By Tammy Andrews, Family Engagement Co-ordinator at the North York Moors National Park
Back in 2014, Explorer volunteer families would take part in six ‘Explorer Club’ sessions over the course of six months and work towards gaining their John Muir Discovery Award. Once the families had completed their six sessions, that was it in terms of engaging regularly as volunteers in the National Park. However, I wanted to change this and provide the families with other opportunities to continue volunteering for the National Park.
The Cleveland Way Adoption Scheme (CWAS) was therefore created so that families could ‘graduate’ from the Explorer Club and if they wished, continue their volunteering journey on the Cleveland Way.
Having discussed the idea with Malcolm Hodgson, National Trails Officer and Andrew Carter, Cleveland Way Maintenance Ranger, the trail was divided up into 25 sections varying in length from 2.2 miles up to 6.8 miles. In May 2014 the Cleveland Way Adoption Scheme was launched. Six sections were adopted by eight Explorer Club families. As adoptees, they were encouraged to carry out a minimum of three patrols a year during different seasons to check the condition of the trail. Each family was provided with a small selection of tools such as a spade, litter picker and secateurs to help them carry out simple maintenance tasks immediately. They were asked to send in a report after each patrol to inform us of any issues with the trail e.g. drainage problems, landslips, broken fences. The pilot year was successful and as new Explorer Club families graduated, more sections were adopted.
In 2017, we decided to open up the Cleveland Way Adoption Scheme to the wider community. A press release was sent out which led to all 25 sections being adopted! Adoptees included the Hardmoors Race series team who are the longest serving adopters, along with groups of friends, families and individuals.
To celebrate the 10th Anniversary of the Cleveland Way Adoption Scheme, we are holding a celebration event on Friday 14 June at Sutton Bank National Park Centre.
Current and past adopters are being invited to attend the event. If you have been involved with the Scheme over the past 10 years and would like to join the celebration, please contact CWAS@northyorkmoors.org.uk by Friday 31 May.
Please include number of people attending and any dietary requirements or food allergies in your reply.
Here we share some insights into the CWAS from those who have been involved:
Wayne Armstrong, group leader for the CWAS Hardmoors team:
"The race series uses the Cleveland Way a lot for our races and we wanted to give something back. As well as the money we donate to the National Trail from every race entry, we wanted to volunteer and help with the maintenance of the trail through the adoption scheme.
“We get much enjoyment from the National Trail and wanted to show off to so many visitors a clean and tidy Cleveland Way. To spend time out in the countryside, with like-minded people, is not only good for general health but it's good for the mind.
“A few hours walking along our adopted sections, out in the fresh air with beautiful countryside does the world of good for your mental health."
Sallie Harland, adopted two coastal sections with her family and her family volunteers. She tells us:
“Our sections of the Cleveland Way are both coastal and that is the reason we love them! They include a range of habitats; cliffs, beach, woodland, grassland and boggy areas at times in some wet weather conditions! We can dip down to the beach at Boggle Hole; sit among the bracken looking out to sea from the old WW2 pill box; gaze down on the seals underneath Ravenscar and watch the sea birds diving over Robin Hoods Bay where our other section comes in from Hawsker. Here we can return via the Cinder Track which makes a great circular walk for the kids rather than a linear one.
“Some of the little tasks we've done include litter picking, bracken bashing, bramble taming, checking gates and stiles, searching for signs and way markers to make sure the trail is clear and monitoring erosion to check how it changes over time. This is really important on the cliff-top sections; although it can be a bit hairy on windy days with the kids; we've only once had to turn round and give up on our patrol due to wind conditions making it unsafe.
“The kids learn a lot- as well as making decisions about walking in safe conditions. They understand about the plants and wildlife along the trail and how they rely on each other, how and why we do what we do to help maintain a good trail and how we want to leave it for others to find and enjoy. It is always a delicate balance!
“Many other trail users chat to us about what we are doing and tell us their stories of being on the trail. Some tell us of things they have noticed on particular sections and the kids can put this in their reports to pass onto Tammy or Andrew Carter. I also think the kids love to be congratulated for taking the time to take care of the trail by those that we meet; it gives them a sense of pride and responsibility for taking care of something that will be around for a long time.”
Malcolm Hodgson, National Trails Officer for the Cleveland Way, says:
“With 109 miles to cover, there is always something that needs attention along the Cleveland Way for us to keep it in the very best condition. That’s why we appreciate the work of the Cleveland Way Adoption Scheme, acting as 'eyes and ears' on the trail and carrying out tasks that ensure it is in great shape”
Tammy Andrews herself says:
“It’s fantastic to see our adoptive groups getting such great satisfaction and pride out of protecting an area they love.
"I am incredibly proud of the great work the adopters do!”