"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