The Lake District has over 12 million visitors each year enjoying the beauty of the fells. But the sheer number of visitors leaves a mark on the landscape.
Over time, grass is compacted by feet, and worn away. Because of the steepness of the hills, rain washes the soil away into the valleys. This extra soil falls into the streams, and ends up in lakes where the siltation causes havoc for fish and other species.
Out in all weathers
In recent years walkers have become better equipped with all-weather gear to tackle the higher peaks during the winter months. Unfortunately winter is when paths are at their most vulnerable. Left unchecked, erosion could pose a serious challenge to walkers.
How bad can it get?
Some of our visitors may remember the erosion on popular peaks like Skiddaw. At one point the Jenkins Hill path was 22 metres wide, as wide as a motorway carriageway and growing at over two metres a year. We estimate thousands of tonnes of soil was lost into the river Derwent and Bassenthwaite over the years. The Fix the Fells project has repaired this, and dozens of other major scars in the area.
For how you can help, check out What's the solution? You and me.
