Regional event: CPD skills weekend at Tom's Field September 2026

Association members gathered at toms fields campsite for a weekend of walking and climbing peer learning along the Jurassic Coast, the weekend included climbing at Dancing Ledge, practicing setting up systems under the watchful eye of volunteer Sam Ferguson, giving qualified members the opportunity to offer a taster climbing session - it was good to see some Climbing Wall Instructor members taking their climbing outdoors for the first time.

Member Martin Curtis from @jurassicCoastGuides explained the history of this world heritage site and shared his knowledge and enthusiasm about fossils, whilst Ed Simons gave a talk on the geology for the area. David Tainton and Jo Ireland took the lead on navigation, flora, birds and other wildlife as we walked along this stunning coastal area to Durlston Country Park, where we utilised the orienteering course, which got quite competitive!

The weekend was helped by the good weather providing plenty of opportunities for discussions and networking, lots of shared advice about starting a business, marketing and finding freelance work was also helpful.  

A great weekend with a true community feel, including a pizza night at the campsite and a bit of Yoga to stretch us out Sunday morning, a great turnout with lots of knowledge and experience being shared and connections being made, thanks to everyone who came and contributed.

Mountain Training Association member and attendees say: 

"Great event! Thanks to everyone who was involved and organised the event and sessions. Loved the fossil and geology talk at lunch on Saturday." - Tanya 

"The whole weekend was brilliant. Huge thank you to everyone who organised this, David, Jo, Belinda, on the walking side of things and Sam and Ed and team on the intro to climbing, I loved that session and it’s just so great all meeting up and seeing what everyone is doing huge thank you to everyone there for their energy, enthusiasm and support" - Kevin

A special thank you to our regional volunteers for organising such a fantastic weekend: David Tainton (Regional Coordinator for England, South West), Sam Ferguson (Assistant Regional Coordinator for England, South West), Ed Simons (Regional Coordinator for England, South Central) and Jo Ireland (Regional coordinator for England, South East).