A project to repair the wear and tear caused by millions of walkers on the Lake District’s upland paths is looking for volunteers for a wide range of tasks. Fix the Fells, which Ramblers is a partner of, needs help with everything from surveying and maintenance to monitoring and landscaping.
“This beats the gym any day!” says Lake District National Park Authority’s volunteer co-ordinator Tim Duckmanton, adding that it’s a brilliant opportunity for people to get fit, be sociable and put something back into the area’s world-famous hills.
“Our volunteers have a fantastic, free, fitness regime in spectacular locations and do invaluable work into the bargain,” he says. “The aim is to repair and avert damage to our often fragile paths, where erosion is a particular and long-running problem. Our volunteers make a huge difference to the fells.”
Teams often operate as a work party, tackling a section of route together by working in teams of up to 20 plus. The project asks that volunteers be able to work a minimum of 12 days a year, but after that, times are flexible and people can give as much time as they like. Tim says it’s a particularly good pay-back for those who love walking on the fells, but added volunteering could also boost careers and provide new networks of friends.
“If you’re looking for physical activity in the great outdoors, or want to meet like-minded new people, this could be for you.”
Full training and support is given in a series of courses and work parties. Anyone interested in making a major contribution to the future of Lakeland’s precious landscape should contact Tim Duckmanton on 01539 792674 or at tim.duckmanton@lakedistrict.gov.uk. For volunteering opportunities elsewhere in the country, visit http://www.ramblers.org.uk/volunteer-zone