The Fieldfare Trust has been managing the Fieldfare Kielder Challenge for over 24 years. The main objectives of the Fieldfare Trust are to encourage, promote and facilitate greater understanding, enjoyment and integration in the countryside of those that are disabled or disadvantages in the pursuit of countryside recreation or environmental education opportunities, the Fieldfare Kielder Challenge meets all those objectives.

What is the Fieldfare Kielder Challenge?

It’s an inclusive national outdoor adventure competition which has been running for over 20 years. It involves outdoor problem solving activities that test the skills of a team to work together, communicate, plan and evaluate. Most importantly, the Challenge is fully inclusive and open to all young people.

The activities challenge teams of eight 13 to 16 year olds, four with and four without disabilities (*4+4). All team members can play an active role in solving the challenges and the inclusion of all is a key goal for each team.

There are opportunities for teams from individual or paired schools, scouts, guides and other youth groups. Initially, Challenge Gateway activities take place in or close to the team’s school or base.
Regional heats, in April and May, use nearby country parks as the competition venue and the finals, in September, provide a two day residential adventure in the Kielder Forest with the accommodation provided by the Calvert Trust Adventure Centre in Northumberland.

Schools, groups and teams can benefit educationally and socially.
The Challenge helps schools and staff achieve their goals and has already been built into the curriculum by many.

The Challenge is free to enter. It is managed by the Fieldfare Trust and it is supported by trained, enthusiastic volunteers . We are available to help you enter, enjoy and benefit from the Challenge in whatever way you can.

Watch a YouTube video of the Heats (courtesy of HSBC)

To view a short film from a Challenge Final please click here.

The Challenge Gateway

All teams will benefit by entering through the Challenge Gateway; to open it, just complete the online form, or download a copy of the Entry Form (PDF) complete and return to the address at the bottom of the entry form. Please note that entry to the 2010 Challenge is now closed.

Once we have received your entry form, we will send you an  Fieldfare Kielder Challenge Activity Pack_2010 that will let you get started straight away and, help you to make the most of the opportunities available.

The pack will include:

• Fieldfare Kielder Challenge 2010;
• Challenge timetable;
• Challenge Gateway activities
• Competition entry and structure
• How to contact us.

The Challenge Resource Pack is now available as a download

Regional heat places will be allocated once teams have passed through the Challenge Gateway. In areas with high team numbers seeking heat places, a selection process will be introduced to allocate heat places

Take me to the Entry Form!

You can obtain a short DVD film about the Fieldfare Kielder Challenge, and see for yourself the enjoyment and satisfaction that the Challenge brings to all those that participate. Click here to obtain a copy

“The Kielder Challenge is a fantastic opportunity for able bodied and disabled students to work together in a fully inclusive, challenging and rewarding way” Ian Thompson, PE Co-ordinator,Penn Hall School “The benefit to everyone involved is so positive. This event is probably one of the fastest learning curves able-bodied children can have”
Barbara Pounder, School Sport Co-ordinator, St Mary’s RC Comprehensive

“This has been a wonderful weekend where I have really enjoyed watching my students blossom. Thank you for creating such a safe, friendly and inspiring atmosphere”
Rob Belbin, PE Teacher,
Victoria Education Centre

For more information on the Fieldfare Trust please visit our website www.fieldfare.org.uk

If you would like to raise money for the Fieldfare Kielder Challenge, you can build an online fundraising page
www.justgiving.com/fieldfare/raisemoney
or you can:

You can also join our Facebook Group