Dan McFarlane - Outdoor Pursuits Instructor

A new era has begun recently with a step away from full time freelancing to start a PGCE in secondary education.

A big change from the past few years but glad to have chosen to complete it part time - so still have the opportunity for fantastic days enjoying the outdoors and all that brings too 😎

Don't think Cassie minds a day at work either!

Bluebells are out in force 😎 lovely day as always over at Outdoor Elements 👍

Well I rarely get around to posting on this page anymore, plenty going on and less admin time which is nice I guess!

If you didn't guess from an initial glance, spring is here once again, some colour is back in to take over from the grey, green and browns of winter. Here are a couple of snaps from a fab day in Burnley recently with Outdoor Elements

It is always nice having a bit of a change of scenery from the day to day - summer holiday adventures for work to places new and old...

A busy week away whilst working night shifts on the Spine Safety Team...

A fab week and great bunch of people as always... here are just a few of the photos...

After all that's happened with the cold weather this last week and more reports of young people walking and playing on a frozen lakes / rivers in Lancashire - we want to send out a reminder and highlight just how dangerous playing near, or on frozen water really is...

Falling into the water can cause cold water shock, which affects your muscles, nerves and brain power, making it almost impossible to get to safety or even ask for help. It simply is not worth risking your life over.

Please familiarise yourself and your children with the below tips:
👉 Stay away from the edge of bodies of water, as uneven terrain can make slips and falls more likely and whenever possible, stick to well-lit routes away from water.
👉 If you see someone fall in, dial 999. Do not walk or climb onto the ice to attempt a rescue.
👉 Shout to the casualty to ‘keep still’ and offer reassurance to keep them calm.
👉 Try and reach them from the bank if practical using a rope, pole, tree branch, or anything else such as clothing tied together. Passing or sliding them something that will help them float such as a football may also help.
👉 Keep dogs on a lead when they're near the ice, and don't throw sticks or toys onto the ice. If a pet falls in, do not go into the ice or water to rescue them, move somewhere where the dog can climb out and call them to you.
👉 Try and make sure if called for help, someone is able to direct emergency services to the location as accurately and quickly as possible.

As a team, our thoughts are with all those affected by the tragedies earlier this week. Please share this message and don't let a similar situation happen again.

https://www.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/newsroom/blog/magnetic-true-grid-north-align-over-great-britain

Interesting read about how all three north's ... True, Grid and Magnetic align over the UK...

Magnetic north, true north and grid north align over Great Britain for the first time in history OS's Mark Greaves explains how true north, magnetic north and grid north will combine at a single point in Great Britain for the first time ever.

Farm-tastic weekend of DofE around the Forest of Bowland! 🤣🤦‍♂️

As busy as ever still... Had some awesome days with Outdoor Elements recently, this was a day off-site earlier this week running archery and then afternoon of bushcraft and problem solving 👌🎯🏹

Week away in N Wales on DoE... Can't complain at some of the views! 😎

Awesome few weekends out on DoE, obviously snaps when looks glorious and will ignore the rain showers etc as no photos so it didn't happen...