news

Walk the woody way

18 October 2010

Ancient oak woodland which has been brought back to life, thanks to thousands of hours of volunteers’ work, is set to see new action during November.

Special days have been earmarked when it is hoped existing helpers will be joined by new faces for a fresh round of activity, including creating a new path in Whinlatter’s Masmill Oakwood.

Heritage Lottery Fund backed Bassenthwaite Reflections joined forces with the Forestry Commission (FC) to bring extensive improvements to the important woodland. And now the push is on to extend the tree taskforce so good work can continue.

Head of Reflections, Martin Varley, said with the community landscape programme finishing at the end of the year, it was imperative that volunteers remained on board.

He explained: “So much has already been achieved and mechanisms are in place, thanks to the FC, to continue the crucial role of Reflections’ woodland volunteers. There is still a lot to do, but the community has shown it is ready and willing to answer the call to play a part.

“Our November gatherings will be fun, worthwhile and a great way to spend autumn days in a spectacular forest setting. Tasks will include creating a new path or boardwalk with FC staff and organising taster sessions for new volunteers.”

Martin said an enormous amount had already been achieved in the oak woodland, with large areas of non-native species cleared, dry stone walls rebuilt and significant numbers of new trees planted.

He added: “An area of conifers has also been cleared to make way for 2,500 oak saplings, many gathered by local school children and grown-on in playground nurseries. Other indigenous varieties, such as ash, rowan and hazel, have also been introduced.

“We are keen to establish a Masmill trail, along with interpretation panels, and work is already underway. We are confident that all the hard work will continue to be appreciated for generations to come.”

Taster sessions are being held between 1 and 12 November.

For further information contact Reflections on 017687 74785, email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it website www.bassenthwaite-reflections.co.uk

 
Latest News
Acorns to mighty oaks

24 November 2010

Schools around Bassenthwaite have been thinking trees in the run-up to Christmas but decorated firs have been pipped at the post by mighty oaks.

Read more...
 
Roman relics revealed

17 November 2010

Cockermouth is set to unveil secrets buried for nearly 2,000 years in an exhibition revealing a nationally important discovery.

Read more...
 
Get yourself published

22 October 2010

Calling all budding young artists and authors! The Love Your Lakes team, who have been engaging the community in and around Keswick throughout 2010 to help look after Derwentwater and Bassenthwaite Lake, are looking for local talent to get creative about their local lakes.

Read more...
Click here to find out more about taking part in our projects and our 2010 training programme
Heritage Lottery FundedThe National TrustCumbria County Council Environment Agency Forestry Commission Grampus Lake District National Park 
Cumbria Web Design by Changing Horizon