The North Pennines Moorland Group is proud to highlight a remarkable community initiative that has seen 24 of our very own gamekeepers come together to support local schools across the region.
Donating their time, skills, and expertise, our volunteers have been working hands-on to carry out a range of much-needed improvements to school facilities. The work has taken place at Samuel King’s School in Alston, Dawn Till Dusk Nursery, and Middleton-in-Teesdale Academy.
Across the sites, the gamekeepers undertook a wide variety of practical tasks to enhance outdoor spaces for children and staff alike. This included setting paths and securing loose steps, pressure washing yards, painting sheds and fences, cleaning outdoor toys, and seeding grassed areas. They also removed old fencing, cleared rubbish from the grounds, and laid fresh woodchip to improve outdoor play and learning environments.
For many of us involved, this work carries a personal connection. Several of the gamekeepers attended these schools and nursery themselves, while others have children who currently attend or have done so in the past. This shared history reflects the strong community ties that run through the North Pennines and highlights the pride people take in supporting their local area.
This initiative is a clear example of the community spirit that defines the uplands, with those who work on the land stepping forward to give something back. The gamekeepers involved have demonstrated not only practical skill but also a genuine commitment to supporting the next generation.
A spokesperson for the North Pennines Moorland Group said:
“Community is at the core of everything we do. Our members live and work in these areas, and it’s important to us that we contribute positively. Seeing 24 gamekeepers volunteer their time to help local schools is something we are incredibly proud of.”
Both the schools and the nursery have warmly welcomed the support, recognising the immediate and lasting benefits of the improvements. This highlights how rural communities can come together to create meaningful, positive change.
We are proud to support initiatives like this and we remain committed to play an active role in the communities that shape and sustain the uplands.
