Volunteer success for Fix the Fells
Published on 9 March 2009
Volunteers have signed-up to protect some of Britain’s most-walked routes in Cumbria. The response follows a recruitment drive by the Fix the Fells Partnership, who spent a busy few days receiving calls about what the work of a volunteer involved.
Many of the 40 who have signed up will work as ‘Lengthsmen’ - a Cumbrian term for someone who looks after a local right of way in a parish.
Richard Fox, Lake District National Park Authority Project Manager for Fix the Fells said: “The Partnership is delighted to have had such a positive response to our request for more Fix the Fells Volunteers. This will bring the total number of volunteers to a magnificent one hundred and ten. People who take up volunteering are often busy people, so it’s essential the scheme is focused and yet flexible and to know that you are part of a coordinated plan which makes a difference.”
The Lengthsmen are given a section of path to look after and take part in regular practical work parties and ‘drain-runs’ across the fells. Part of their role is also to help visitors understand the need for repairing and looking after upland paths.
Some volunteers are able to commit to regular work each week, whereas others offer a few days, but the minimum required is 10 days per year.
Ian Prater, one of the most active Volunteer Lengthsmen, said: “I’ve been a volunteer Lengthsmen for 2 years. I often patrol the Lakeland fells on a ‘drain-run,’ unblocking storm drains and preventing run-off water causing extensive damage to the paths.
We are the eyes and ears of the professional repairmen, saving thousands of pounds’ worth of damages by spotting problems early. Walkers often see me with a shovel and a brush and want to stop and chat about the work I’m doing and I love that.”
John Atkinson, National Trust Project Manager for Fix the Fells, summed up the work of the volunteers by saying: “The Lengthsmen have done some great work this autumn and winter getting out and clearing the drains before and after the storms. Spotting problems on the fell paths when the damage to the path is in its early stages is crucial.
Heavy rainfall plays havoc with the fell paths and if the drains aren’t checked regularly for damage the cost could be so much more. The Lengthsmen in time alone have contributed £50,000 over the last two years and have probably saved as much again in damage to the paths.”
