that we will be running 2 navigation courses next year!

Improve your skills and step out with confidence with a 1-day map reading courses for beginners. Explore the Marsden Moor Estate with Mark Reid, author of 'The Inn Way' guidebooks and Mountain Leader, who will teach you the skills you need to follow your own walks in the countryside; skills that will last a lifetime.

The courses will be running on Wednesday 2nd May and Wednesday 26th September 2012. There are limited spaces available, so book early to avoid disappointment! Courses cost £49 and include a full day of navigation training, course notes, use of Berghaus gear if required and use of a map and compass. Tea and coffee will also be provided.

For more details and to book please visit http://www.teamwalking.co.uk/navigation-skills-courses/map-reading-fountains-abbey.html

Feeling Festive

It was the final session of 2011 today with the Kirklees Youth Offending Team and we were feeling festive! We started the day with a trip out on to the snowy moors to finish off planting a few plug plants. Luckily there weren't too many to do, so we didn't get too cold, but it was nice to get out on the tops.

We then came back to warm up in the workshop and made some festive wreaths to decorate the exhibition room. We ended up with some really nice ones - good work from the team!