A new crowdfunding campaign has been launched to raise money for a popular walking route in Ullswater.
The Lake District Foundation aims to raise £5,000 by the end of April to fund vital repairs to the Ullswater Way.
The money raised through this appeal will allow work to be carried out by the Lake District National Park ranger team and volunteers to reduce the impact of the busy summer season ahead.
The route has proved incredibility popular since launching in April 2016, with walkers, runners, day-trippers on the Ullswater Steamers and those taking part in charity challenges. The footfall is having a huge impact on the environment, causing serious footpath erosion and damage.
The route needs drainage works, improvements to the path surface, new drystone walling, waymarker signs and help to maintain the general upkeep to ensure the path is litter free.
The Ullswater Way, in the Lake District, was created by the local communities and partners to show the Ullswater valley was open for business after the devastating floods in 2015.
Sarah Swindley, Lake District Foundation’s CEO, said: “The 20 mile circular long-distance walk hugs the shores of England’s second largest lake, Ullswater, taking in the glorious landscape, wildlife and villages along the way. It is superb how popular the walk has become with locals and visitors but we need to work hard to care for this much loved route. We want everyone to enjoy that ‘wow’ moment of Ullswater’s incredible beauty for today and for future generations and you can help us do that – visit, give, protect. A small donation makes a big difference, we urge you to dig deep and donate if you can.”
Examples of how a donation could be spent shows small amounts go a long way to support the path:
• £5 helps pay for a new finger post
• £10 helps pay for a new gate
• £25 helps pay for a new section of surface path
• £50 pays for one metre of drystone wall
• £100 covers the cost of planting an acre of new native woodland
• £200 could pay for a day’s digger time or a day’s work for a skilled contractor to carry out the repair work
In return for donations, rewards will be sent to those people who donate specific amounts. The rewards include:
- Donate £10, receive a Ullswater Way Pin Badge, 20 available.
- Donate £25, receive a Conquer Lake District unisex Cumbria Livin’ T-shirt, 20 available.
- Donate £50, receive a Columbia Rucksack Urban Lifestyle 25L Daypack – an outdoor-inspired construction and minimalist, city look combine in this versatile commuter backpack, 10 available.
- Donate £200, spend a day out with a Lake District National Park ranger repairing the Ullswater Way.
To donate any amount, visit the Ullswater Way project page on the crowdfunding website at www.crowdfunder.co.uk/ullswaterway before April 29.
The £5,000 crowdfunding campaign is part of a wider Lake District Foundation initiative to generate £15,000 for the ‘LDF Ullswater Way Fund’ to specifically care for the spectacular landscape, wildlife and cultural heritage surrounding England’s second largest lake. The Foundation is running a wider campaign throughout April and May to generate funds ahead of the busy tourism season by inviting locals, businesses and visitors to get involved as follows:
- Business supporter – businesses are invited to become a supporter for the Ullswater Way Fund, encouraging them to add a £1 opt in to transactions.
- Event organisers – organisations running events in Ullswater are encouraged to support the fund by donating and giving something back to the natural environment.
- Contactless giving – locals and visitors are invited to make a donation via the new contactless donation devices which will be installed later this month. Look out for the Ullswater Steamers device at Pooley Bridge.
- Fundraise – set your own challenge and fundraise for the Ullswater Way.
- Donate – get involved with the crowdfunding campaign and donate!
For further information on the ways to get involved, please visit: www.lakedistrictfoundation.org/the-ullswater-way-fund/