Beaumont College South Lakes is now recognised as an official provider of the John Muir Award and among the first in the UK to achieve its newly relaunched Wild Places Guardian level.
The John Muir Award, delivered by the John Muir Trust, encourages people to discover, enjoy and care for wild places.
John Godden, chief executive at Salutem Care and Education, said: “This is a fantastic achievement for both our students and colleagues at Beaumont College South Lakes.
“The John Muir Award perfectly reflects our philosophy of helping people build confidence, independence and life skills through meaningful experiences.
“By spending time in nature, taking responsibility for conservation projects and engaging with their local communities, our students have not only developed new practical skills but also strengthened their wellbeing, resilience and self-belief.”
The college, based in Ulverston and part of Salutem Care and Education, supports young people with learning disabilities, autism, and complex needs as they move from special education into adulthood.
To earn the Wild Places Guardian award, participants must complete at least 25 hours of activities across four key themes: discovering, exploring, conserving, and sharing experiences of the natural environment.
Over the past year, students have taken part in a wide range of environmental and community-focused projects across Cumbria.
Activities included transforming the Green Heart Den community garden in Barrow with new flowers and bird feeders, sailing on Windermere, and visiting the Lakes Aquarium to learn about freshwater habitats.
Other projects involved bracken management at Brantwood House in Coniston and horticulture work at the Phone-free Allotment in Ulverston.
Students also gained experience through individual placements at the allotment and aquarium, explored seasonal changes at Grizedale Forest and Ford Park, and practised mindfulness through environmental art in natural settings.
They walked woodland, coastal, and hillside routes, took part in Forest School sessions at Rookhow, and joined litter-picking projects in their local area.
Staff at the college have also earned the award to strengthen their knowledge and support students in engaging safely and meaningfully with the natural world.
Mr Godden said: “Becoming a recognised provider of the John Muir Award is a significant milestone for the college and demonstrates the high quality of opportunities our teams create to prepare young people for fulfilling, independent adult lives.
“We are incredibly proud of everyone involved.”
