Volunteers Aid Walking Route Restoration Efforts; Icy Conditions Halt Summit Climb

Conservation volunteers responded to a charity’s appeal to assist with maintenance in areas surrounding walking paths; however, a planned summit ascent was called off due to icy weather. The Friends of the Lake District’s Fell Care Day had initially scheduled an excursion to the peak of the Old Man of Coniston on Friday, aimed at rehabilitating footpaths. Nevertheless, other planned tasks proceeded, encompassing dry stone wall construction, the refurbishment of a bridleway, and the removal of invasive vegetation. Kay Andrews, a landscape engagement officer for the charity, stated that the contributions of the volunteers made a “huge impact because the tasks need many hands”. She further explained that it was “very difficult” for charities to undertake such work independently, necessitating their reliance on assistance from volunteers and local conservation organizations like Fix the Fells. “For some people it’s a nice day out, getting out and about on the fells, and for others, it’s about giving something back. A lot of people walk the trails regularly and they want to help repair them.” Over 40 individuals participated in the day’s various undertakings. Personnel from the Lake District National Park, alongside volunteers, performed path upkeep and removed scrub during a 3-mile (5km) round journey along a bridleway extending from Coniston Village to Yewdale Farm. One acre of rhododendron was cleared, and drainage systems spanning 2.5 miles (4km) were maintained on footpaths and culverts. Earlier in the current year, the Friends of the Lake District initiated a public awareness campaign, cautioning that there are no “litter fairies” within the national park and urging visitors to remove their waste to prevent damage to the environment and its nature. For updates, follow BBC Cumbria on X, Facebook, Nextdoor, and Instagram. Story submissions can be sent to northeastandcumbria@bbc.co.uk. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the content found on external websites. Information regarding our approach to external linking is available.