UCLan Outdoors Division

New York State University's Professor Lynn Anderson recently took part in our public debate - 'Access v the Environment - where do you draw the line?' Professor Anderson has kindly sent a letter about her time with us in Preston: "I write to formally thank you for the wonderful opportunity to visit the University of Central Lancashire as a part of the Distinguished Visitor Programme. I very much enjoyed meeting with faculty, staff, and especially students as a part of my visit to your campus. "I was impressed with the Outdoor students who attended several of the sessions I presented during the week. The students had interesting ideas and stimulating contributions to discussions, as well as thought-provoking questions. "I felt there was great benefit comparing and contrasting our fields of study between our two countries, both for the students and for myself and other faculty. I was pleased to see the large number of students who attended the public ta...

           Our students recently tackled the Scottish Winter Skills Enhancement course as part of their studies. Two of the group - Hannah Smith and Jack Whiteside - have provided UCLan Outdoors with a record of their time in Scotland. Jack's video can be viewed above, while to read Hannah's blog please click here .

Adventure Sports Coaching students and a BMX junior champion have teamed up as part of a mutually beneficial collaboration. UCLan Outdoor undergraduates Peter Haggan and Karl Doneraki are helping Ross Cullen with strength & conditioning and nutritional advice, as he strives to progress to the top of his chosen sport. After dominating the UK national series, Ross became a force to be reckoned with on the Euro circuit during 2013, consistently making A-finals. He was one of 14 young athletes from across Lancashire to be awarded a grant and support from UCLan through the 'Rising Stars' programme. Associate Lecturer Keith McGregor said: "Following the Division's recent link up with young climber Connor Byrne, this is another excellent opportunity for our students to work with one of the country's most exciting sporting prospects. "We're delighted to be able to assist Ross and hope we can help him achieve his ambitions of success at world level....

(L-R) Lynn, Jamie, Robin & Kathryn This interesting and current question was the topic of discussion at a debate hosted during February by the Outdoors Team and the SSTO's Sustainability Lead at the University of Central Lancashire. The event was chaired by UCLan's Professor Richard Sharpley and heard presentations from Professor Lynn Anderson (New York State University), Jamie McPhie (Cumbria University), Robin Horner (RSPB) and Kathryn Beardmore (North Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority). Students and members of the public heard the speakers' perspectives live and online and asked the panel questions. Those online tweeted or emailed their questions whilst watching the debate live on the internet. The perspectives of the speakers were summarised by one of the audience: "Professor Lynn Anderson drew the starting line by proposing a biocentric approach using evidence from her outdoors work with persons with disabilities. She saw access to wilderness e...

Undergraduates from our Outdoor programme have been honing their skills in the Scottish mountains. Based at a bunkhouse in Fort William, the 1st, 2nd and 3rd year students spent a week climbing in the areas Glencoe and Cairngorms led by instructors Sam Leary and Stephen Saddler. The group faced some extremely challenging conditions, with winds in excess of 50mph and a high risk of avalanche all week, but they remained professional and focused throughout. Sam commented: "The students brought so much energy and enthusiasm to the week which really helped make it. They were a real credit to themselves and the University. I'm really impressed with what they achieved given the weather and avalanche forecasts."