AN outdoor classroom dedicated to Alfred Wainwright is due to be created at the Blencathra Centre.

The Wainwright Society has announced the centre as its main beneficiary for 2019.

The Blencathra Centre, part of the Field Studies Council, is an environmental education charity based at the foot of Blencathra.

With unrivalled views of the Lake District and access to excellent field sites, the centre provides learning opportunities to more than 10,000 visitors each year from schools, colleges, universities and other organisations across the UK.

During their courses, students encounter the centre’s approach to green tourism. It is an experience, enriched through an awareness of the relationship between people and the environment.

The new classroom will be used for field sketching and other activities during poor weather and will provided a view of 28 of Wainwright’s fells from its elevated position.

Tim Foster, North Region head of group, said: "Much of our direct work with customers is involved in raising awareness amongst our learners about environmental issues through first-hand experience.

"This offers an excellent opportunity to engage with the young people who visit the centre and enrich their understanding of mountains and Wainwright."

The Wainwright Society is keen to support organisations the famous fellwalker would have been proud to be associated with.

Society members will raise money by taking part in the annual charity challenge together with sales of the 2020 Society calendar.

This year the society supported the Great North Air Ambulance Service through its fundraising efforts and donations.

In 2017 it donated a total of £14,350 to Fix the Fells and Animal Rescue Cumbria. Past beneficiaries also include The Brathay Trust, The Lake District Calvert Trust and local rescue teams.

With sufficient funds raised, there are also plans to provide a viewing platform with an interpretation board on site.

Last year the Blencathra Centre also became the new home of the Mountain Heritage Trust which linked to the Man and Mountain exhibition at Keswick Museum.