Dartmoor launches online 'learning in lockdown' for home education

Dartmoor National Park has launched a new ‘learning in lockdown’ digital hub to help inspire and educate people about the National Park's special landscape and what can be found there.

The free online resources are aimed at supporting children, parents and teachers as we all continue to observe 'stay at home' measures due to the Covid-19 emergency. 

Developed by Dartmoor National Park Authority, the 'learning in lockdown' hub is rich with lively, fun and fascinating multi-media content so people can teach and learn about nature, the environment around them and remain connected to Dartmoor.

Dartmoor National Park Authority’s Head of Outreach and Understanding Orlando Rutter said: “People may not be able to come to Dartmoor right now because of the measures in place to prevent the spread of Covid-19, but we can ensure Dartmoor goes to them – and what better way than by offering a free online learning centre. 

“Our learning hub is fun, engaging and useful for children, parents and teachers. It helps children and young people learn in a variety of ways, from getting hands-on in the garden to more in-depth programmes of study.

“Our aim is to help people stay connected with Dartmoor and bring the joy of this unique landscape into people’s homes. Hopefully, this will help them continue their journey of learning while understanding more about what makes Dartmoor such a special place.”

There are games and activities aimed at younger children such as learning how to make wigwams and race tracks for garden creatures. Parents can take the opportunity to join their children up for the Ranger Ralph Club too.

In addition there are in-depth schemes of work for parents who find themselves in the unfamiliar role of ‘teacher’ and for teachers who are in schools with key worker children. They focus on Dartmoor’s famous bogs and mires and their role in tackling climate change and the moor’s Bronze Age past.

Each topic has downloadable resources, links to websites and videos to provide a comprehensive learning experience for children and in education phases Key Stages 2 and 3.

People can find out more about Dartmoor’s spooky and legends including the tall, dark Evil Rider who rode a coal-black horse, and the giant ‘Blunderbus’ who lived at Dinger Tor and whose favourite wife, Jennie, invented clotted cream which we now dollop on cream teas (the Devon way!)

There is also a host of videos, animated films, fact sheets and to help people learn about Dartmoor’s Story; from its formation thousands of years ago, to the human hands which have shaped the landscape, its fascinating and rare habitats and the weird and wonderful creatures which live there.

Why not explore and learn more? Visit the Learning in Lockdown website hub for more.