Fixing Our Fells
For every magnificent fell that frames the Lake District, there’s a team of hard-working volunteers, dedicated to protecting them for everyone’s enjoyment.
This year, the volunteer programme, Fix the Fells celebrated their 10th anniversary. For the past 10 years volunteers, with nothing but a passion for the peaks, have given up their time to take care of some of the most popular, well-trodden paths in the Lake District.
A partnership programme between the National Trust, the Lake District National Park, Natural England, Friends of the Lake District and Nurture Lakeland, the aim of Fix the Fells, is to protect the mountains from erosion and damage by both repairing and maintaining the upland paths of the Lakes.
The work on the fells is carried out by teams of National Trust Rangers, who work on behalf of the partnership, along with an army of volunteers, most of whom live locally. There are now over 140 volunteers, who gifted a staggering 2030 days to looking after our paths in 2016, some individuals heading out onto the fells up to 100 days out of the year.
Russ StClair, from St Bees, joined as a volunteer in 2015. An avid fell walker himself, he felt that by joining Fix the Fells he was able to give something back to the natural playground that has given him so much joy.
Russ explained: “I joined to make a difference and give something back to the wonderful environment and community that I am fortunate enough to live in. I have been walking in the fells for the last 28 years, so volunteering with Fix the Fells is the perfect way for me to contribute to something that brings so much enjoyment to so many.”
The core work of the volunteers involves “drain runs”, maintenance patrols essential to ensuring the upland paths are kept clear, with the water drainage working effectively. In 2016, just under 500 drain runs were carried out by volunteers, who self-manage using an online calendar system.
The group includes people from all walks of life and covers a wide spectrum of ages, from mid-twenties, to the oldest who is currently in their seventies. However, they all share one common objective.
Russ said: “I get the pleasure of meeting and working with a diverse group of people who share the same interests and commitment. One day you can be digging in a ditch covered in mud, soaking wet, laughing with a retired policeman or nurse, or a former banker.”
Russ will heads onto the fells at least two days a week. But while he is donating a great deal of time and energy – the work is no walk in the park and volunteers tend to be in great shape – he has also gained a lot from the group in his retirement, including giving up his gym membership.
He said: “You gain great skills, it keeps you busy and keeps you fit. I do quite a bit of walking anyway, but once you’ve put your name down on the calendar, it puts a bit of discipline around it. It’s that little extra push and incentive to keep you on track.”
Recent coverage of their 10th anniversary project, which included a visit from Tim Farron MP, has helped spread awareness of the programme. With the number of volunteers increasing, the amount of days spent on the fells in 2017 is expected to far surpass last year’s figures. As Russ explained, there’s enough work for everyone.
He said: “What is amazing is the awareness out on the fells this year seems to be so much better. We are often stopped by walkers and it gives us an opportunity to tell them what we’re doing. As a result they might donate or even join and that’s what’s needed because the paths so easily deteriorate.”
Protecting the paths might be the overall goal, but there is a bigger picture. Joining Fix the Fells means being a part of an inclusive organisation, meeting like-minded people and contributing something special to the spectacular surroundings.
Russ added: “It is very satisfying to view the results of a hard day’s work with great friends and endless banter, in one of the most scenic landscapes in the world. Now that’s what I call living the dream.”
For more information and to donate visit www.fixthefells.co.uk
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