A new man at the top
9 June 2010
South Lakes will soon have a new ‘man at the top’ as Rob Clarke relinquishes the role after four years. Since 1999 Heart of the Lakes cottages, with the help of their fantastic customers, have raised money to pay for a “Man at the Top” – a full time worker on the National Trust’s upland footpath team.
In 2006 Rob Clarke joined the team and took up this position, which involves providing regular updates on the team’s progress, keeping track of photographic records and doing as much as possible to publicise the work of the National Trust and the Fix the Fells project. Of course, this is all in addition to the core work of erosion repair on the fells.
During his four years in the role, Rob has enjoyed the extra duties, which have varied from giving talks on the project and leading guided walks, to being interviewed for Japanese television! However, he is now leaving the fells to take up a full time position at the National Trust’s residential volunteering centre at High Wray Basecamp.
The ‘Man at the Top’ responsibilities will be taken up by a new member of the South Lakes team, Sam Stalker.
Rob says “My new job is a great opportunity and challenge for me and I’m confident that the role of Man at the Top is in good hands with Sam. I’d like to thank Heart of the Lakes for their support over the years, they provide a great example of how local businesses can be actively involved in helping conserve the inspiring landscape their customers are here to enjoy”.
Sam has just finished studying conservation management at Edinburgh University and has plenty of experience in upland path work, having spent the last four summers on a seasonal contract working with the footpath teams.
Sam says: “I love the satisfaction which upland footpath repair work brings. The work we do has such a positive impact on the environment and on peoples’ enjoyment of the fells. I am looking forward to taking on the role of ‘Man at the top’ and continuing to spread the word about the brilliant work carried out by the Fix the Fells project. It will also be quite nice to have a break from exams for a bit!”
Heart of the Lakes cottages have so far raised over £163,000 for the Fix the Fells project, including the ‘Our Man at the Top’ role, through a fundraising scheme developed with Nurture Lakeland.
Sue Jackson, owner of the Heart of the Lakes holiday cottage company, said “It has been a pleasure supporting and working with Rob and we wish him all the best for the future. The work carried out by the Fix the Fells team is so vital in keeping our Lakeland fells beautiful and accessible for visitors. It’s a pleasure to support ‘Our Man at the Top, and we look forward to working with our new man, Sam.”
Sam will officially take over the role of Man at the Top at the end of June when the team will be carrying out repair work on Stake Pass.
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