Children inspired to discover the Peak District

Equip Outdoor Technologies has teamed up with the Peak District National Park Foundation to inspire more young people to discover – and care for – the countryside.

The Derbyshire-based outdoor kit specialist – home of the Rab and Lowe Alpine brands – is supporting the Foundation as a Gold Peak Partner and will work with the National Park Authority on its Ambassador Schools programme.

The Ambassador Schools initiative aims to build relationships between the Peak District, schools and communities. It promotes the benefits of outdoor learning and enables young people to enjoy, care for and take pride in the National Park.

Karen Jewell, director of HR and Organisational Development at Equip, said: “Our mission is to inspire adventure, while driving industry-wide change to protect our planet and increase participation in the outdoors.

“Equip sits on the border of the Peak District National Park. It is our home, playground, testing ground, and sanctuary.

“In the 1980s, Rab was founded here, by climbers, on the area’s legendary gritstone. A key part of protecting the planet is forming a deeper connection to it. It’s something we tend to develop at a young age – climbing trees, getting muddy, paddling in lakes.

“Partnering with the Peak District National Park’s Ambassador Schools helps more young people connect with the outdoors and start to form that bond. It’s all about inspiring the next generation to get outdoors and look after the environment.”

The Foundation’s fundraising manager, Laura Hazle, added: “We’re delighted to welcome Equip as a Gold Peak Partner and look forward to working with them in the Ambassador Schools initiative.

“It’s so important to give young people the opportunity to experience the outdoors, while gaining an understanding of how to care for the environment. Hopefully, we are inspiring the next generation of nature lovers.” 

National Park engagement manager Lorna Fisher added: “We want to help young people and the community of schools to become more aware of their National Park. It’s not only so that they can experience this amazing place, which needs looking after, but also learn that they can take action locally to protect and care for the natural spaces they love.”