Covid-19 is causing us all to rethink new, flexible ways of working BUT, never daunted here at Friends of the Lake District, we have found a way to have our 2020 Fell Care Day! 
 

Read on to find out what’s happening……. and what’s not.

Bookings are coming in thick and fast but there are still some spaces so get yourself signed up without delay.

So, what won’t be happening this year? 

• Activities won’t be centred on one specific location. We will be working in lots of different, beautiful places, right across the Lake District and Cumbria.
• We won’t have a ‘hub’ for the day where everyone meets before and after *boo*
• Groups will be limited to smaller sizes than usual.
• We won’t be able to offer car sharing between members of different households.
• We won’t be able to share communal cake at a hub *sob*

But what will be happening this year? 

• We’ll still be running a whole host of great conservation and learning activities.
• We will be making a difference to looking after, protecting and learning about these incredibly special landscapes.
• We will be creating a ‘social media takeover’ with live video and photos of the day.
• We’ll be taking all necessary steps to ensure participation in all activities is Covid-secure.
• We’ll be asking you to bring your own gloves where they’re necessary for a task.
• We WILL be finding a way to provide cake at your chosen activity *yay!*

So let’s get stuck in!
Here’s the list of all the brilliant volunteering opportunities at the Alternative Fell Care Day. Get yourself signed up for the activity that appeals to you. Numbers are limited on each task so places will be allocated on a first come first served basis.

1. Planted Tree Aftercare
With stunning views over Grasmere! Re-staking, removing redundant stakes guards, replanting if required and clearing redundant tree tubes.
Gillside, Grasmere         9.30 – 2
Moderate (step and uneven bracken covered ground) 
18+
 
2. Tree Planting and Tree Maintenance
At our land at High Borrowdale, described by Wainwright as “the most beautiful valley outside the Lake District” (although it is now within the Lake District National Park).            
High Borrowdale, between Kendal and Shap     9.45 – 3.30
Moderate. There is a 30 minute walk in/out on a rough track and we will be working partly on slopes.    
16+ (under 18 accompanied by an adult)
 
3. Woodland Management
Thinning birch and removing holly regeneration. Magical Woodland. Beautiful views. Happy state of mind guaranteed.      
How’s Wood, Eskdale   10.30 – 2.30
Moderate (uneven, boggy or stony covered ground)     
16+ (under 18 accompanied by an adult)
 
4.  Ullswater Litter Pick
Help to clear up discarded debris around this beautiful lake. Including a trip on the Ullswater Steamer to begin and end your journey.
Ullswater            10.00 – 4.00
Moderate (uneven, stony covered ground)
16+ (under 18 accompanied by an adult)
 
5.  Path Creation
Dig out the stream to create and improve a fellside path on this fabulous, traditionally run Lakeland Farm. Playing about in water with spades; bringing out the child in you!            
Swinside Fell, Lorton     10.00 – 3.00
Moderate. Working in sloping ground.  
18+
 
6. Fire and Feasting
Come down to the woods for a stepwise approach to making fire from starting with fire triangle and understanding how fire works to building and lighting fires from a wide range of lighters, fire steel strikers, char cloth / mushrooms / other tinders, flint and steel, fire lays,  bow drill (fire by friction). Simple knife safety and skills. Then it’s time for some campfire cooking!              
Mike’s Wood, Staveley 10.00 – 3.00
Easy and graduating to hard       
12+ (Under 18 accompanied by an adult)
 
8. Tree Maintenance and Vegetation Clearance
On this special piece of land close to Kendal but with glorious vies over the Lakes.           
The Helm near Kendal  10.00 – 3.00
Moderate          
16+ (under 18 accompanied by an adult)
 
9. Lake District Geology: Rocks and glacial history of Mid-Borrowdale, Keswick
You’ll have a better understanding of what makes the Lake District landscape so special.              
Borrowdale, Derwentwater        9.30 – 4.00
Moderate to hard. There may be some off-path tramping. Participants should be confident on fells and slopes.
18+
 
10. Dark Skies VIRTUAL talk
Learn about the value of Dark Skies, the growing issues of the impacts of light pollution on wildlife, people and the environment, and what we’re doing to help tackle the issue.
The presentation from the Cumbria Dark Skies Project Officer, Jack Ellerby, will highlight relevant research and good practice to show how planners/design professionals, businesses and home owners can help tackle the growing problem of light pollution.
Eden and South Lakeland are the third and eight darkest Districts in England with some of the best night skies in the north of England…. Now is the time to – Think Big, Act Fast and Make a Difference Together!      
On Zoom             19.00 – 20.00      
Any age