About this Event
Many BMC members will enjoy using the Lake District for hill walking and climbing. In association with Fix the Fells, the BMC are arranging conservation projects in the Cumbrian mountains.
Works may involve path maintenance and building, drainage projects, stepping stones, vegetation clearance or cairn-scattering, led by the local Fix the Fells Rangers. There will be 4 projects in the Lakes in 2026. The second project is being held on Monday 8th to Wednesday 10th June.
Volunteers must attend both work days (Monday and Tuesday). Accommodation will be provided at the Fell and Rock Climbing Hut at Beetham Cottage, near Brotherswater, for the nights of 7th, 8th, and 9th June so that volunteers can enjoy a free day to enjoy the Lakes on a social hike, scrambling or climbing, on Wednesday 10th.
Why it’s worthwhile
Our uplands are under pressure as never before with increased footfall and rainfall, combining to produce increased erosion.
This causes unsightly scars on the landscape and damages precious upland habitats. Path maintenance is therefore very important to produce a resilient, sustainable surface.
What will the work involve?
Spending around 6 to 8 hours a day, working as part of a small team, supervised and directed by Fix the Fells Rangers, in various conservation projects around Ullswater.
Precise project will be decided by the National Trust Rangers depending on number of volunteers and weather conditions at the time, but might include path maintenance, drainage projects, stepping stones, vegetation clearance or cairn-scattering.
What will you need to bring?
Steel toe capped boots required: these can be borrowed. Waterproofs, warm layers and hat, along with sufficient food and drink, suitably equipped for a full day out in the mountains. Just in case it is sunny bring sunhat and sunscreen! You will also need a pair of heavy duty (gardening style) gloves. All other tools will be supplied by the National Trust.
For those using the accommodation you will also need sleeping bag and pillow case, towel, spare clothing and food.
Please bring your own food for all breakfasts and lunches – and for Sunday evening. The kitchen is well equipped with fridges, freezer, microwave, kettles, hobs and oven. If you want wine or beer for Monday night’s communal meal please bring your own!
THE WORK IS TOUGH ON CLOTHING SO DON’T BRING YOUR NEWEST MOUNTAIN GEAR!
Where is the accommodation?
Beetham Cottage Fell and Rock Climbing Hut
Grid Ref: NY 405129
Address: Beetham Cottage, Hartsop, Patterdale, Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 0NZ
Beetham sits on the side of the A592 Penrith to Windermere road. Coming from the North it is about 3km beyond Patterdale. It is on the left about 100m beyond the turning to Hartsop with a barrier across the car park entrance. Stopping to open it pull right up to the barrier to get off the busy road.
From the South you will pass the Brotherswater Hotel on the left at the foot of Kirkstone. About 1km beyond the hotel you will see the cottage and car park barrier on the right.
Agenda
🕑: 05:00 PM
Sun 7th June
Info: Arrive Beetham Cottage after 1700 hrs
Sort out own dinner
Briefing when everyone arrived
🕑: 08:45 AM
Mon 8th June
Info: Meet Rangers at 0845hr
Day of path work (take own lunch)
Team meal at Beetham Cottage
🕑: 08:45 AM
Tues 9th June
Info: Meet Rangers at 0845hr
Day of path work (take own lunch)
Team meal at local pub
🕑: 09:00 AM
Weds 10th June
Info: Social walk, scramble, climb for those who are available to stay
Aim to finish by early afternoon
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Beetham Cottage Fell and Rock Climbing Hut, Hartsop, Penrith, United Kingdom
GBP 0.00
