THE North York Moors was one of seven moorland locations across the North to host children in a major outdoor learning event.

More than 1,400 pupils took part in a recent ‘Let’s Learn Moor’ event, which was bigger and better than ever.

It saw people involved in moorland ecology and business, such as gamekeepers, explain to the youngsters how moorland managed for grouse shooting plays a key role in preserving and enhancing the countryside.

They explained the fragility of heather moorland, why it is rarer than the rainforest and how the UK possesses 75 per cent of what is left of this globally recognised expanse.

Pupils also learnt how careful land management has seen significant gains for some of the country’s most endangered ground-nesting birds.

There were also talks from regional fire, police and mountain rescue services who helped educate youngsters on the dangers of wildfires and why BBQs and campfires are illegal on the moors.

Kerry Woodhouse, coordinator of the Northern Pennines Moorland Group, said: “Let’s Learn Moor is a great initiative organised by many of the top countryside organisations who continue to work together to make the countryside what it is and educate as to why it is so precious.

"The event is such a fun and engaging way to get young children out of the classroom and onto the moors to learn more about conservation efforts and the wildlife present in the beautiful countryside that they live in.”