"Great team building. Personal reflection time. A sense of pride and an awakening of wanting to care for the planet" - that's how one volunteer summed up their Fix the Fells experience.
Volunteering is a fantastic way to strengthen team dynamics and build relationships whilst doing something positive for the environment.Groups from inner city youth groups to management trainees help fix the fells. For some groups it is their first visit to the countryside and can be an incredibly powerful experience.
Residential groups
The National Trust run a residential centre for conservation volunteering near Hawkshead. The High Wray Basecamp accommodates up to 30 people in two separate blocks. Youth and adult groups are welcome and many groups return again and again.
Practical skills
Staff supervise and instruct volunteers, selecting tasks according to the season, group size, and the fitness, strength and experience of its members. Volunteers learn practical skills including:
path construction
dry stone walling
hedge laying
Informal learning
Informal learning opportunities include:
guided learning walks
environmental games
self-guided trails
evening slide shows
Through the Basecamp Food and Farming project, groups visit a local farm and enjoy a cookery demonstration using local food such as Herdwick lamb.
John Muir Award
Groups can also take part in the John Muir Award, which encourages awareness and responsibility of the natural environment through fun and adventure. Basecamp staff are experienced in helping volunteers fulfil the four Award challenges to discover, explore, conserve and share the wild places of Cumbria.
Non-residential groups
We're also happy to work with groups from the local area on a regular or one-off basis. Regular involvement allows groups to build up their skills and gain higher John Muir Awards.
Recent groups
Staffordshire Millennium Volunteers
Newcastle Community Service Volunteers
Gateshead Southern African Foundation
Thorn Cross Young Offenders Institute
Fife Air Cadets Conservation Group - read about their latest project in 29 August 2007 - Fix the Fells Fife-style
West Runton Youth
Kingston Police Cadets
Springboard East Durham
Ford Motor Company
Littledale Hall Therapeutic Community
Interested in group volunteering?
To arrange a group visit, please contact National Trust Basecamp, on 015394 34633 or email
basecamphighwray@nationaltrust.org.uk






