As a special benefit to our business supporters, we were delighted to announce a series of site visits to some of our recently funded beneficiary projects. The first of two visits planned this year was held this week at Haweswater with the RSPB.
It was an opportunity to see first-hand the work that has been possible thanks to our business supporters, the impact their donations have made, network with like-minded businesses, meet some of the Lake District Foundation team, and find out about our upcoming campaigns and new fundraising mechanisms.
Thanks to a grant of £2,195 from the Lake District Foundation, the RSPB are supporting local volunteers to plant 400 individually protected native trees on a carefully selected area of Mardale Common, extending the existing ancient woodland and contributing to the resilience of our iconic Lake District landscape.
The new open woodland will create important habitat for wildlife and improve soil stability, slowing the flow of rainwater from the fell, helping to reduce flood risk and improving the quality of drinking water from the Haweswater catchment. The project started in November 2018 and will be completed in February 2020.
Starting at the Haweswater Hotel there was a short presentation from Lee Schofield, Site Manager at RSPB Haweswater, then the team headed off on a walk to the areas of woodland that will be improved thanks to our business supporters help. It was a brilliant walk, through a wonderfully wild valley that very few people visit.
We were delighted the Good Life Cottage Company, Lake District Estates and Castlerigg Hall Caravan and Camping attended the afternoon.
