TOURISM & CONSERVATION TRUST at Glaramara
A group of walkers including representatives of the YHA and the T0urism and Conservation Partnership (TCP) were treated to a ‘walk and talk’ by Richard Fox of the Lake District National Park.
Setting off from Buttermere, a visit was made to Rannerdale Knott to see the path renovation carried out on very steep terrain so as to prevent further erosion of a very delicate site. Richard explained the methods of path creation and maintenance, how work is prioritised, who does it, the costs involved and follow up monitoring. He further explained how erosion has a much larger impact on the natural cycle by leading to the build up of materials in rivers and lakes and by leading to extra water entering the river and lake system, in turn leading to flooding. The group learnt that a large amount of the work is carried out directly by National Trust and National Park employees, who become specialised in the complicated area of work. Richard further explained how the exposure given to ‘Fix the Fells’ through the work carried out by the TCP was vital to its continuation. Lottery funding is due to expire in 2011 whereas the Lake District will continually need this vital service. Therefore, it is essential that more people become aware of its work and how to support it.
The second part of the event, saw the group walk round Buttermere with several stops on the way to look at further pathway, drainage and seeding work carried out, some of which was directly as a result of flooding in 2008. The results were impressive considering the work has only recently been completed and once vegetation has grown back. Richard explained how the general public can get involved in volunteer projects although these tended more to involve maintenance than actual path creation.
The group then enjoyed a discussion about the days events over teas, scones and cake in the training suite of our New Activities Building.
If you would like to know more about the work carried out through Fix the Fells and other local projects then please log-on to www.ourstolookafter.co.uk and www.fixthefells.co.uk
