The amazing Rookhow Quaker Meeting House in the Rusland Valley is almost 300-years-old and is being brought back to its former glory.
The Grade II* listed building secured around £15,550 from the Low Carbon Lake District Grants Scheme to install an air source heat pump (ASHP).
The Lake District Foundation was delighted to support this as it will improve comfort levels in the building, protect its fabric and reduce carbon footprint.
Rookhow’s redevelopment has been made possible by several trusts and individuals who have funded this fantastic project.
We visited recently to check on developments with Sue Nicholls, Rookhow Development Manager.
From May 2022 Rookhow will be open to the public on first and third Friday of every month 10am-4pm. For more info contact Sue at Rookhow: [email protected].
Cumbria has a new kid on the block taking his first steps in forestry employment.
Bryce Flannaghan is a new graduate forester employed by the Lake District Foundation and managed by Cumbria Woodlands.
As part of his learning Bryce will work alongside United Utilities staff making lasting improvements to woodlands in Thirlmere. We caught-up with Bryce to find out more.
Bryce at Thirlmere. Photo Ewen Turner/Cumbria Woodlands.
Tell us about your role
My 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.
This will finance the restoration of plantations on Ancient Woodland Sites (PAWS) to their former natural condition throughout Thirlmere Valley. This will increase overall biodiversity, mitigate the effects of extreme weather events and climate change, as well as improving the water quality of Thirlmere reservoir, which supplies water throughout the Northwest.
My responsibility is the planning and implementation of this woodland restoration and I hope to improve and protect these unique habitats so future generations can benefit from them.
Thirlmere. Photo Ewen Turner / Cumbria Woodlands.
How pleased are you to start as graduate forester?
The forest industry is full of passionate and knowledgeable individuals, which makes for very strong competition when seeking employment as a graduate with little experience.
There are few apprenticeship schemes or graduate places that will allow someone who is new to the industry to develop their skills and connect with professionals and I was very lucky to have secured one with Cumbria Woodlands.
They, in partnership with United Utilities and the Lake District Foundation have supported me in my transition from education to full-time work, providing essential equipment and offering many training opportunities. I couldn’t ask for a better start in forestry.
Are woodlands a passion of yours?
At first, no. I finished my A-Levels and had no Idea what I wanted to do for a career, but I knew I wanted to work outdoors. I decided to do a forestry management course at the University of Cumbria on a whim and instantly loved it. I had never really thought about the importance of woodlands beyond their production of oxygen and as a place to go for a walk.
Seeing the vast scope of industry reliant on forest products and learning how sustainable forest management benefits the wider environment and the health and well-being of society, made me realise that woodlands should be treasured and protected by all.
What are you most looking forward to in your role?
Forestry and its related sectors comprise a wide range of disciplines and everyone I have met so far has had a wealth of knowledge and experience, and a passion for their respective fields.
I always learn something new when talking to colleagues or meeting woodland owners / managers on site. This, in combination with the many training and learning opportunities provided by Cumbria Woodlands, mean I can look forward to expanding my knowledge and experience while in this role and hopefully this will continue throughout my career.
Have you always lived in the Lake District?
I’m originally from the North East but after moving to the Lake District for university I couldn’t leave…
There’s a reason so many people visit the national park each year, the landscape is stunning and there’s no end of things to do if you enjoy being outdoors. I’m very fortunate to be able to live and work here.
What is your favourite place in the Lake District?
As a forester, you would probably think it would be a pristine woodland somewhere or the location of a remarkable ancient tree, but I prefer a challenging hike up a fell.
My favourite area at the moment is the Langdale Pikes and If I’m feeling brave, I’ll scramble up Jacks Rake along the way. I should also mention my favourite woodland though, which is Heald Wood, a National Trust site on the west shore of Windermere with a nice mixture of ancient broad-leaved woodland, large conifers and excellent views across the lake.
What are your passions outside of work?
Outside of work I enjoy climbing, hiking, and wild camping… and pretty much anything else you can do outdoors in the lakes. I also play the drums whenever I get the chance which, to the delight of my next door neighbours, isn’t too often.
Funding is available to community groups keen to be kind to lakes and rivers across Cumbria.
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 schemes.
Funding is available thanks to fantastic fundraising efforts and donations from The Lakes Distillery which can be found on the banks of the River Derwent.
Staff from the company will also be on hand to donate their time by helping at some of the successful projects.
Sarah Smith, Lake District Foundation Operations Manager, said: “We are delighted to launch this new Water Grant Fund thanks to the generosity of The Lakes Distillery. We are keen to award funding to the very best community-led projects in the Lake District which make a lasting improvement to water quality in our rivers and lakes.”
Nigel Mills, co-founder and CEO at The Lakes Distillery, said “As part of The Lake District community, our sense of responsibility is long-standing but trying to do good within the distillery alone is not nearly enough. That is why 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.
“Working towards a common goal, we cannot wait to see the projects that come out of the Water Fund, and for our team to have the chance to spend time helping to deliver some of them.”
Projects must focus on water quality in the Lake District and demonstrate that they will contribute to at least one of the following objectives: pollution prevention and mitigation, habitat creation and protection, invasive species control, species conservation or education.
Lake District Foundation welcomes applications from community organisations that meet set criteria.
The total pot size is £25,000 and applications are welcomed for projects valued at £5,000.
The Fund opens for applications on 7 February and the closing date is 21 March.
The Lake District Foundation supported a project which sees young people experiencing nature and exploring potential careers in the countryside.
The sessions opened a door on the great outdoors, inviting students to immerse themselves in nature, building skills and confidence in safe surroundings.
We spoke to Marion Brown from Rusland Horizons about the success of two ‘bushcraft days’ which saw young people, with limited access to nature, learning countryside skills from yesteryear.
Tell us about the work of Rusland Horizons.
Marion: “Rusland Horizons Trust is a charitable community trust. It relies on, and welcomes, the support of its local community and members and is proud to work alongside them to achieve a Living Landscape, Thriving Community within the unique and beautiful Rusland valley.
“Rusland Horizon’s conservation work manages and enables nature recovery and regeneration, protecting precious habitats which are home to many fascinating, and sometimes rare, wildlife and ecosystems.
“This is done through practical conservation activities supported by members, local communities in the Rusland valley, volunteers and via outreach projects such as the Broadening Horizons initiative with Furness College.”
Tell us about the bushcraft days which Lake District Foundation supported.
Marion “The bushcraft days were an opportunity to immerse the students in the countryside and woodlands of the Rusland valley. They enabled those who might not usually spend much time in the outdoors to build confidence within this environment and encourage interaction with the countryside on an ongoing basis.
“Organised in partnership with Woodmatters, the bushcraft days helped the young people deepen their connection with nature through learning a number of every-day primitive skills used thousands of years ago, such as tracking, fire lighting and whittling.
“The students also learned greenwood skills and made spatulas by whittling off-cuts of wood and using simple tools. There was also the chance to help with a charcoal burn, making barbecue charcoal in the woods using a kiln.
The students not only got hands-on learning new skills but they were encouraged to explore and connect with nature in many different ways.
“It is hoped that this new appreciation for the woodland landscape will encourage them to continue with their interest in nature, be protective of it and possibly volunteer for an organisation like Rusland Horizons in the future.”
Why is it important for young people to get out into nature?
Marion: “The threat of climate change, loss of biodiversity and the importance of prioritising nature are messages that our young people are all too familiar with. Very often they are the ones leading the way, calling for action to protect and conserve our landscapes, habitats, wildlife and communities.
“Time spent in nature and the great outdoors has numerous benefits for all of us. For some young people with limited access to the outdoors, due to economic disadvantage, this can be magnified.
“Our aim is to remove the barriers that prevent disadvantaged young people having the opportunity to experience what many of us take for granted.
“This includes providing transport from towns to the countryside and providing a safe place to experience nature. In addition to the physical gains that can be achieved, such as improved health and mental well-being, the opportunity to be immersed in nature can be, for some, life changing, building new skills and confidence.
“Nature and our environment is at a critical point and our young people are vital in ensuring the protection of our natural world. Engaging them, educating them and allowing them the opportunity to experience all that nature has to offer, will help to show the immense benefits nature can provide and hopefully instill a sense of protection towards it.”
A new campaign is launched to help Lake District woodlands recover from Storm Arwen.
Thousands of trees were felled causing terrible damage to woodlands across the county.
It’s been almost one month since the storm ripped through Cumbria, leaving significant damage in its wake.
Orrest Head in Windermere suffered around 75 felled trees. Mayor Adrian Legge is pictured surveying storm damage this week.
The Lake District Foundation’s Real Hedge Fund – which helps create and restore Cumbria’s hedgerows – will turn its focus to planting new trees and hedges lost in the storm.
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.
Sarah Swindley, CEO, Lake District Foundation, said: “You only have to walk around the county to see the scale of destruction to our woodlands following Storm Arwen.
“Our existing Real Hedge Fund campaign has been helping to restore Cumbria’s hedgerows. Given the impact of Storm Arwen we are now extending that campaign to include replanting of trees felled in the storm.”
The Lake District Foundation has smashed its target of raising 25k for Fix the Fells.
A week-long Big Give fundraising drive has seen more than £27k raised.
The Foundation says a big thank-you to everyone who supported this campaign.
The last few years have seen many more people discovering the amazing upland paths of the Lake District. The Foundation is glad people share our love for this place, but the work of the Fix the Fells partnership is never more needed to help maintain and protect footpaths on our beautiful mountains.
This year’s Big Give got off to a flyer with two match funding champions: The Langdale Estate and LDF Chair, Gill Houston who walked all the “The Birketts” peaks. Between them we have £12,400 of match funding that means any donation is doubled.
Sarah Swindley, CEO, Lake District Foundation, said: “We are delighted to have smashed our target. Thank-you to everyone who has supported the Big Give this year. It is so important that we continue to care for our path network in the Lake District. Fix the Fells staff and volunteers do incredible work in the most challenging conditions.”
The Lake District Foundation has over 20 years’ experience working with local partners and is always looking for new ways to work together to help a achieve its goals. Much of the money given away in grants is raised by local businesses. Please get in touch if you want to help us do more of this.
There are several different fundraising mechanisms designed to work with your business, including opt-in donations, events, and sponsored products to name a few.
The Lake District Foundation, a local sustainability and conservation charity wants to support local groups to help meet COP26. During the Conference, The Lake District Foundation will support up to 20 projects with a grant of up to £500 to help tackle the climate crisis we are facing. One of the main aims of COP26 is to: Adapt to protect communities and natural habitats. The Lake District Foundation are opening our small grants fund of £10,000 to help achieve that aim. We are inviting local groups, and communities to help us make a real difference in the Lake District and Cumbria to move us towards the COP26 Goals.
If you have been inspired by COP26 and feel you have a project that can help the Lake District or Cumbria meet the COP26 targets, come and apply for one of our small grants. Grant applications will open 9am 31st Oct 2021 until 5pm Fri, 12th Nov. We have already had two rounds of zero carbon grants and if you are looking for larger grants subscribe via our website to find out when the 3rd round opens.
Sarah Swindley, CEO, Lake District Foundation, said: “We are proud to work with communities and organisations who want to care for the spectacular landscapes, wildlife and cultural heritage of the Lake District. We want to work with inspired groups to really make a difference during COP26”.
The Lake District Foundation has over 20 years’ experience working with local partners and are always looking for new ways to work together to help a achieve our goals. Much of the money we give away in grants is raised by local businesses. Please get in touch if you want to help us do more of this. . There are several different fundraising mechanisms designed to work with your business, including opt-in donations, events, and sponsored products to name a few. If you would like to find out more, please visit the charity’s website, lakedistrictfoundation.org/fundraising-in-your-business or contact Steve Tonkin via email, [email protected].
ENDS
Notes to Editors:
The Lake District Foundation, registered charity number 1174201, inspires people to donate to projects that care for the spectacular wildlife, landscapes and cultural heritage of the Lake District and Cumbria. The LDF supports the delivery of the shared aims of the Lake District National Park Partnership as the main fundraising and grant making partner. This is achieved through innovative and successful fundraising campaigns locally, nationally and internationally. The Lake District Foundation encourages partners to work together to ensure a coordinated approach to fundraising and income generation. For more information visit www.lakedistrictfoundation.org.
For more information, please contact Steve Tonkin at the Lake District Foundation on: 07731567488 or email [email protected]
Following a successful first round, the Lake District Foundation has received 35 registrations from organisations within the Lake District National Park in round 2, spread geographically across Allerdale, Copeland, Eden, South Lakeland District Council. The second round closed for registrations on Thursday 14th October 2021 5:00PM
Organisations that registered included limited companies, sole traders, registered charities and partnerships, and covered a range of sectors including Education, Food Production, Hospitality and leisure, Retail, Transport, Arts and Religion.
The majority of organisations employ under 10 people showing how important these funding sources are to small businesses.
Organisations were interested to receive support for the following types of projects; Solar PV, heat pumps, biomass boilers, insulation, LED lighting , energy efficient appliances, infrared heating and rainwater harvesting.
We look forward to assessing the eligibility of these organisations and hearing more about their Low Carbon projects in due course. The aim of this grant fund is to achieve savings of 86 tonnes of CO2 across the park.
Qualifying organisations will be awarded up to 60% of project costs, helping to make the move to low carbon technologies and practices more affordable.
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.
The project has received funding from the England European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme 2014- 2020. The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government and the Department for Work and Pensions (and in London the intermediate body Greater London Authority) are the Managing Authorities for European Regional Development Fund and European Social Fund funding through the Growth Programme, funds established by the European Union to help local areas stimulate their economic development. By investing in projects the funds will help to support innovation, businesses, skills and employment to improve local growth and create jobs. For more information visit: https://www.gov.uk/europeangrowth-funding
The Northern Powerhouse is a key aspect of this Government’s approach to addressing the productivity gap in the North and ensuring a stronger, more sustainable economy for all parts of the UK. Alongside over €1.5 billion of European Regional Development Fund support for businesses and communities across the North, the government has awarded £3.4 billion in three rounds of Growth Deals across the Northern Powerhouse.
State Aid Notice
This is a fantastic opportunity for businesses and community groups to make a real difference to the sustainability of Cumbria, to build back better, and create a greener future.
In order to avoid public funding distorting competition within the European common market, the European Commission sets limits on the levels of assistance which the public sector can provide to businesses (“the state aid rules”).
Any assistance provided through this scheme will comply with the state aid rules by applying De Minimis Exemption, EC Regulation 1407/2013 (24 December 2013) in the first instance, and the General Block Exemption Regulation (GBER), EC Regulation 651/2014 (17 June 2014) may also be applied.
Following a successful first round, the Low Carbon Lake District Grant Scheme will re-open for registrations on Thursday 23rd September 2021 9:00 AM until Thursday 14th October 2021 5:00PM.
Funding is available to community groups and businesses from a range of sectors operating in the Lake District National Park, for delivery of projects that reduce operational carbon footprint. Examples include renewable energy generation and energy efficiency projects.
Qualifying organisations will be awarded up to 60% of project costs, helping to make the move to low carbon technologies and practices more affordable.
Sarah Swindley, CEO, Lake District Foundation says: “It’s fantastic news that there’s been such a great take up with these grants already and we are delighted to be able to support local organisations to deliver low carbon projects. The Grant Scheme can support SMEs and community groups across a wide range of sectors and we look forward to assessing the next round of projects.”
Examples of organisations and projects already supported include Rookhow Quaker Meeting House who were awarded a grant to install an Air Source Heat Pump and loft insulation to improve the comfort levels in the building while reducing the carbon footprint. Levens Village Shop were awarded a grant to install an energy efficient refrigeration system. Up to 60% of the carbon footprint of retail businesses can be attributed to refrigeration, and this project addresses this issue.
Vanessa Riley, Levens Village Shop says: “We’d have struggled to complete the work without the grant received from the foundation. I would encourage anyone who is wanting to make improvements to their own carbon footprint to get in touch.”
The launch of the second round coincides with the Ambleside to Zero event on Thursday 23rd September 2021 where a member of the team will be on hand to answer any questions.
Unfortunately, we are not able to accept registrations from outside the National Park boundary in this round.
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.
The project has received funding from the England European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme 2014- 2020. The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government and the Department for Work and Pensions (and in London the intermediate body Greater London Authority) are the Managing Authorities for European Regional Development Fund and European Social Fund funding through the Growth Programme, funds established by the European Union to help local areas stimulate their economic development. By investing in projects the funds will help to support innovation, businesses, skills and employment to improve local growth and create jobs. For more information visit: https://www.gov.uk/europeangrowth-funding
The Northern Powerhouse is a key aspect of this Government’s approach to addressing the productivity gap in the North and ensuring a stronger, more sustainable economy for all parts of the UK. Alongside over €1.5 billion of European Regional Development Fund support for businesses and communities across the North, the government has awarded £3.4 billion in three rounds of Growth Deals across the Northern Powerhouse.
State Aid Notice
This is a fantastic opportunity for businesses and community groups to make a real difference to the sustainability of Cumbria, to build back better, and create a greener future.
In order to avoid public funding distorting competition within the European common market, the European Commission sets limits on the levels of assistance which the public sector can provide to businesses (“the state aid rules”).
Any assistance provided through this scheme will comply with the state aid rules by applying De Minimis Exemption, EC Regulation 1407/2013 (24 December 2013) in the first instance, and the General Block Exemption Regulation (GBER), EC Regulation 651/2014 (17 June 2014) may also be applied.
The second round of funding for the protection and creation of native hedgerows in Cumbria is now open.
The Fund has £5,000 available in this call, running from 9am Monday 30th August – 5pm Sunday 12th September 2021.
The Real Hedge Fund is made up of donations from businesses, visitors and residents who love the Lake District and want to help the cause of protecting native hedgerows and the wildlife that depends on them.
The Lake District Foundation launched the fundraising initiative 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.
The Lake District Foundation and partners are looking for those who will use the Fund to purchase and plant native hedgerows between 50-100 metres, either double or singled fenced or those looking to restore native hedgerows using techniques such as “gapping up”. This is therefore aimed at farmers, SME businesses, small charities and community groups operating in Cumbria.
Sarah Swindley, CEO, Lake District Foundation said: “We’re pleased to have the second round open ahead of the autumn planting season. The first call earlier this year was a huge success! We awarded four projects between £500 – £2,300, they all demonstrated environmental value either by planting new native hedgerow or restoration of old hedgerows and opportunities to allow for community engagement. We are looking forward to seeing who applies for this second round and wish everyone the best of luck”.
Applications will only be accepted if environmental value can be evidenced. Activity cannot be “doubled funded” and applicants will need to show that their proposal is not covered by an existing stewardship or grant funding scheme.
The application form and guidance can be found on the Lake District Foundation website, lakedistrictfoundation.org/apply-for-a-grant/. Applications that meet the criteria will be reviewed by the grants panel, and shortlisted applicants may be invited to meet the panel virtually and discuss their project further.
One of the successful projects awarded a grant in the first round earlier this year, Hutton Head Farm in Penrith, have started work on creating a new 84 metre ‘corridor’ hedge to join a 20 acre semi-natural ancient woodland (The Holghyll Wood) with a 9 acre hay meadow (Lacet Hill).
Phil Davies, Owner of Hutton Head Farm, explains: “We were delighted to receive funding from the Real Hedge Fund grant. Such a superb scheme to help protect our native hedgerows. Since receiving the grant in May we’ve ordered the hedgerow plants in preparation for the hedgerow planting season this Autumn. We will start planting in December and January and will start erecting the double fence with the help of a fencing contractor on the farm from now onwards. The fund is allowing us to create a new hedge to link key habitats together creating an important wildlife corridor. I would like to thank everyone who donated to the campaign to make this funding possible”.
Share your experience and be in with a chance to win!
The team at Visit Lake District, Cumbria would love to hear about your visit to our county to help them better understand what’s important to you and how they can make your next visit even more enjoyable.
So, please do take just a few minutes to complete their short survey – it takes just a few minutes and by completing you’ll also be able to enter an exclusive prize draw!
The Lake District National Park Authority was created to help look after this unique corner of England, encouraging people to enjoy and understand its beauty and helping those who live and work here. Home to flourishing wildlife, thriving communities and spectacular landscapes, loved by millions and cared for by many, the Lake District was designated a National Park on 9 May 1951, 70 years ago! To mark 70 years of caring for the National Park, the Lake District 10 achievements over the years.
To mark 70 years of caring for the National Park, the Lake District National Park have shared some of their top 10 achievements over the years.
Activities for all – 48 MileswithoutStiles routes across the National Park that are suitable for people with limited mobility, including wheelchair users, families with pushchairs, and those who want a simple route to see some beautiful scenery without too much effort.
Low Carbon for all – Low Carbon Lake District was launched in 2008 by the Lake District National Park to reduce greenhouse gases and prepare for the impacts of climate change.
Working together – The Partnership was established in 2006 to bring together 25 organisations to collectively manage the Lake District.
International recognition – The Lake District National Park was inscribedWorld Heritage Site status for its cultural heritage and landscape in 2017.
Heritage project success – The 400 year old Coniston Coppermines was taken off the At Risk Register in 2018 after we worked with local landowners, volunteers and businesses to preserve the site and install new creative storytelling within the valley. Similarly, the Duddon Iron Furnace was recently saved from the At Risk Register due to the continued good work of our archeologists and partners.
Landscape restoration – Between 2016 and 2019 the Lake District National Park worked with the community and partners to celebrate the heritage and restore the landscape in the Rusland valley.This major project created apprenticeships and connected people with the traditional skills that protected the wildlife and wooded landscape of the area.
A resilient National Park – Following the destruction of Storm Desmond in December 2015, Lake District National Park delivered Routes to Resilience, a £3 million programme to restore the Public Rights of Way network.
More than 400 hands – more than 400 volunteers who help look after the Park in various ways from research to maintenance work out on the fells. Our dedicated Fix the Fells volunteers help repair paths from erosion on the high fells and protect the ecology and archaeological heritage of our beautiful landscape.
Housing – Lack of affordable housing is a national issue, but the need is even more acute in the Lake District. Lake District National Park are responsible for planning, we try to make sure new buildings or conversions are of a type needed by people who live and work locally.
A warm welcome – The National Park welcomes over 19 million visitors each year.
Let us know what you love most about the Lake District using #LakeDistrict70 on social media! For more information visit the Lake District National Park’s website here.
The Lake District Foundation has been awarded a grant from the Government’s £40 million second round of the Green Recovery Challenge Fund, a multi-million pound boost for green jobs and nature recovery
Ninety nature projects across England have been awarded grants from £68,100 to £1,950,000 to create and retain over 1,000 green jobs, backed by the Government’s £80 million Green Recovery Challenge Fund.
Work will be carried out on over 600 sites from North Northumberland to the tip of Cornwall, and combined with the first round, almost a million trees will be planted, contributing towards the Government’s commitment to treble tree planting rates across England by the end of this Parliament.
Our project, delivered in partnership with Cumbria Woodlands and United Utilities, will deliver important nature restoration activities.
Funding will enable the delivery of vital restoration work on some of the most importance Ancient Woodland sites in the Thirlmere Valley, and which include SSSI’s and Plantations on Ancient Woodland sites. Funding will also enable the creation of a new full-time post, supporting a graduate forester to hone and develop their skills – vital to ensure a skills pipeline into the conversation sector
Alongside this, we will provide promotion and advice on woodland creation and management to landowners and managers.
The Green Recovery Challenge Fund is a key part of the Prime Minister’s 10 Point Plan to kick-start nature recovery and tackle climate change. Connecting people with nature is another priority theme: by increasing access to nature and greenspaces, projects will support both physical and mental wellbeing. The Government’s Green Recovery Challenge Fund was developed by Defra and its Arm’s-Length Bodies The fund is being delivered by The National Lottery Heritage Fund in partnership with Natural England, the Environment Agency and Forestry Commission.
Environment Minister, Rebecca Pow, said:
“The diverse and ambitious projects being awarded funding today will help environmental organisations employ more people to work on tree-planting, nature restoration and crucially, help more of the public to access and enjoy the outdoors.
“Through our £80 million Fund, we are on track to support over 2,500 jobs, plant almost a million trees and increase nature recovery at a huge scale across the country, which will help us deliver against our 25 Year Environment Plan.”
Ros Kerslake, Chief Executive, National Lottery Heritage Fund, said:
Emma Howard Boyd, Chair of the Environment Agency, said:
“By supporting jobs from Northumberland to Somerset, the Green Recovery Challenge Fund will help deliver a nature positive future. The fund supports young people to develop skills needed to protect nature, build back greener and prepare for climate impacts, like floods and heatwaves.”
Natural England Chair Tony Juniper said:
“Our environmental and conservation charity sector does an incredible job in protecting, improving and restoring the natural environment for the benefit of communities and the economy.”
Forestry Commission Chair Sir William Worsley said:
The Lake District Foundation project, delivered in partnership with Cumbria Woodlands and United Utilities, will deliver important nature restoration activities. Funding will enable the delivery of vital restoration work on some of the most importance Ancient Woodland sites in the Thirlmere Valley, and which include SSSI’s and Plantations on Ancient Woodland sites. Funding will also enable the creation of a new full-time post, supporting a graduate forester to hone and develop their skills – vital to ensure a skills pipeline into the conversation sector. Alongside this, we will provide promotion and advice on woodland creation and management to landowners and managers.
90 projects awarded grants to accelerate the implementation of nature-based projects, from new ‘insect pathways’ in our countryside and towns, to tree planting projects in deprived urban areas
Second funding round of Green Recovery Challenge Fund backed by £40 million, with over 1,000 jobs to be created or retained in England
The Lake District Foundation is taking part in an exciting match funding campaign to raise funds for the Lake District.
The charity are seeking to raise £4,000 by the 31st August 2021!
If the Lake District Foundation are one of the first 50 charities to raise at least £4,000 (excluding Gift Aid) from 50 donors through Giving Checkout between July 1 and August 31, the charity will receive a £2,000 unrestricted gift from JustGiving.
The initiative is to celebrate the launch of our new fee-free direct donation tool, Giving Checkout and are giving away £130,000 in unrestricted funding!
Plus, every charity that raises £4,000 will be placed in a draw to win one of three additional £10,000donations!
It’s not just in the house that you must be carbon monoxide safe. Anywhere that fossil fuels are burnt, CO can occur. Ensure that appliances are checked and maintained, barbecues are ALWAYS in open air (even after they have gone out), and you have a CO alarm present.
Camping Tents – Never take a camping stove into a tent. Even after extinguishing. CO can continue to be produced for hours
Caravans and Motorhomes – Appliances such as gas fires/cookers, or petrol-powered generators should be maintained and a CO alarm installed
Boats – Similar to caravans and motorhomes, boats can contain fuel burning devices which should be maintained and a CO alarm should be present.
Car Exhausts – Car exhausts produce carbon monoxide, so never leave a car running in a confined space, such as a garage.
The Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning
Carbon monoxide starves the body of oxygen. Making individuals feel unwell, and therefore is potentially mistaken as a cold or flu. The longer the exposure to carbon monoxide, the worse the symptoms become. High levels of carbon monoxide exposure can be fatal.
The Lake District Foundation, the local sustainability and conservation charity caring for the Lake District, welcomes a new trustee to the board, Dan Visser, to the board.
Dan moved to the Lake District in 1999 to further his career in hospitality and for lifestyle reasons. Dan has been an active member of the tourism and hospitality sector in the Lake District and Cumbria over the last two decades.
Dan joined Langdale Leisure in 2008 as Director of Sales and Marketing, returning the business to profitability and part of the team which delivers sustainable solutions and supports local communities.
Dan Visser, Director of Sales and Marketing at Langdale Leisure, said “I am delighted to join the board at the Lake District Foundation. I have been working hard to develop and support a sustainable visitor economy here in the Lake District and Cumbria through my position at Langdale and as non-executive director and vice chair of Cumbria Tourism. The opportunity to support the team at the Lake District Foundation care for our special landscape is one I am very much looking forward to”.
The Lake District Foundation works with businesses, visitors and other donors to support conservation, environmental and cultural heritage projects and programmes of work to help look after the Lake District National Park.
Gill Houston, Lake District Foundation’s Chair, said: “We are delighted to welcome Dan as a new trustee to the Lake District Foundation. Dan brings a wealth of experience and knowledge in the tourism and hospitality sector which will strengthen the work the Lake District Foundation is aiming to achieve. We are looking forward to working with Dan to drive our environmental goals forward”.
The Lake District Foundation is a registered charity and is governed by a board of volunteer trustees including prominent representatives from the environment, business and tourisms sectors in the Lake District and Cumbria.
The Lake District Foundation are always keen to hear from individuals interested in joining the board, if you are interested send an email to [email protected] or visit lakedistrictfoundation.org.
The Lake District Foundation, the local organisation helping look after nature and culture in the Lake District and Cumbria, have awarded grants from the Real Hedge Fund Campaign, part of their latest fundraising initiative.
The successful projects have been awarded between £500 – £2,300 from a new fund launched last April by the Lake District Foundation and partners for the protection and creation of native hedgerows in Cumbria. The partners include the Ullswater Catchment Management CIC, The Food, Farming and Countryside Commission, Cumbria Wildlife Trust, Woodland Trust and Eden Rivers Trust.
The Fund aims to highlight the importance of hedgerows in the environment and the role within the cultural and natural heritage of the Lake District and has an ambitious target to plant 4,000 metres of native hedgerows across Cumbria.
Sarah Swindley, CEO, Lake District Foundation said: “We’ve had a fantastic response to this round of funding. Thank-you to all those who applied and congratulations to those who were successful. The grants have been awarded to those who demonstrated environmental value either by planting new native hedgerow or restoration of old hedgerows and opportunities to allow for community engagement. In total the grants awarded will fund 400 metres of native hedgerow in Cumbria. We look forward to sharing the stories and impact the funding will have”.
Four projects have been selected, a brief summary of each can be found below but you can find further information and keep in touch with the projects’ impacts at lakedistrictfoundation.org:
Holghyll Wood to Lacet Hay Meadow, Hutton Head Farm, Penrith. A new 84metre ‘corridor’ hedge will be created to join a 20 acre semi-natural ancient woodland (The Holghyll Wood) with a 9 acre hay meadow (Lacet Hill). The new hedge will link key habitats together creating an important wildlife corridor.
Holme House Farm, Skelsmergh A new hedge will be created around the south and east boundaries of Holme House Farm and will extend the native woodland by 3000 sq m. Holme House Farm are a co-housing group building 5 eco-homes and living communally on a currently derelict farm with 12 acres of land in the River Sprint valley. The group seek to live together in ways that minimise the environmental impact and restore and enhance the wildlife and habitats of the woodland, river and meadows on our land.
Low Park Hedge, Tebay To restore an ancient hedge and fence both sides to protect it. Currently, the hedge is very overgrown but is used by red squirrels. It is a vital link between ancient woodland and a newly established wildlife area. Low Borrowbridge Farm is trying to make a 3.5-mile nature recovery network for the squirrels, working with Penrith Red Squirrels.
Barn at Thwaite Head, Ulverston A restoration project of an old barn and traditional orchard, using regenerative and holistic management principles. The installation of the new hedgerow will create additional biodiversity and benefit future orchard tree plantings and meadow grasses by creating a biodiverse area which can be resilient to pests, and benefit local wildlife and thrive.
The next round of funding will be in September 2021 with £5,000 available. Further information about how to apply and the criteria will be available on the charities grant funding section of their website, lakedistrictfoundation.org/apply-for-a-grant/.
The Real Hedge Fund is made up of donations from businesses, visitors and residents who love the Lake District and want to help the cause of protecting native hedgerows and the wildlife that depends on them. The campaign is still live, and you can still donate. To find out more about the Real Hedge Fund and to donate visit lakedistrictfoundation.org/the-real-hedge-fund/
A couple from the Lake District are championing the region’s artisan producers with the launch of a new luxury food box delivery service. £1 from each box sold is shared equally between the Lake District Foundation and Growing Well charity.
Imogen Royall and Matt Kenyon, of Bowness in Windermere, have launched Dine in the Lakes, which offers people the chance to sample the best Cumbrian produce.
More than 20 local artisan producers and farmers, including Hawkshead Relish, Lovingly Artisan, Peter Gott, and Carvetii Coffee, have their products featured in the six boxes available online.
All boxes are accompanied by a selection of additional treats handpicked from Cumbria’s most talented producers; many of whom are the preferred suppliers of the region’s Michelin-star chefs.
The couple decided to launch the boxes when they returned from Croatia at the beginning of the first lockdown.
Imogen said: “When we returned to Windermere last November it was a real bittersweet moment – we were thrilled to be home and reunited with our family but devastated to see the extent of the pandemic’s impact on local businesses.
“We’ve always been passionate about food and in particular the incredible producers here in Cumbria and decided to combine our love of both with our desire to do something to support local businesses to create a gourmet food delivery service.
“It’s been an incredible seven months in the making, and not without its challenges, but we’re so excited to have made our vision a reality and to launch Dine in the Lakes.”
Matt added: “The support and generosity we’ve received from local artisans and farmers has been incredible. At a time when many didn’t know what their futures held, they provided us with their time, knowledge and expertise to help make Dine in the Lakes a viable business.
“It’s really brought what is already a close community closer together. We’re incredibly proud to work together to collectively champion Cumbria and to start sharing the region’s finest produce with the rest of the country as we spread the word about our fantastic local producers.”
Prices range from £35 to £65 and nationwide delivery is available every Friday with £1 from every box donated to Cumbrian charities The Lake District Foundation and Growing Well, an organisation dedicated to helping adults experiencing poor mental health.
Is the Lake District somewhere you dream of visiting, somewhere you live and work, or somewhere that matters to you?
We want to share our new five year plan for the Lake District National Park from the words of 25 organisations. Here’s what it’s all about: National Park Partnership Plan
We would like to hear your views on our proposals and how the Plan can be delivered. You can also give us views on other aspects like the strategies, research and monitoring.
We would like to know about who has responded to the consultation so the final section of this survey asks a bit more about you.
We really appreciate your time and interest in the Lake District.
To take the survey, click here and have your say. Thank you!
Nature is the theme for Mental Health Awareness Week 2021 and research shows that it is not just being in nature but how we interact with nature that counts.
During Mental Health Awareness Week, the Mental Health Foundation are inviting you to do three things:
Experience nature: take time to recognise and grow your connection with nature during the week. Take a moment to notice and celebrate nature in your daily life. You might be surprised by what you notice!
Share nature: Take a photo, video or sound recording and share the connections you’ve made during the week, to inspire others. Join the discussion on how you’re connecting with nature by using the hashtags #ConnectWithNature #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek
Talk about nature: discuss in your family, school, workplace and community how you can help encourage people to find new ways to connect with nature in your local environment.
The Lake District is a great place to improve your well-being, with breath-taking lakes and mountains to restore your balance.
HERE ARE OUR TOP 10 RESTORATIVE ACTIVITIES TO TRY IN THIS AMAZING PLACE:
Take your shoes off on the grass
Sit with your eyes closed and listen to nature
Dip your hand in a lake or feet if you are brave
Lie down and watch the clouds
Forest bathe in a woodland – just sit under a tree and soak in your surroundings
Tiptoe and follow a blackbird – or a red squirrel
Watch a sunrise or sunset
Read a book in nature
Smell a flower
Go offline – turn off your internet and be present
The Lake District Foundation, the local organisation helping look after nature and culture in the Lake District and Cumbria, have awarded grants to 13 projects across Cumbria, part of their latest grant funding initiative.
The successful projects have each been awarded between £250 – £500 from the small grants fund which was launched earlier this year. The funding call attracted a lot of interest, but the Lake District Foundation focused on projects that shared the charity’s goal; that the Lake District and Cumbria will be an inspirational example of sustainable development in action, to support a prosperous local economy, world-class visitor experiences and in a place where vibrant communities come together to sustain its spectacular landscape, wildlife and cultural heritage.
Sarah Swindley, Lake District Foundation’s CEO said, “Thank-you to everyone who applied and congratulations to all those who were successful. We were thrilled with the amount of interest in the fund and delighted we can support community and volunteer-led groups who are delivering practical conservation and some with a youth focus. I would also like to extend a thank-you to all the Cumbrian businesses and visitors who help to make this funding available. We look forward to sharing the stories and impact the funding will have”.
The 13 projects selected all have a different focus from butterfly gardens, Celtic shelter rebuilds, red squirrel conservation, orchards to wildflowers. A brief summary of each can be found below but you can find further information and keep in touch with the projects’ impacts at lakedistrictfoundation.org:
Phoenix Park Butterfly Garden – TWIG (Trees for Wigton). The project has been designed by local volunteers to creating a butterfly and bee garden. The garden will provide protective habitats for all lifecycle stages, and will include elements of a sensory garden which can be used by local organisations for people with special needs and will provide a park focal point.
Celtic Shelter rebuild – Friends of Dubwath SilverMeadows. This volunteer led project will see repair of a Celtic shelter in the heart of Dubwath Silver Meadows Nature reserve. The shelter is an important resource, enabling more people to access the reserves and take shelter whilst watching the wildlife.
Thermal Imaging Camera Conservation Campaign –Binsey Red Squirrel Group. The grant will allow the group to purchase a thermal imaging camera so that they can increase the efficiency of their conservation efforts and improve monitoring and reporting.
Rewilding the Roadside – Rusland Rewilding. The Blooming Hedgerow Project will disperse indigenous wildflower seed along the edge of country lanes in an area of Rusland from Tottlebank to Oxen Park (roughly 4km). The aim is to repopulate the roadside hedgerow and verge with a range of indigenous wildflowers, which will make up for the loss of biodiversity in the valley created by the long-term use of weedkiller and fertiliser.
Education For Conservation – Keswick Red Squirrel Group (KRSG). The grant will allowKSRGs project to develop a partnership with Borrowdale Primary School, which has around 40 pupils, to involve & educate children in red squirrel conservation efforts, working with the school to make red squirrels a part of the children’s outdoor activities as much as possible.
Rothay Park Wildflower Meadow – Ambleside Action for a Future (Growing Group). This project, led by volunteers, will create a small wildflower meadow in Rothay Park, containing native grasses, wildflowers, and bog plants, bounded by a small stream, approximate size 100 square metres.
The Rusland Valley Trust Outreach Project – The Rusland Horizons Trust Ltd. The aim of this project is to work with Furness College students to offer disadvantaged young people a chance to learn about and to restore a native woodland landscape.
Charles Gough Path Interpretation Boards – Sockbridge & Tirril Parish Council, Community Led Plan Team. The grant has supported installation of 2 interpretation boards to inform walkers on the route, which was created in 2020 thanks to access permission from Lowther Estate, about the different species of trees which were planted, and the benefits of planting trees, and the view from the highest point of the route: the mountains of the Lake District and the Pennines.
St Matthew’s Forest School Group – St Matthew’s C of E primary School. This project will allow school children to be able to grow their own fruit and vegetable produce, building planters and a coldframe. This project is needed to help to teach and develop children’s understanding of where and how the food they eat and enjoy is produced.
The Bee Team Community Orchard – The Bee Team. The aim of The Bee Team is to inspire a love, respect and understanding of all things to do with nature and the environment – not just bees. Their mission this year is to involve the children and the community in ‘growing their own’ – herbs, fruit and vegetables.
Saving our native reds – Sedbergh red squirrels. The volunteer rangers will use funding to set up and maintain any feeders for anyone within the community and aim to encourage people to get involved in this very important conservation project, and provide squirrel food to help conservation efforts.
Helping pollinators in Glenridding – Ullswater Catchment Management CIC. The local parish council and community have recently taken control of Jenkins Field in Glenridding to provide a source of sustainable funds towards the community by hosting events, and a large area is to be left as a wildlife area. The funds will support the creation of a wildflower meadow, re-instating plants to help benefit pollinator species.
Ullswater ‘Then and Now’ – Friends of Ullswater Way. FOUW undertook a survey in January/February 2020 to determine the Ullswater communities’ interest in promoting cultural heritage. There was overwhelming support and the community decided to create an Ullswater Heritage Knowledge Bank and Website. Support from LDF will further the community engagement and involvement in the project including creation of materials for a roadshow illustrating Ullswater ‘Then and Now’ cultural and landscape changes over time on various themes such as Farming, Tourism, Wordsworth, Industrial Heritage, Education, and Woodlands selected from the Heritage Knowledge Bank.
If you wish to donate to the Lake District Foundation to help support future local community project you can do so online via their website lakedistrictfoundation.org or text LOVELAKES to 70085 and donate £5*. A small donation makes a big impact.
Local sustainability and conservation charity the Lake Distinction Foundation (LDF) has been selected by the Big Give to take part in the Green Match Fund Campaign, helping the charity to achieve it’s target of raising £10,000 by matching a proportion of donations.
The Big Give brings charities, philanthropists and the public together to multiply their impact. The Green Match Fund is a match funding campaign for charities which are working on environmental issues as part of their core mission. All public donations made to the Lake District Foundation via theBigGive.org.uk website during the week of the campaign (22-29 April) will be matched up to a specific amount. You can increase your donation by 25% plus add gift to donate further!
The campaign is being launched on World Earth Day, an annual event, on 22nd April to demonstrate support for environmental protection.
Sarah Swindley, CEO Lake District Foundation, said,“It’s superb we’ve been selected to be one of the participating charities in this year’s Green Match Fund. It allows for an opportunity to raise new funds, reach new audiences and be part of the World Earth Day movement. We are aiming to raise £10,000 during the week and unlock match funding support. Covid-19 has highlighted just how much we value our natural world and the important benefits to wellbeing that our natural spaces provide to our communities. Funding will enable us to explore this changing relationship with our natural environment, and the benefits that this can bring to all. So please dig deep and donate what you can, a small donation can make a big difference. Thank-you.”
The Green Match Campaign funding is being provided by The Big Give’s Champions which include The Reed Foundation, Garfield Weston Foundation and a number of other philanthropists and funders.
Alex Day, Director, The Big Give said, “The inaugural Green Match Fund campaign has been organised by the Big Give, the UK’s biggest online match funding platform in partnership with the Environmental Funders Network (EFN). Both the Big Give and EFN’s belief is that bringing charities together in a larger campaign tied into World Earth Day will help draw attention to environmental issues as well as help raise vital funds ahead of the important milestones which will occur this year. We wish the Lake District Foundation the best of luck for the campaign and hope the fundraising target is achieved!”.
All donations must be made via the Lake District Foundation’s campaign page on the theBigGive.org.uk, and made using a debit or credit card between midday on Thursday 22nd April and Thursday 29th April (by midday).
Local sustainability and conservation charity the Lake Distinction Foundation (LDF) launched a “Greener Boating” campaign this week which aims to give boaters clear and practical advice on how they can play their part in keeping our lakes and rivers clean and safe. As the Lake District welcomes visitors back this week, LDF want to make sure people have the information needed to help keep this place special.
As well as information on their website, the LDF has produced an informative poster that covers the three simple things that boaters can do to make a difference and join the fight against pollution to help keep our rivers and lakes fit for people and for wildlife:
1 – STOP SPILLS AND MANAGE ACCIDENTS. Boaters should take care to prevent spills and manage any accidents by using a spill kit to absorb oil or fuel and dispose of them in hazardous waste bins at a marina, harbour or recycling centre.
2 – SEWAGE DISCHARGE is prohibited by law on inland waterways in the UK and raw sewage discharge is a serious public health risk. Instead, boaters should use a designated pump out station such as Low Wood Watersports Centre, Ferry Nab, or Tower Wood Outdoor Centre.
3 – CHECK, CLEAN & DRY to prevent the spread of Invasive Non Native Species(INNS). Invasive species can quickly invade an area and are then very hard to remove, disrupting the ecosystem and causing chaos for native and local wildlife. CHECK your equipment and clothing for live organisms – particularly in areas that are damp or hard to inspect. CLEAN and wash all equipment, footwear and clothing thoroughly. If you do come across any organisms, leave them at the water body where you found them. DRY all equipment and clothing – some species can live for many days in moist conditions. Make sure you don’t transfer water elsewhere. And it’s not just boats that can carry invasive species, anyone using the water such as stand up paddleboarders and wild swimmers all need to check, clean and dry their kit.
As well as posters and information at boat hire, sale and registration locations, the LDF will be using social media to share the Greener Boating messages and hopes that community groups and businesses across the county will get involved and help to share the campaign messages.
With the lifting of lockdown restrictions now easing and the predicted increase in visitors to the Lake District, it is hoped that this campaign will help to remind both visitors and residents of the importance of the precious natural resources that we need to look after, and the practical action that we can all take today to ensure our lakes and rivers stay clean and safe for everyone to enjoy.
Sarah Swindley, CEO Lake District Foundation, said, “We know that visitors and residents love the Lakes and want to help to keep this place special. Water quality is important for wildlife, our health and the tourist economy too. And of course the countryside code applies too, such as taking your rubbish home, respecting local communities and following advice and local signs. We are delighted that so many local business and community groups are already helping us to spread these messages far and wide”.
The Green Match Fund is a match funding campaign for charities which are working on environmental issues as part of their core mission.
All public donations made to participating charities via theBigGive.org.uk during the week of the campaign (22-29 April) will be matched up to a specific amount.
Match funding is being provided by The Big Give’s Champions which include The Reed Foundation, Garfield Weston Foundation and a number of other philanthropists and funders.
How can you help Lake District Foundation take part?
We’ve been selected by the Big Give to take part in the Green Match Fund Campaign, enabling us to unlock £10,000 of additional funding! We’re asking our supporters to donate to the Lake District Foundation’s online campaign when it goes live on theBigGive.org.uk.
All donations must be made via our campaign page on the theBigGive.org.uk donations must be made using a debit or credit card.
How does the matching work?
During the week of the Green Match Fund, donations made to participating charities are doubled. Each charity has a matching pot made up of Champion funds to double online donations made via theBigGive.org.uk.
When does it take place?
The live campaign kicks off at midday on World Earth Day (Thursday 22nd April) and ends a week later on Thursday 29th April (at midday).
Donations will be doubled by the charity’s Champion funds, until the match funds have been exhausted or the campaign has closed, whichever comes first.
Key information
For donations to be doubled, they must be made to LDF’s campaign page on theBigGive.org.uk with a debit/credit card by the cardholder during the live campaign.
Donations are doubled by Champion funds until these have been used up or the campaign ends.
Whilst there are no fees for charities to participate in the campaign, some fees are charged on online donations, calculated via the Big Give. We strongly encourage you to check how these are calculated and factor this into your donation. As a charity itself, you also have the option to donate an additional amount to contribute to the running costs of the Big Give platform, you can however choose to opt out of this. Please refer to our fees page for further info – or speak to a member of the LDF team if you have any concerns or questions.
