Volunteers from Friends of Ullswater Way are joining Fix the Fells volunteers and staff to help maintain the popular 20-mile circular route.
Following an initiative launched by David Felton, founder of Inspired by Lakeland, and Fellranger author Mark Richards to support maintenance work on the Ullswater Way, the groups will start work on Friday, tackling a section of the way on Gowbarrow Fell.
Friends of Ullswater Way hopes between 15 and 20 volunteers who will meet up at Aira Force at 9.30am under the guidance of Mathew Tweed, Fix the Fells volunteer co-ordinator.
Fix the Fells is a partnership between the National Trust, the Lake District National Park Authority, Lake District Foundation, Natural England and Friends of the Lake District.
It’s staff and volunteers carry out upland path repair and maintenance to protect the precious scenery and biodiversity of the Lake District fells.
This is the first time that Friends of the Ullswater Way will use its own volunteers to help with the work, as increasing visitors and extreme weather events lead to ever increasing erosion on the route.
Penrith and the Border MP Neil Hudson hopes to join the group to learn more about the work.
Tim Clarke, chair of the Friends of Ullswater Way, said: ‘I’m delighted that we are able to help with this work, which is vital for the maintenance of this beautiful area and unique walk.
“I congratulate Dave Felton of Inspired by Lakeland for prompting our involvement in this work, and for the excellent co-operation between all the organisations involved.”
Joanne Backshall, programme manager for Fix the Fells, said, “We are delighted to be working with volunteers to maintain this stunning route around Ullswater.
“We welcome everyone to enjoy this wonderful experience but every step has an impact. We can all play our part in looking after the fragile upland environment by sticking to the path, volunteering with us or donating to Fix the Fells. This will help to keep the area beautiful for everyone forever.”
