NICK Lapthorn, head of Nettlecombe Field Studies Centre on Exmoor, has been shortlisted in the national Awards for Outstanding Contribution to Learning Outside the Classroom (LOtC).

The awards are presented annually by the Council for Learning Outside the Classroom and recognise those people who have had a significant impact on the lives of children and young people through their commitment to providing exciting and inspiring learning outside the classroom opportunities.

Mr Lapthorn proposed and developed the idea of a Year of Fieldwork 2015-16 to increase the opportunities for pupils of all ages to experience high quality fieldwork.

Gaining the support of more than 20 organisations including a wide range of outdoor and environmental groups, The Year of Fieldwork had tremendous success in celebrating the value of fieldwork and sharing best practice. Fieldwork training for teachers was one of the most popular and impactful activities, delivered through face-to-face training as well a new website - which gave extensive support and guidance for integrating fieldwork into the curriculum.

Hundreds of schools and teachers pledged their support and shared their photographs of fieldwork with one another through social media.

The winners will be announced at an Awards dinner at the Arden Hotel, Birmingham on November 24.