THREE urban schools will receive fully-funded residential trips to Exmoor National Park as part of a new programme by UK National Parks and Forest Holidays.

Nationally, the programme will help connect over 20,000 young people with nature.

Over the next five years ‘National Parks Futures’ aims to help tackle one of the major barriers to many schools visiting national parks – the cost of travel.

To launch the new programme, Forest Holidays projects director Dan Parish said: “We are incredibly proud to be working with the UK national parks to help more young people experience and enjoy the UK’s special landscapes.

“We work in rural communities and understand one of the main barriers for schools is the cost of travel. Through this project, we hope to open up opportunities for young people to spend time in nature and experience the benefits of outdoor learning.”

Dan joined Exmoor National Park Authority staff at the Pinkery Centre for Outdoor Learning, along with 30 students from Yeo Valley Primary School on their first ever national park experience.

The year fives enjoyed a day out in the sunshine exploring the high moors to collect mini-beasts and rocks for further investigation under the microscope, as well as honing their team-building skills through an orienteering challenge.

Thanks to Forest Holidays’ involvement, the school did not have to pay for travel and they are set to return for a fully-funded residential stay later in the year.