A graduate forester has reflected on his one year working in woodlands at Thirlmere.
Bryce Flannaghan has been taking his first steps in forestry during a 12 month placement.
He has been employed by the Lake District Foundation and managed by Cumbria Woodlands.
As part of his learning Bryce worked alongside United Utilities staff making lasting improvements to woodlands around the reservoir at Thirlmere.
His role was created as part of a partnership between Cumbria Woodlands, United Utilities and the Lake District Foundation, who secured Green Recovery Challenge Funding generously provided by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Bryce’s work focused on the restoration of plantations on Ancient Woodland Sites (PAWS) to their former natural condition throughout Thirlmere Valley.
The aim was to increase overall biodiversity, mitigate the effects of extreme weather events and climate change, as well as improving water quality of Thirlmere which supplies water throughout the Northwest.
Bryce said: “My responsibility has been the planning and implementation of this woodland restoration to to improve and protect these unique habitats so future generations can benefit from them.
“I have had a fantastic year. Cumbria Woodlands has been great to work with and really pushed my professional development. I’m grateful to them and The Lake District Foundation for funding the whole project.
“I’m also grateful to United Utilities for letting me work in their woodlands to try and restore it to what it was.”
Reflecting on his year as Graduate Forester, Bryce said: “It’s the best start in forestry I could’ve had. It’s a life-long career for me…”
We went out to see Bryce to find out more about his work…
The Lake District Foundation is supporting five organisations with funding to plant new hedges and trees.
We have allocated £10k through our Real Hedge Fund which helps create and restore hedgerows and trees across the county.
More than 1000 meters of hedgerow has already been planted in two previous rounds of funding.
Eco-kids at Long Marton School
Sarah Swindley, Chief Executive Lake District Foundation, said: “We have been raising funds for several years specifically designed to help restore Cumbria’s under-threat hedgerows.
“Nineteen hedge projects have received funding over the last two years and the latest round of support sees five fantastic initiatives receive backing.”
Among them is Long Marton Primary School – outside Appleby – which receives £1300 towards a new hedge which will encourage wildlife.
Headteacher Rachel Smith said: “We are delighted to have been awarded this grant and will use it to plant a native hedgerow along the perimeter of our school grounds.
“We will also sow a wildlife meadow in front of the hedge with seed donated by the Cumbria Wildlife Trust. Wildlife and environmental conservation is very important to us and we are very committed to Outdoor Learning.”
Long Marton School
Other projects supported include:
Ulverston Ford Park Community Group Ford Park will receive £2500 to add hedgerows to improve biodiversity.
Friends of Dubwath Silver Meadows will receive £1800 to extend an existing hedgerow near a wetland nature reserve.
New hedge schemes at Greystoke and Mire Head, Grayrigg.
The Real Hedge Fund aims to highlight the importance of hedgerows and trees in the environment and their role within the cultural and natural heritage of the Lake District.
Hedgerows are unsung biodiversity heroes, as well as connecting habitats, protecting against pollution and helping fight climate change, they provide a home for 80% of our woodland birds, hedgehogs, most species of bat, the great crested newt, dormice and butterflies.
The Lake District Foundation launched the Real Hedge Fund in June 2020 in partnership with Ullswater Catchment Management CIC, The Food, Farming and Countryside Commission, Cumbria Wildlife Trust, Woodland Trust and Eden Rivers Trust.
An epic ultra marathon event in the stunning landscape of the Lake District National Park gets underway for the first time this autumn.
The 13 Valleys Ultra takes place between 29 September to 1 October 2023 and sees entrants running and raising funds at the same time.
Organised by the Great Run Company this new event features three ultra distances – 60km, 100km and 180km – and a 20km trail distance, each promising spectacular trail and mountain running over the fells.
What is even better is that 5% of each competitor entry fee will go to The Lake District Foundation helping us to look after this stunning place.
We speak to Race Director Colin Murphy to find out more.
Race Director Colin Murphy
What inspired you to create the 13 Valleys challenge?
Having visited the Lakes since I was a child I had enjoyed many day walks and a few overnighters. However there weren’t any routes similar to the alpine walking holidays I had also enjoyed. The chance to work with Lake District National Park to develop not only an event, but a trail that would be there for years to come was really exciting.
The vision was to give a platform for people of all ages and level of fitness to share the same route and experience, be that as an ultra-runner or as a family holiday – all the while sharing the benefits of tourism with all corners of the Park.
What is your involvement in the event?
As the Event Director for the Great North Swim the challenge was to come up with a world class event, that had a real reason to exist. My role with the 13 valleys ultra is identify a route and a team to safely introduce runners to the trail and ultra running.
How did you get involved in the Great Run company?
I have been at the Great Run Company for 15 years. I was always keen to work in the sports industry and have been lucky enough to manage elite and mass events all over the UK, from athletics in Horse Guards Parade in London, to managing 60,000 finishers at the Great North Run, there is never a dull day.
Why is the Lake District such a great place for this event?
The Lake District has so much to offer, and a lot of visitors don’t really scratch the surface. The unique landscape of each of the valleys, and the cultures and stories each valley holds, provide such exciting opportunities for future visitors.
Tell us about the different levels of events.
The 13 Valleys Ultra is the headline event. Exploring the whole park and offering the most extreme challenge, it is only for the most seasoned ultra athlete. With 180k to run, and over 7000m of ascent it is up there with some of the toughest challenges in the world.
At the other end of the spectrum we have a 20km two Valley Trail. We recognise that to some none trail-runners, this will seem almost as daunting. We want to provide the platform for new runners, or those who haven’t been confident to start their off-road journey, to feel confident in taking on their first trail challenge. This fully waymarked and supported event will share some of the same trail as the 13 Valleys event and give a flavour of what running in this landscape is all about.
Picture by Steve Ashworth
We then have two further Ultra distances – the 100km ‘7 Valleys Ultra’ and 60km ‘5 Valleys Ultra’ are there for anyone who is up for a challenge!
The 5 valleys is an ideal first ultra, being fully waymarked, GPS tracked and supported through well stocked feed stations. The 7 Valleys is for those who are a bit more experienced, and want to test themselves in some of the most beautiful terrain imaginable.
The step up will require not only increased fitness but also navigation skills, as the first 40km will be self navigated, before they join the waymarked 5 valleys route to the finish.
Why is it important to raise funds for The Lake District Foundation?
We benefit enormously from the landscape in the Lake District National Park – be that the breaking a sweat during a day on the fells, or soothing the soul admiring the view across one of the lakes.
It’s easy to think that such a perfect landscape takes care of itself, when the reality is very different. Donating part of the entry to The Lake District Foundation not only gives the charity much needed funds to help its mission to maintain that landscape, but it also reminds us all of the very real impact we have on the environment around us.
As we encourage people to explore all 13 Valleys, we want them to remember to respect the landscape, and help to leave it as they find it to allow many more people to benefit in the future.
What is it like to launch an event like this for the first time?
Exciting, and daunting, in equal measure. The scale of the route means that logistics are complicated, with medical and contingency planning not a small task. However the thought that this event will come to life, and give birth to a legacy trail is incredibly motivating. We can’t wait to share it with everyone.
Enter the 13 Valleys Ultra
5% of each competitor entry goes towards The Lake District Foundation.
Find out more and enter the 13 Valleys Ultra here:
Limbering up for a challenge in the Lake District in 2023?
Why not give a little back and raise funds for the mountains you’re striding on?
An epic ultra marathon event in the stunning landscape of the Lake District National Park gets underway for the first time this autumn.
The 13 Valleys Ultra takes place between 29 September to 1 October 2023 and sees entrants running and raising funds for the Lake District Foundation at the same time.
Picture by Steve Ashworth
Organised by the Great Run Company this new event features three ultra distances – 60km, 100km and 180km – and a 20km trail distance, each promising spectacular trail and mountain running over the fells.
What is even better is that 5% of each competitor entry fee will go to The Lake District Foundation helping us to look after this stunning place.
There are also lots of other challenges taking place where you have the option to raise funds for the Lake District Foundation.
How fantastic would it feel to take on our elements while helping the Lake District environment at the same time?
We are delighted to be a partner with T2Events on this August’s Windermere One Way Swim.
This is the 10th anniversary of one of the greatest & toughest open water swimming events.
If you’d rather remain on dry land there are a series of events you can take part in across the Lake District or farther afield.
You may have a different challenge in mind? A goal to run or walk around a certain stretch of the Lake District? It would be fantastic if you could raise funds for those very surroundings.
Why not check out these treks and undertake one on your own – or with a team of friends or work colleagues:
Money was raised through visitor giving – with hotel guests making a small donation to look after the Lake District.
Caroline and Jonathan Kaye from Cedar Manor, said: “It’s fantastic to giving something back to the community that we live and work in. It’s important for us to get the message over to guests about conservation and protection of the landscape and share information about the Foundation and its work.”
A spokesperson for Langdale said: “Langdale and all our guests are proud to continue to support the Lake District Foundation. Operating in the Lake District brings with it a responsibility to look after the environment and special landscape that is so important to our visitors and our communities.”
The Lake District Foundation is a member of the Love Windermere Partnership which was launched in summer 2022 with the aim of improving water quality.
The money raised during the Big Give will help deliver a range of activities to increase awareness and knowledge of phosphate pollution, work with local residents, businesses, lake users and visitors to tackle the issue – for example providing education around septic tank use – in order to improve the health of the lake and its habitats.
Sarah Swindley, Chief Executive, Lake District Foundation, said: “We know there are some concerns around the health of the lake – particularly around water quality.
“Our project will deliver a range of community activities with the aim of improving water quality in Windermere, with a particular focus on reducing phosphate levels in the lake.
“What’s really exciting is that all donations this week will be doubled in the Big Give Christmas Challenge.”
The Lake District Foundation will deliver a range of activities to increase awareness and knowledge of phosphate pollution, work with local residents, businesses, lake users and visitors to tackle the issue – for example providing education around septic tank use – in order to improve the health of the lake and its habitats.
There are some great projects getting planned to work to improve water quality as part of the Love Windermere Partnership which was launched in summer 2022.
We spoke to the IICSA Legacy Project Team to find out more…
Tell us about this IICSA Legacy project.
The Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse designed its legacy project in consultation with victims and survivors, many of whom said they would like there to be a physical tribute for people to visit. Rather than confine this to a monument in one or two major cities, memorial benches and plaques have been placed across England and Wales. This reflects the widespread engagement with the Inquiry by victims and survivors from all areas of both countries.
Why are you are doing this?
Child sexual abuse has been hidden and its terrible consequences buried, for too long.
The legacy project pays tribute to all victims and survivors and hopes to drive cultural change and ensure the vital public conversation around child sexual abuse continues beyond the lifetime of the Inquiry.
The messages on the plaques are the words of different individuals who engaged with the Inquiry, and will ensure the voices of victims and survivors continue to be heard, so that children may be better protected in the future.
You have put plaques of hope on benches across the UK – why is Coniston one of the routes chosen?
There are more than 150 benches and plaques across England and Wales. To make the project accessible to as many people as possible, we wanted to achieve a good geographical spread over both countries, in a mix of scenic rural locations and busier urban areas.
As one of the best-known places in the hugely popular Lake District, Coniston combines tranquility and beauty to encourage quiet reflection, as well as high footfall.
What do you hope people will get from reading the plaques?
We hope that more open and honest conversations about the difficult topic of child sexual abuse will continue, as this will help to keep children safer.
We also want acknowledgement for victims and survivors and the impacts they live with as a result of their experiences of abuse. Along with the personal messages from them, the address and a QR code for the legacy website appear on the plaques.
The website legacy.iicsa.org.uk will remain after the Inquiry has concluded, to provide information about its work and details of support services for victims and survivors.
It also includes a bench locator tool which will allow people to find their nearest bench or plaque.
Who can use Monk Coniston route?
Everyone! It is classed as a Miles Without Styles route which means it is accessible to people who use wheelchairs. It is family friendly for prams, buggies. People don’t have to take the whole route – they can just do sections if they want.
Where is it exactly?
Starting from Monk Coniston Car Park the route takes in views of the lake and of the fells including Coniston Old Man. Coniston is home to lots of cafes, restaurants and pubs.
Address: Monk Coniston Car Park, Postcode: LA21 8AH. Grid reference: SD 316978
W3W: ///spectacle.turns.watch
Students from Japan visited the Lake District looking at sustainability in this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Lake District Foundation partnered with Hidden Lakeland to arrange the ten-day study programme.
Nine undergraduate students on the University of Tokyo’s Global Education for Innovation and Leadership programme stayed in Ambleside and Kendal to gain better understanding of the opportunities and difficulties presented by sustainable tourism in the Lake District National Park.
The students stayed in the heart of the Lake District at the University of Cumbria’s Ambleside campus. Most of the learning was delivered outdoors with a mix of sessions indoors.
This included presentations from representatives of Cumbria Tourism, the Lake District National Park Authority and World Heritage UK.
The group enjoyed walk-and-talk tours and got across the Lake District including Ambleside to Dove Cottage via Rydal Hall and the Coffin Trail.
They enjoyed a workshop hosted by Wordsworth, Grasmere, looking at William Wordsworth’s legacy for the Lakes as a place to visit.
They also met with Sarah Swindley, Chief Executive of the Lake District Foundation, received an insight into woodlands management by Cumbria Woodlands and met farmers working the land.
Tracey Gannon from Hidden Lakeland said: “It was a packed ten days with content, mostly outdoors, delivered by many people who have a passion for the Lake District and its future. Feedback from the students suggests that they found the experience very valuable.”
One student said: “It was very useful to hear from lecturers from different perspectives how things are seen and in what sense sustainability is important, depending on one’s position and principles. In addition, by actually visiting farms and climbing mountains, I was able to experience first-hand the beauty of the landscape and think about the importance of protecting it as my own personal matter.”
The Lake District Foundation is inviting organisations to apply for funding to plant new hedges and trees.
The move comes during National Hedgerow Week (October 10-17th 2022).
Up to £2500 is available through the Real Hedge Fund for groups who wish to reinstate native hedgerows or restore existing ones. The Foundation is asking for applications of up to 100 metres of planting.
This is the third round of funding and dozens of applicants have already benefitted and have been busy planting.
The Real Hedge Fund aims to highlight the importance of hedgerows and trees in the environment and their role within the cultural and natural heritage of the Lake District.
More than 1000 meters of hedgerow has already been planted. The Real Hedge Fund is only open to SMEs businesses, small charities and community groups operating in Cumbria.
Hedgerows are unsung biodiversity heroes, as well as connecting habitats, protecting against pollution and helping fight climate change, they provide a home for 80% of our woodland birds, hedgehogs, most species of bat, the great crested newt, dormice and butterflies.
The closing date for applications has been extended to 5pm Wednesday 23 November 2022.
People can support the Lake District Foundation’s ongoing campaign to support hedgerows and new tree planting here.
The Lake District Foundation launched the Real Hedge Fund in June 2020 in partnership with Ullswater Catchment Management CIC, The Food, Farming and Countryside Commission, Cumbria Wildlife Trust, Woodland Trust and Eden Rivers Trust.
Grants are available for homes, businesses and farms in and around Windermere to form community septic tank emptying schemes.
Love Windermere information packs are going to 1900 properties and businesses across Windermere in the coming weeks with advice on how to maintain septic tanks and in-turn, keep the lake healthy.
The move is part of the Love Windermere Partnership which was launched in the summer with the biggest ever cooperation of stakeholders to tackle challenges in the lake.
The Lake District Foundation is working with the Environment Agency to help prevent pollution in Windermere caused by poorly maintained non-mains drainage systems.
Better maintenance of septic tanks could contribute to better water quality at Windermere and significantly reduce septic tank maintenance costs.
Sarah Swindley, Lake District Foundation Chief Executive, said: “We all want water quality to be the best it can be for all to enjoy.
“We are trialling a new project where people can save time and money by joining a community emptying scheme. We have grants available to help communities come together to have tanks emptied at the same time.
“This is a really exciting move which has never been attempted before in Windermere and we are keen to work with the community to make a positive impact on this wonderful place.”
Around £8000 is available in total for neighbours to set up community emptying schemes. Septic tank owners can register interest in community collection schemes here: www.callofnature.info/windermereproperty-pack-feedback/
The Love Windermere Partnership was launched in July 2022. The partnership is developing a science-based plan to set out a road map for environmental protection that could be replicated across the UK.
Led by the Environment Agency, the partnership includes the Freshwater Biological Association; Lake District Foundation; Lake District National Park Authority; National Farmers Union; National Trust; South Cumbria Rivers Trust, South Lakeland District Council, United Utilities, and Cumbria LEP.
You can support water quality projects in the Lake District by donating to the Lake District Foundation Water Fund today. Visit www.lakedistrictfoundation.org/current-campaigns/cleaner-lakes to donate. Or you can text “LAKE” to 70450 to donate £5 or text Lake10 to donate £10. Texts will cost the donation amount plus one standard network rate message.
Top Tips for looking after septic tanks:
• Check the condition and regularly empty septic tank systems.
• Check and empty holding tanks on boats to prevent pollution.
• Use phosphate-free cleaning products.
• Join a community septic tank emptying scheme.
• Reduce fertiliser on lawns, gardens and farmland that can ultimately end up in the lake – and pay attention to the forecast – don’t spread if it’s going to rain.
• Support your local river trusts and wildlife groups.
In the home:
• Only use cleaners and detergents that are suitable for septic tanks and are phosphate free. A few minutes spent looking at labels will reward you in the long term.
• Please avoid bleach and other harsh chemicals as these will kill off the working bacteria in your tank.
• Flushed with success: Keep it simple when it comes to your toilet and only flush the 3 P’s – pee, poo and (toilet) paper. Never flush cleaning wipes, wet wipes, facial wipes, cotton buds, sanitary products, nappies or condoms.
• Sink savvy: Don’t pour food waste and cooking oils down your sink and as with your toilet don’t use harsh chemicals or bleach.
Messages of hope from child sexual abuse survivors will be inscribed on plaques on benches in a part of the Lake District.
Benches and plaques across England and Wales will soon bear the messages as part of a landmark Legacy Project by the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA).
Benches and plaques are set to be placed at up to 200 locations around both countries – including at one location in Cumbria. The uplifting messages have been gathered directly from victims and survivors who have taken part in the Inquiry’s Truth Project.
Each message has been chosen for reflection or to spark conversation, assuring victims and survivors they have been, and will continue to be, heard.
The Lake District Foundation is working with IICSA and Lake District National Park on the plaque project and will release more details in the coming months.
More information on the wider project and inquiry here
For more than two decades Fix the Fells has been looking after and repairing remote upland paths across the Lake District.
The work takes place in stunning locations sometimes in the harshest conditions. Twenty three rangers and 110 volunteers contributed over 2,200 days to fixing footpaths last year.
Now their efforts have been recognised with a prestigious Park Protector Award from the Campaign for National Parks.
We spoke to Joanne Backshall, Fix the Fells Programme Manager, about this vital programme and its impact on this World Heritage Site.
Tell us about the work of Fix the Fells
“Fix the Fells repairs, maintains and monitors hundreds of miles of upland paths in the Lake District National Park to protect the stunning scenery and precious environment.
“It has been operating for over 20 years because it was realised in the 1980s that enormous erosion scars were developing in the fells which threatened the beauty and nature of the area.
“Fix the Fells works to repair erosion damage caused by recreation and rainfall, both of which are increasing as more people visit the area and climate change causes more frequent storms.
“The work is carried out mostly by hand by teams of skilled rangers and an army of over 100 dedicated volunteers who work outside in the fells in all weathers. Stabilising erosion and creating sustainable paths is necessary to prevent vegetation, soil and stone being lost and washed into rivers and lakes below.
“The work is essential to protect and restore the World Heritage Site with its internationally designated landscape, habitats, species, history and culture.
“It is hard to imagine what the Lake District would look like today without the work of Fix the Fells.”
Before and after at Redacre Ghyll
Where is Fix the Fells up to at the moment?
“The rangers and volunteers are at work all across the Lake District repairing erosion and maintaining paths, for example around Coniston, Grasmere, Ambleside, Keswick and in the Ullswater, Langdale, Buttermere and Wasdale valleys.
“Full-time rangers carry out the large erosion repair projects and volunteers are active most days of the week undertaking smaller repair projects and also maintaining and monitoring hundreds of paths to keep them in good condition.”
Which are the biggest or most interesting projects currently?
“We’re always at work on the main routes up Scafell Pike, the highest mountain in England, which attracts hundreds of thousands of walkers to its summit every year.
“Other extremely popular mountains include Helvellyn, Coniston Old Man and Skiddaw, where we’re undertaking erosion control work to prevent large scars developing on the landscape.
“Long distance walks such as the Coast to Coast attract visitors from all over the world, who come to enjoy the Lake District scenery, and we’re repairing erosion on several sections of the route, for example as it passes from Borrowdale to Grasmere.”
What does the recent award mean to Fix the Fells?
“We are absolutely thrilled and honoured to receive the Campaign for National Parks – Park Protector Award.
Joanne (right) with Annie Duckworth (Fix The Fells Ranger at Lake District National Park).
“It is a fantastic recognition of all the hard work of the many rangers and volunteers within Fix the Fells over the last 20 years, who have committed so much to looking after the Lake District’s upland paths and landscape, for us all to enjoy.
How can people help Fix the Fells?
“People can help by sticking to the path surface (not walking along the fragile edges), wearing the appropriate footwear (which can cope with a bit of mud and water), volunteering with us, and most importantly, donating to Fix the Fells to help look after this stunning scenery and precious wildlife for us all for the future”.
The Fix the Fells partnership is made up of National Trust, Lake District National Park Authority, Friends of the Lake District, Natural England and Lake District Foundation.
A group of organisations from across Cumbria has come together in partnership to ensure that Windermere gets the focus it needs to face a challenging future.
Nutrients, climate change, more extreme weather patterns and the seasonal variations of the tourist population are all predicted to put the lake and its water quality under increasing pressure in the coming years.
Long-term records show that over that last 70 years the average annual surface temperature of Windermere has increased by 1.7 degrees C, leading to conditions that favour the growth of algae and reduce levels of oxygen.
The Love Windermere partnership has members from a broad range of sectors with the range of expertise and influence needed to bring about action.
Led by the Environment Agency, the partnership includes the Lake District Foundation, Freshwater Biological Association, Lake District National Park Authority, National Farmers Union, National Trust, South Cumbria Rivers Trust and United Utilities.
Sarah Swindley, CEO of the Lake District Foundation, said: “Our job at the LDF is to inspire people to care for all aspects of the Lake District. It’s only by working in partnership that we can ensure that beautiful Windermere can be enjoyed by generations to come.”
Lake District National Park Authority’s Chief Executive, Richard Leafe, said: “Windermere plays a key role in the lives of communities and visitors to the National Park, so it’s vital we work together with partners to improve the health of the lake.
“Love Windermere is set to be the most ambitious environmental partnership to date and we’re proud to take part. From individual action on septic tanks to working with land managers and the utility company, the programme will combine expertise with new data to tackle the current challenges and bring long-term benefits to everyone who enjoys Windermere and the National Park beyond.”
The group is developing evidence-based, long-term plans to maintain and improve water quality in the lake while balancing the needs of nature, the community and the local economy.
One of the first aims of Love Windermere is to collate more scientific evidence to understand which solutions will be most effective and to help prioritise activity.
Actions are also taking place to understand what local people think. The Environment Agency recently hosted a citizens’ panel to engage with the community and raise awareness of the challenges affecting the lake. More than 20 residents got involved and gave their recommendations on where they want to see action start.
“Love Your Lake – The Big Windermere Survey”, took place on Sunday 26 June, with 100 volunteers sampling water at various points around the lake and its tributaries. The results will help experts at Lancaster University and the Freshwater Biological Association to produce the largest ever one-day snapshot of conditions in Windermere.
Other activities this summer include:
South Cumbria Rivers Trust is working with volunteers to restore reed beds around the north of the lake, encouraging natural processes to remove nutrients from the lake sediment.
The Lake District Foundation is working with owners of septic tanks to develop community emptying schemes and share tips about how to best manage private sewerage systems
United Utilities is working with food outlets and restaurants in and around Windermere with tips to avoid constricting sewers with fatty waste which can lead to sewage spilling into the environment.
South Cumbria Rivers Trust and the Environment Agency are trialling innovative technology that if successful could be used to remove nutrients from septic tank effluent at a relatively low cost.
The Environment Agency will take samples and monitor water quality at four bathing water locations on Windermere until the end of the bathing water season in September, while farm inspections across the catchment will continue to focus on reducing diffuse pollution.
The work to improve Windermere will be a long-term challenge, and there is still much to learn about the complex issues affecting the lake.
However, it is hoped that the collaborative approach demonstrated through Love Windermere could set out a blueprint for improving the health of rivers and lakes across the UK.
The Lake District Foundation is looking for a consultant to evaluate the impact of our Forest Futures project.
Working in partnership with Cumbria Woodlands, we were awarded funding to continue and develop the restoration of ecologically important woodlands in the Thirlmere Valley, Cumbria.
Funding came from The Green Recovery Challenge Fund and is being delivered over 18 months (ending in March 2023).
Forest Futures is restoring woodlands and growing skills. The project carries out vital restoration work on the ground at Thirlmere and provides advice on woodland creation and management to landowners / managers.
It also encourages and develops Graduate Foresters to take their first steps on their career pathway and to help deliver the Government’s bold targets around woodland creation.
An independent evaluation of Forest Futures is needed to assess its initial impact, effectiveness of achieving intended goals, identify elements of best practice and highlight areas of challenge.
The Lake District Foundation is delighted to have been awarded £73,000 for a long-term project to look after Windermere.
The funding has come from the Environment Agency’s Natural Environment Investment Readiness Fund and will help to develop sustainable funding mechanisms to care for this special place.
Stretching 10.5 miles, Windermere is a gem of the Lake District.
It is under environmental pressure with pollution from a range of sources leading to increasing phosphorus levels and important habitats at risk of being lost or degraded.
The Lake District Foundation’s work will continue to arrest this decline and move to restore habitats under threat.
The Foundation will work with Windermere Stakeholder Forum partners including the Environment Agency and the Lake District National Park Authority, land managers and launch a community septic tank emptying scheme to improve water quality.
The project will also look to develop its own visitor-giving model which brings together large and small investors to help support the Windermere project long-term, to the benefit of nature, the economy and the community.
Sarah Swindley, Chief Executive Lake District Foundation, said: “We are delighted to receive this funding to help secure the future of Windermere.
“In partnership, we can build on the great work already started and ensure we have a long-term and sustainable approach to care for this beautiful and special place in our most-loved National Park.
“At the Lake District Foundation, we always work to find points of balance between nature, heritage, and our Cumbrian economy.
“We believe that by working respectfully together with all those who live in, work or visit the area, we can find the solutions. We will reveal more details of these exciting and much needed plans shortly.”
A new conservation project will receive half a million pounds to increase woodland creation in Cumbria.
Woodland Futures is a partnership project being delivered by the Lake District Foundation and Cumbria Woodlands.
It will receive £499,800 from the Trees Call to Action Fund.
Woodland Futures is one of 12 taking place nationwide that has been awarded a grant from the £6 million Trees Call to Action Fund, led by Defra, the Forestry Commission and The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Woodland Futures will run for three years until March 2025. It aims to increase woodland creation and bring existing woodlands into management to ensure they have a bright future.
The project will connect those that own and manage land. It will provide advice, information, training, and coordination between different organisations all with the goal of supporting woodlands across Cumbria.
Several new roles will be created. Staff will be employed by The Lake District Foundation and managed by Cumbria Woodlands.
The Trees Call to Action Fund supports projects which protect trees and woodlands, boost forestry skills and jobs, develop woodland creation partnerships, and engage communities with nature. The fund will distribute grants between £250,000-500,000 to be spent over three years, funding 12 projects across England.
Neville Elstone, Director Cumbria Woodlands, said: “This is a hugely exciting project. Cumbria Woodlands has been encouraging, supporting and advising landowners for over 30 years. Woodland Futures allows us to continue to do this vital work while engaging new audiences and helping to secure the future of woodlands in Cumbria.”
Sarah Swindley, Chief Executive Lake District Foundation, said: “This funding is a fantastic boost to woodlands in Cumbria. Woodland Futures will develop partnerships with the common goal of protecting our woodlands and creating a better future for them.
“It also extremely timely as this new project comes off the back of severe winter storms which have damaged woodlands and hedgerows across Cumbria.”
The other projects funded through this year’s Trees Call to Action Fund include six new Woodland Creation Partnerships across rural and urban areas; two projects to develop the skills and workforce of the trees and forestry sector; and three projects which engage people, by planting an NHS forest, engaging farmers to improve woodland condition, and restoring England’s hedgerows.
All projects funded will support progress towards achieving the key objectives of the England Trees Action Plan – the Government’s long-term plans for England’s trees, woodlands and forests.
A major £2.3m project to cut carbon in the Lake District is looking for a consultant to assess its impact.
The Low Carbon Lake District Fund is a comprehensive programme to help tackle climate change working in partnership with local businesses and communities.
Delivered by The Lake District Foundation, the Fund is led by the Lake District National Park Authority, other key partners include the National Trust, South Lakeland District Council and Cumbria Tourism.
The 47 projects funded so far include solar PV, air source heat pumps, insulation, LED lighting and energy management systems.
Embleton Spa Hotel (pictured above) received a food composter which is reducing waste going to landfill.
Rookhow Quaker Meeting House – a 300-year-old community facility in the Lyth Valley benefitted from an air source heat pump as part of its redevelopment and re-opening (pictured below).
The Low Carbon Lake District Fund opened for applications in April 2021 and will be completed by March 2023.
At the half-way point the Lake District Foundation seeks a consultant for an Evaluation Report.
The report would help us understand the impact of the project, identify areas for improvement, and articulate key outcomes that may be useful for further projects.
Six community projects have received a funding splash to help them look after lakes and rivers across Cumbria.
The Lake District Foundation joined forces with The Lakes Distillery to launch a £25k funding pot for projects that enhance and conserve water quality.
Six projects across the county have now been selected to receive funding from The Lakes Distillery Water Fund.
Lake District Diving will get funding
Sarah Smith, Lake District Foundation Operations Manager, said: “We are delighted to partner with The Lakes Distillery to support six fantastic community-led projects in the Lake District. Each are different but are all designed to make a lasting improvements to water quality in our rivers and lakes.”
Nigel Mills, co-founder and CEO at The Lakes Distillery, said: “It is fantastic that we have an opportunity to support these community projects and to help them deliver against what are very important environmental aims.
“We look forward to seeing the projects get underway and our team at the distillery is also very excited to get directly involved by volunteering and helping to deliver some of these schemes.”
Clean River Kent Campaign will get funding
Isobel Stoddart is chair at The Clean River Kent Campaign which has been awarded £3250 from the fund.
She said: “We are delighted to receive funding to continue our volunteer monitoring work to help protect and preserve the ecology of the River Kent, as well as those that enjoy using it.
“This funding will enable us to get a much deeper understanding of the water quality along the length of our precious river.”
West Cumbria Rivers Trust
The Lakes Distillery Water Fund is one of several initiatives taking place this year across Cumbria to look after lakes and rivers.
Projects supported by Lakes Distillery Fund:
Organisation: Cumbria Wildlife Trust
Project: Habitat restoration at Eycott Hill Nature Reserve
Funding: £5000
Description: The work will involve reducing soil erosion, improving water quality, enhancing biodiversity, creating habitats and slowing water flow into Naddles Beck protecting communities, streams, rivers and lakes further downstream.
Organisation: Lake District Diving
Project: Cleaning Up Litter Hidden in our Lakes and Rivers
Funding: £2000
Description: Working with community and volunteers to remove litter from lakes and rivers in the Lake District. Working mainly at Windermere but also Rydal, Grasmere, Derwentwater, Ullswater, River Kent, and mountain tarns.
Organisation: Spring to Sea
Project: The Becks of Ullswater – tackling micro plastic pollution
Funding: £4750
Description: Spring To Sea is a community interest group. It intends to clean any plastic pollution from the becks running into Ullswater with the help of local volunteers.
Organisation: Sustainability and Energy Network, Staveley
Project: Clean River Kent Campaign
Funding: £3250
Description: A community coalition from Staveley, Burneside and Kendal will apply for bathing water designation for two River Kent sites, to protect water-based recreational users from sewage health hazards and bring wildlife benefits.
Organisation: Lake District National Park Authority
Project: Bassenthwaite for all
Funding: £5000
Description: To support a two-year project focusing on Bassenthwaite Lake. Habitat management – willow coppicing and improving the lakeshore habitats, establishing a new volunteer group, working with new and existing audiences to raise awareness of biosecurity measures, holding litter picks.
Organisation: West Cumbria Rivers Trust
Project: Data for the Derwent
Funding: £5000
Project: Himalayan Balsam removal and fish surveys that inform future conservation work.
A week-long fundraiser to help care for Windermere is launched today (Friday 22 April).
The Lake District Foundation is taking part in the Big Give’s Green Match Fund – a nationwide fundraising drive which launches on Earth Day and runs until 29 April.
The Big Give raises money for environmental campaigns across the country which tackle climate change, protect species, eliminate waste and improve sustainability.
In Cumbria the Lake District Foundation wants to raise funds to deliver a range of community activities which care for Windermere. Donations will be match-funded to the tune of £10k.
Windermere is England’s largest lake. It is a nationally important place for wildlife and is also a valued space for recreation, relaxation and well-being attracting thousands of visitors each year.
Sarah Swindley, Chief Executive Lake District Foundation said: “We are delighted to take part in this week-long fundraising push. All donations during the Big Give will be doubled so it’s a fantastic opportunity to raise significant funds.
“Windermere is a much-loved and iconic part of the Lake District. We want to raise as much as we can during this week of activity and then distribute monies to community projects which look after and enhance this beautiful place.”
Campers are reminded of the dangers of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning.
The Lake District Foundation has sent safety posters to campsites this Easter.
You can’t see CO, taste it or smell it, but it can kill.
A key piece of advice is to never take a barbecue into a tent, awning, caravan or motor home. Even a cooling barbecue gives off poisonous carbon monoxide. Don’t cook inside your tent or awning. Always have gas appliances in your caravan or motor home serviced regularly.
There are around 60 deaths from accidental CO poisoning in England and Wales every year. Around 200 people are left seriously ill, while 4,000 people are treated in hospital.
Sarah Smith, from The Lake District Foundation said: “The Lake District and Cumbria is a haven for camping and boating, and it is great to get out into nature. But it’s important to know about CO poisoning and how to prevent it.
“As the country recovers from the pandemic we will see a significant increase in the number of first-time visitors to the Lake District National Park and visitors who may be new to camping.
“They may not be aware of the risks of CO, which could have devastating effects on individuals but also local communities and businesses. Learn how to keep you and your family safe by following the guidance on our website.”
The Lake District Foundation works with gas distributor Northern Gas Networks (NGN) to raise awareness of the dangers of CO. NGN provides the region’s rapid response team when a smell of gas is reported or carbon monoxide is suspected.
Steve Dacre, CO Innovations Lead for NGN said: “CO cannot be seen, smelled, tasted or heard but it can be deadly. We’d advise anyone thinking of camping or caravanning this Easter holiday to pack an audible carbon monoxide alarm in their bag. They only cost £15 but could save your life.
“If you suspect carbon monoxide is present, or you smell gas, get into the fresh air immediately and call the National Gas Emergency Service straight away on 0800 111 999 and we can send an engineer out to you. This line is in operation 24 hours a day, seven days a week.”
The Lake District Foundation has joined forces with The Lakes Distillery to launch a £25k funding pot for projects that enhance and conserve water quality.
The Lakes Distillery Water Fund is designed to support community and volunteer-led groups in their efforts to deliver water quality projects.
As the deadline for applications fast approaches (21 March 2022) we speak to Lakes Distillery co-founder and CEO Nigel Mills about the fund and why his company is so passionate about water quality…
Nigel Mills
How excited are you to launch The Lakes Distillery Water fund?
We are delighted to work with the Lake District Foundation on a fund which is designed to improve water quality in this wonderful part of the world.
We are really looking forward to receiving applications from community groups who have a passion for improving water quality throughout the Lake District National Park.
Why was The Lakes Distillery so keen to launch the Water Fund?
As a business nestled on the shore of Bassenthwaite Lake, our sense of responsibility is long-standing, but we didn’t think that trying to do good within the distillery alone was nearly enough.
We believe that the smartest way to drive positive change is by coming together and working in partnership where there is a common goal.
That is why we have joined forces with The Lake District Foundation to launch a collaboration we hope will have an impact for years to come. And we are excited to be able to support the fantastic work Sarah and the team at The Foundation do to protect and care for our National Park.
Why is The Lake Distillery so passionate about water quality?
All distilleries have a creation story, that moment of inspiration when someone decides they need to make whisky.
When that happens, there are three fundamental things they will need to succeed: lots of cold, clean water, space for storing whisky casks, and easy access to the market.
The Lake District has all of these in abundance and provides a beautiful and serene environment where creativity can flourish.
With our home rooted here, we are not only passionate about helping to protect it, but are morally bound to do all we can to preserve this way of life, including the quality of our rivers and lakes.
What kinds of water projects would you like to support?
We are in the early stages of this process in that we have asked for applications and are still waiting to see the requests. The most apparent thing for us is that we want to see projects driven by a desire to improve the water quality of our lakes and rivers.
How creative people are with the brief is up to them. We are set to look at applications at the end of March and can’t wait to see what great ideas the people of Cumbria come up with.
And your staff will also be getting involved?
The Lakes Distillery Water Fund has been made possible by the fundraising efforts of people from all areas of our business. The commitment is already company-wide, and I know the team are delighted that they are going to get the chance to be involved in supporting the successful projects first-hand.
We want to encourage positive change and so it goes beyond simply offering financial support to water improvement projects; we also want to play an active role in delivering them.
That is why each one of our team has been granted the opportunity to donate some of their time to support community and volunteer-led groups in their efforts to deliver these water quality schemes.
What would you say to community groups considering applying?
If you are considering applying for the Water Fund, we’d recommend you get moving with your application as the deadline of 21 March is fast approaching and we can’t wait to try and help you.
Community groups and businesses wishing to reduce their carbon footprint can apply for funding.
Low Carbon Lake District Grants is now open with another £200k available for projects which are designed to cut carbon.
The Lake District Foundation is delighted to offer grants to community groups and small to medium sized businesses thanks to support from the European Regional Development Fund.
Two rounds of funding have already seen grants allocated to projects across Cumbria.
These include solar panels and energy saving lighting at businesses, food waste composters at hotels, and new eco refrigerators at village shops.
Sarah Smith, from The Lake District Foundation said: “We are delighted to offer this third round of funding for a scheme which is already making real progress in cutting carbon in Cumbria.
“We would invite community groups and small to medium sized businesses from a range of sectors who are keen to cut carbon to register now. This is your chance to make a difference to the sustainability of Cumbria, to create a greener future.”
Applications will be reviewed by an independent expert panel. Businesses will need to operate within Cumbria.
One business which has benefited already is Embleton Spa Hotel in north Cumbria which has been supported to get a new food waste composter.
The hotel is now able to compost all its food waste – stopping it from going to landfill – and creating compost.
Cool at composting – Embleton Spa Hotel
Ali Dixon from Embleton Spa Hotel (pictured above) said: “We’d like to thank The Lake District Foundation and their partners for the grant funding they have provided to enable this project. Initiatives like this are of vital importance in making the significant changes required to combat climate change.”
The Low Carbon Lake District initiative is a comprehensive programme to help tackle climate change in the National Park, working in partnership with local businesses and communities to reduce greenhouse gases and prepare for the impacts of climate change.
Led by the Lake District National Park Authority, other key partners include the Lake District Foundation, the National Trust, South Lakeland District Council and Cumbria Tourism.
Braithwaite Institute has planted 80m of native hedgerow thanks to a £1,600 grant from The Lake District Foundation.
It applied to our Real Hedge Fund which gives funding to projects which help replace lost hedges and trees.
Peter Walter, Braithwaite Institute Chair of the Trustees, said.“We are lucky enough to have a huge site that hosts a cricket pitch, football pitch, tennis courts and bowling green, and we were keen to make our land as nature friendly as possible.
“This grant from the Real Hedge Fund has meant we can create a hedgerow full of nature friendly, native bushes and trees that we hope will add to the bio-diversity of our land. The hedgerow will also provide screening between our large car-park and sports fields.”
Tom Dutson and his team from Heartwood Enterprises planted the hedgerow.
Sarah Swindley, Chief Executive Lake District Foundation said: “We are delighted to support this important project. Hedges are wonderful things – they connect habitats, improve biodiversity, store carbon, and help prevent flooding.”
“Cumbria has been hit very badly this winter with severe storms which has seen thousands of trees and hedges destroyed. This makes planting projects like the one at Braithwaite even more important. The Foundation is committed to raising funds to help restore Cumbria’s lost trees.”
The Lake District Foundation’s Real Hedge Fund – which helps create and restore Cumbria’s hedgerows – has turned its focus to planting new trees and hedges lost in recent winter storms.
The charity will match-fund donations up to £5000. Every £25 donated by individuals or businesses will help create one metre of bio-diverse hedgerow or up to five saplings for replanting.
The first seeds have been planted on a unique green scheme in north Kendal.
Families have clubbed together to buy the derelict Holme House Farm in Skelsmergh and will create an eco-community of five homes.
They will minimise environmental impact while restoring and enhancing wildlife and habitats of the woodland, river and meadows on the plot.
The Lake District Foundation has funded the new hedgerow through the Real Hedge Fund.
Families came together recently to plant eight oak trees – representing the community putting firm foundations down for future generations.
Over time it’s hoped the hedge will provide shelter, habitat, food and nesting sites for all manner of plants, insects, animals and birds. This will help local wildlife flourish and become more resilient.
People will also be able to harvest berries, hips and nuts for their larders, wine and jam making.
Chris Loynes from Holme House Farm said: “The funding has made it possible for us to buy native edible hedge plants and standards to create a boundary hedge, especially along the edge that we share with a public footpath.
“It is so helpful to get local funding and support for our plans to restore and enhance wildlife on Holme House Farm by planting this hedge. It has become a focal point for the community members and our friends and neighbours to get to know the place and each other.
“We hope walkers will, in time, be able to take advantage of the edible hedge as well as ourselves and wildlife.”
The Lake District Foundation’s Real Hedge Fund – which helps create and restore Cumbria’s hedgerows – has turned its focus to planting new trees and hedges lost in November’s Storm Arwen.
The charity will match-fund donations up to £5000. Every £25 donated by individuals or businesses will help create one metre of bio-diverse hedgerow or up to five saplings for replanting.
A group of organisations from across Cumbria has come together in partnership to ensure that Windermere gets the focus it needs to face a challenging future.
