‘BA CK to basics’ adventure holidays for families are being offered at the Malham Tarn field studies centre.

The outdoor education charity that manages the former home of philanthropist William Morrison says appreciating the simple things in life could be a positive legacy of the coronavirus pandemic.

The Field Studies Council (FSC) which runs residential courses, school trips and family holidays from the hostel says months of forced lockdown has encouraged people to develop a new appreciation for the small pleasures in life such as connecting to nature in the places in which they live.

“Without doubt, the coronavirus pandemic is bringing us back to basics,” said Mark Castle, the charity’s chief executive.

“The strict travel restrictions and the Government’s ‘Stay at Home’ ruling has meant we’ve all had to find ways to occupy ourselves. Often, it’s the small joys such as spending time in the garden or going for a walk to explore the unique places on our doorstep which have become the things, we most look forward to each day.”

He added: “For many, lockdown will have given them a new appreciation of where they live and the environment which surrounds them, and we guarantee that at some point most people will have uttered the words ‘I never knew that was there’.

“The devastating impact of the pandemic on people’s lives, the economy, business and our health service can never be underestimated and although it may be a struggle to find any positives, we do feel that this appreciation of the simple things in life is one of them.”

People had slowed down, spent more hours outside and had reconnected with nature since the start of the pandemic last year, he said.

“Families have also created memories by getting back to basics building dens, camping in the garden and wildlife spotting and it’s these things which have helped many people cope both mentally and physically and we hope this will be one of the more positive legacies of the pandemic,” he said.

“We hope people will continue to spend time outdoors, reduce the amount they travel, respect the places they live and take adventures on their doorstep.”

The charity’s ‘stay with us family adventure holidays’ include bushcraft, campfires, conservation activities, nature walks and survival skills.

Holidays range in duration and prices start at £616 for a family of four for a three-night stay.

For full details of what’s included in each holiday visit the website https://www.field-studies-council.org/stay-with-us/.