A Lake District landscape conservation charity is asking people to help its work to expand a wildlife haven.
Friends of the Lake District bought Dam Mire Wood, just off Blease Road in Threlkeld, near Keswick, in 2021.
The landscape charity has planted trees and wetland plants, improved access to the site, installed bird boxes and created a willow den with the help of local schoolchildren. Now it plans to expand the site even after buying a next-door field.
The charity said: “Currently, the new piece of land is in a poor natural state, making it difficult for biodiversity and wildlife to thrive.
“There is also limited public access to the field. Initial plans for the extension include planting more trees, adding in a bridge and footpaths, and installing bird boxes.
“Threlkeld, and neighbouring Keswick, are at high risk of flooding so the charity also plans to create a network of small ponds to help slow the flow of water from the surrounding fells. The ponds will also provide new habitats for wildlife, such as newts and frogs.”
The project is featured in this year’s Big Give Green Match Fund. Until April 29, donations made to the Dam Mire Extension appeal on the Big Give website will be matched by Big Give Champions.
Michael Hill, CEO of Friends of the Lake District, said: “Dam Mire Wood is already thriving with nature thanks to the work that Friends of the Lake District, with the support of our many volunteers, have done on the original site.
“It has also become a favourite place for people to visit and enjoy the stunning views. We hope the public will donate to our Big Give campaign, see their money doubled, and help turn all ours plans for the extension into reality.”
During the campaign week, Friends of the Lake District will be holding a webinar for people to find out more about their plans. The online event takes place tomorrow, Wednesday April 23, and free tickets can be booked online via the charity’s website
Find out more at www.friendsofthelakedistrict.org.uk/dammire.
