Yearbook 2014  The Lakes  

www.na onaltrust.org.uk/get‐involved/ 

High Wray Basecamp 

West Runton, Ash Landing, August 2014

Welcome to High Wray Basecamp’s 2014 yearbook

Some of the groups who come to High Wray gain recognition of their experiences and their contribution towards the conservation of wild places through the John Muir award. The award can help those who participate to gain a better understanding and appreciation of how their with us is more than just working and how their contribution fits into the bigger picture. A famous quote from John Muir sums it up: ‘When we try to pick out anything by itself, we find it hitched to everything else in the universe’. This year group members from TTP, Littledale Hall, West Runton, Shardale and Fairbridge all gained the award through their week with us. www.johnmuiraward.org

Nestled in its own private wooded grounds, High Wray is the National Trust’s full time volunteer centre in the Lake District. We’re proud to be an integral part of the South Lakes property, a gloriously diverse area that covers everything from lakeshore to high fell. Our area includes famous beauty spots like Tarn Hows and Windermere lake, Beatrix Potter’s house Hill Top, an art gallery of her work and even a castle. With 15 working farms and a wonderful network of paths linking all this together that’s a lot of land to look after!

That’s where we come in. We work closely with the rest of the ranger team to ensure that volunteers at High Wray play an important part in helping to keep our marvellous countryside in tip top condition. More than this, since opening in 1969 the High Wray ethos has been that volunteers should get as much out of working with us as we do from them, something that still holds true today. We aim to help people feel that they’ve contributed something towards a beautiful place, learnt some new skills and had some fun doing it!

We believe that there’s no such thing as a ‘typical volunteer’ and this yearbook aims to show the variety of people it’s been our privilege to work with over the last year, as well as to say a very big

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There’s not enough room to fit everything into this yearbook so why not keep up with what’s happening

at High Wray on our Facebook page? We post regular stories and pictures about the different

groups we work with, places we’ve been and wildlife we’ve seen as well as those odd little events that just

can’t be categorised!

thank you to each and every one of them. We’d have a much harder job looking after our fantastic area without your help - we look forward to seeing many of you again in 2015!

Hill Top Tarn Hows

With such a diverse and interesting area there’s always something happening in the South Lakes. Why not try visiting: http://beatrixpotterspatch.blogspot.co.uk/; for the latest from Hill Top. http://www.countryside-catchup.blogspot.co.uk/ for weekly reports on what our ranger team have been up to. Wray castle also has its own Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/NTWrayCastle

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Wray Castle

High Wray is supported by Fix the Fells, a long term partnership between the National Trust and other organisations with an interest in combating erosion problems in the uplands, including the National Park Authority, Natural England and Friends of the Lake District. To find out more about Fix the Fells go to www.fixthefells.co.uk - you could even get involved yourself!

Almost all our work in the uplands this year took place on the same path, a popular route from Red Tarn to Crinkle Crags, above the Langdale valley. A steadily worsening erosion scar, the last mile and a half of the upper section of this path was gradually taking on the appearance of a landrover track and was even visible from as far away as Windermere. With shortcuts starting to develop as people avoided the increasingly rubbly and unpleasant walking surface it was time to tackle this daunting task. It’s been one of the main jobs this year for the South Lakes upland path team too, who’ve given us assistance and advice with every one of our groups. Thanks guys!

We work on a partnership basis with most of the organisations that come to High Wray, developing our working relationship over many years. Look out for these red ‘partnerships’ boxes on other pages to find out more.

Partnership - Kendal College Since 2009 students from the college on the Level 3 Diploma in Sport (Outdoor Adventure) course have been coming to Basecamp to learn about conservation work. Course tutor Steve Randles said, “The students have gained a massive amount of experience through completing the environmental projects with the National Trust at Basecamp. They are able to experience first hand what is needed to look after the local environment that they work and play in each week. They have experienced a range of traditional Lakeland skills including hedge laying, dry stone walling and foot path work. This has definitely enhanced the students programme at Kendal College by giving them key information that they can use in the future.” A key part of this partnership is the student’s second year project. Working with us and the South Lakes upland team the students look at a section of path work in greater detail, learning about the thinking behind the work and how to write specifications as well as planning and health and safety before tackling the job itself. See pages 6, 8 and 10 for other work the first year students have done.

Volunteers in the mist - West Runton had some decidedly murky weather for their fell days.

The upland adventure working holiday didn’t just work here, they camped on site for three nights. A unique experience!

“We did stone pitching and wild camping. I’ve never done these before so they were new experiences and I learnt a lot. The experience has given me much more confidence camping and a new appreciation of the work being done on the fells.” - Camping holiday participant

Want to get involved? See page 5 for more about working holidays.

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The arrival of a helicopter to lift stone proves somewhat distracting …..

Heave! Getting started on the practical work.

Path team supervisor Ian talks through specification writing.

The lengthsmen

The lengthsmen are a dedicated group of hard working volunteers who help Fix the Fells look after the Lake District’s special landscapes. Since starting in 2007 they’ve gone from strength to strength and in 2014 they contributed an amazing 1485 volunteer days. 1024 of these days were spent on ‘drain runs’ on our upland

paths, helping keep water drainage clear, block off short cuts and report on developing problems. This is crucial work that helps keep these paths in good condition. But the lengthsmen’s contribution doesn’t end there. The other 461 days were spent taking part in work parties to tackle more complicated jobs both alongside NT rangers and independently. Without their help on these days Fix the Fells would not be able to complete anywhere near as much work as it does.

After last year’s success, 2014 saw the return of the Fix the Fells ‘supergroup’ weekend. A large contingent of lengthsmen joined us and the South, North and West upland path teams to tackle a big developing shortcut on the Crinkle Crags path. This year we were also joined by a ranger from Snowdonia and a group of Scottish working holiday leaders - an international event! The job involved temporarily removing turf from the shortcut, creating mounds and hollows, then replacing the turfs. Coupled with improving the main path this should encourage walkers to stay on this more sustainable surface. It was three days of hard work and fine weather, and a great Saturday night barbecue to swap tales, ideas and experiences — just what

Basecamp is for. We can’t wait to do it all over again in 2015!

The lengthsmen

www.fixthefells. co.uk has lots more information, as well as how to get involved!

Well earned! Firing up the summer do barbecue. Note canine ‘help’ ..

It wasn’t just the summer - the lengthsmens now legendary Christmas do was held at Basecamp for the sixth year running..

Before ... After!

All I want for Xmas is … a great big rock?

The Iceland inspired rock carrier gets another run out. 4

We also worked with the lengthsmen on the path just up from Wrynose Pass - much less of a walk!

“On the first day of path building I was shocked at the size and weight of the rocks. However by the end of the time up on the fells I was moving and lifting rocks that I never could have imagined. “ Upland footpath holiday participant.

Working holidays

Our working holidays are a great way to spend a week in the Lakes, meet new people, learn new skills and do something positive to help look after our lovely countryside. If that sounds like fun, go to www.nationaltrust.org.uk and click on the ‘holidays’ tab to find out how to get involved. It’s not just the Lake District, holidays are available all over the country so you’re sure to find something to appeal - who knows, we may see you at High Wray!

Hedgelaying with a view! High level cake!

5 Not a bad commute! Heading down at the end of a day on the fells.

“Excellent leader and assistant, fantastic food all week. Rangers excellent, really good at showing you what needed doing but conscious you are on a holiday too.” - Hedgelaying holiday participant

Teamwork on the fells ... Putting the ‘cams’ on the wall.

“Enormous fun working with a variety of people from many different backgrounds, very satisfying to see a project through to completion. “ Drystone walling holiday participant

The western shore - north end Part of the Windermere Catchment Restoration Programme, Windermere Reflections was a three year project which ended in 2014. It inspired and funded lots of smaller projects, many of which were on our land. Now Reflections has ended it doesn’t mean the work has stopped – part of it’s legacy is our work to continue with the aims of improving the access and environment along the western shore of the lake. This year lots of different volunteer groups helped spruce up the grounds of Wray Castle and put a new path through muddy ground along the lakeshore at Fisherty How.

It will burn, honest! Mind take a break.

Fairbridge team up for a big branch

Long standing Basecamp ranger Jamie moved on to a new job (at Runnymede). His last day was with Preston College who brought this splendid cake!

Cumbria Fire and Rescue get chopping.

6 Do you think the mud will show on this? SLCG on Fisherty How.

“What surprised me was the number of walkers who seemed genuinely happy to see us visibly improving the route by creating a solid path. Working in such beautiful surroundings for a few days is such a treat. - Ford volunteer

Preston College move in on some rhodies.

Kendal College and Ford at Fisherty How

“We all found tasks within our physical capability and the days flew by under the brilliant supervision of the ranger, who was a very fair task master.” - Merseyside NT volunteer

South Lakes Conservation Group (SLCG) and Merseyside NT volunteers refresh the old path through the woods at the castle.

The western shore The western shore -- south endsouth end A few miles south from Wray Castle, along a beautiful lakeside path lie Claife Station and Ash Landing. Claife is a ruined Edwardian building which is being partially restored by the National Trust and Ash Landing is a mini ‘nature reserve’ with a circular path showing examples of different Lake District habitats. In 2014 we worked on both sites helping move stone for the masons, build a wall/stile and clear overgrown banks at Claife and refresh and resurface paths at Ash Landing.

“The views are amazing and peaceful. Claife Station was unbelievable, very glad the National Trust has given me this opportunity. Never done anything like this before, and very proud to have achieved this” “Had an absolute brill time while being at Basecamp. Who’d of thought doing free voluntary work could be so much fun – clean and sober the week has passed by in the blink of an eye.” Shardale volunteers

TTP on their freshly cleared banking below Claife Station.

We had a great day with Littledale Hall Therapeutic Community, helping our stonemasons get 20 tons of stone 400 metres up the hill to Claife Station. Watch a short film here: http://bit.ly/claifepowerbarrows Shardale victorious in

clearing overgrown laurel.

Partnership - Mind The Barrow in Furness branch of Mental health charity Mind continued their monthly visits to Basecamp. As part of their ‘eco-therapy’ programme they recognise the benefits that people get from being out in the natural environment. Mike Corker and Lorraine Barnes from Mind said: “Our members always look forward to our conservation days at High Wray, to feel a real sense of pride, stimulation and rejuvenation; from helping maintain biodiversity, being one with nature and fresh air and exercise. Volunteering at High Wray is a wonderful experience for our members, as it gives them a chance to get out of the town and do something positive in this wonderful setting.” www.mind.org.uk

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Mind restored long stretches of the Ash Landing path. Note technical width measuring equipment.

New hedges and old fences

Early in the year we made a great start on a particularly long stretch of hedge at Hoathwaite, but as hedgelaying is a winter job we had to wait until the end of the year to finish it. With the help of Fairbridge we also removed an old deer fence, easily forgotten when they’re no longer useful. Getting all that old wire out of the woodland was one of the most satisfying jobs of the year.

Partnership - Fairbridge Part of the Prince’s Trust, Fairbridge work out of 15 UK inner city centres supporting young people aged 13-25 to develop the confi-dence, motivation and skills they need to turn their lives around. Ruth Knighton, Fairbridge staff member said: “The Fairbridge Programme in Newcastle has been working with the National Trust for over 4 years. Beginning as a one off residential the partnership worked so well it’s now a trip that goes ahead at least twice a year. We work with 13 – 25 year olds who are not in full-time education, employment or training. Many find it difficult to know what to do next, or where their strengths lie. The project with the National Trust at High Wray is an employability themed course where our interactive evening workshops link directly with the benefits of a hard day’s work that the National Trust provides. Volunteering with the National Trust is always massively popular with our young people. The staff at High Wray are excellent whenever a group visits as their flexibility and encouragement is the perfect combination to motivate everyone there. The Fairbridge young people and staff always feel such a great sense of achievement after a day or two of practical conservation work. Gaining the John Muir Award is a definite bonus as it is something that can go on a CV to show that our young people are spending their time doing something positive. This residential is often a highlight of our young people’s time on the Fairbridge programme and many comment on how friendly the National Trust staff are, and how much they value the opportunity to work hard and achieve something ”. In 2014 the Tyne and Wear branch visited us twice and were joined by the Teeside branch for their first visit. We’re looking forward to working with both branches again in 2015 and will be welcoming the Bury branch for their first visit. www.fairbridge.org.uk

Job done! Making sure all the wire is out of the woods …. 8

What a mess! Taking down the deer fence.

Chester National Trust volunteers brought their considerable experience to bear on the hedge.

Kendal College.

SLCG in perfect weather - for planting a new hedge ...

The garden and the labyrinth Close to Coniston we tackled two large jobs. We worked to return the brilliant short tree trail in the gardens of Monk Coniston house (part of a wider estate) to its original appearance of ferns growing amongst specimen trees by removing the brambles and seedling trees that had swamped it. We also cleared rhododendron out of the mysterious ‘Labyrinth’. No one is quite sure of the origin of this strange landscape feature but with its circular arrangement of banks and water filled ditches we had to be careful where we put our feet!

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“Would never have chosen to come to the Lake District but I really find the place emotional looking out towards the lake, the mountains. I have loved doing work on my John Muir award it’s something special to keep for the future and share my experience.” “It’s been brilliant and the wildlifes been great from weasels red squirrels and deer down to voles and field mice. I’ve really opened up and come out of myself with teamwork and couldn’t of done it without all of you.” TTP volunteers

Sheffield Uni conservation volunteers take a break on the tree trail.

Marooned! SLCG in the labyrinth.

Northumbria NT volunteers in the thick of it.

LHTC fully loaded (right) and on the stones around the Giant Sequoia in Monk Coniston that mark the size of the biggest one in the world - the ‘General Sherman’ in California. Ours has some way to go!

West Runton get a boot full in the labyrinth (above) and try our homemade popcorn maker on the fire!

A bit of a spruce up …. With a big and willing workforce we can make a big difference and this is especially true when it comes to removing non native species. As well as rhododendron we helped stop spruce from recolonizing recently cleared areas at Colwith Force and Nor Moss and bashed bracken back to stop it swamping trees planted as part of Windermere Reflections at Cold Well Intake.

Glenburn Sports College display their bracken bashers at Cold Well.

Hitting the spruce hard at Nor Moss are Shardale (A), TTP (B), West Runton (C), Kendal College (D - with special ‘power pose’)

That’s better! Tameside rangers in their now rhodie free woodland.

A

B C D

Partnership - LHTC Littledale Hall is a therapeutic community providing services to people over 18 whose lives have been adversely affected by their substance misuse. Littledale Hall offers a safe, supportive environment within which people can address emotional, psychological, and social issues linked to their substance misuse. Niki Agliolo, registered manager at Littledale said “Our relationship with the National Trust at Basecamp gives us the opportunity to help people to unlock or realise their potential on very many and often unexpected levels. It provides our residents and staff team a chance to have new and challenging experiences in a beautiful environment with knowledgeable and supportive staff. Each visit leaves everyone feeling that they’ve achieved something and have made a difference .” We’ve been working with Littledale Hall for many years now and always look forward to their visits as they get so much out of their time working with us. As well as residentials, they also visit us for individual days once a month. http://www.littledalehalltc.co.uk/

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“I’ve experienced a sense of belonging and freedom. I’ve also enjoyed doing some conservation work and got a lot of satisfaction from it. I feel like I’ve tasted the good life while at Basecamp and it’s given me a sense of optimism for my future.” “I was a bit nervous at first as I’ve never been to an outdoors place in the middle of no-where to stay before but it’s great, the girls are getting on, the sun is shining, the birds are singing and it is just fab!” “I’ve learnt I’m not afraid of bugs and hard work!” LHTC volunteers

LHTC cleared Colwith woods of Spruce over a few months and best of all took away a few as Xmas trees in December!

Close to home

Sometimes we don’t have to go far for a day’s work - as well as Wray Castle, we also worked at Low Wray campsite, just down the road. Closer still, plenty of days were spent at Basecamp keeping our grounds up to scratch and even inside our buildings as the ‘Basecamp blitz’ returned for the third year running!

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TTP did a great job of building four new ‘patios’ outside the pods at the campsite.

Basecamp blitz gets right into the corners!

Mind composting our garden area.

LHTC level off our car park.

Partnership - TTP Formerly known as Inward House and founded in 1978 in Lancaster to provide residential rehabilitation for people recovering from drug problems, TTP has developed to become one of the major voluntary sector drug service providers in the North West. They give us some of our most rewarding week’s work all year. Sian, a support worker said, “There’s no computers, no distractions and they’ve really come together as a community. The benefit of coming here is massive and I think it’s a big part of their treatment programme. You’re seeing a side to them that you wouldn’t normally see in a town and I’m hoping they can take a little bit of Basecamp back with them”. http://www.trusttheprocess.org/

Northumbria NTV and SLCG put a new walkway in across a swampy patch at the campsite.

High Wray Basecamp Community Ranger and Assistant Ranger roles are supported by Fix the Fells www.fixthefells.co.uk

Basecamp staff team 2015

National Trust High Wray Basecamp High Wray Ambleside Cumbria LA22 0JE Tel 015394 34633

Longland Block

Acland Block

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www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Registered Charity No 205846

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Philippa Barber Rob Clarke

Basecamp Ranger Community Ranger

Jamie Preston

Basecamp Ranger (Outgoing)

Matt Tweed

Assistant Ranger

20%

20%

14%

12%

8%

7%

7%

6%6%

281 days rhodie andspruce removal

266 upland path work

186 days lowland pathwork

163 days hedgelaying

101 days misc tasks

92 days at Monk Coniston

92 days drystone walling

73 days at Claife Station

73 days at Basecamp

We’d like to say a very special thank you to Mrs Lumley, the Garrats and the Pendle Forest Association for your continued support. It means a lot to us.

In 2014 volunteers contributed 1327 days of work with us in the South Lakes. Here’s a breakdown of what they did …….