Fell paths job done with time to spare!
Volunteers who help maintain vital footpaths and access routes throughout the Lake District National Park are celebrating reaching an annual workload target for 2011 with two months to spare!
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Adventure Staff Fix the Fells
Staff from Newlands Adventure Centre joined a team from Fix the Fells and the National Trust to spend a day surveying, maintaining and repairing paths and drain runs on and around Catbells.
After a breakfast at Newlands Adventure Centre for everyone and a presentation from David Brooks, a Fix The Fells volunteer, the group set off for a day in the hills, armed with pick axes, spades, shovels and brooms.
Rik Beament, Newlands Adventure Centre Manager said
“We always do a community project each year and decided that as we use the fells almost daily, we should do something to help maintain and repair them. Catbells is a hugely popular route and the footpaths need regular maintenance so we were only too happy to volunteer a day’s work to repair and maintain our most local fell.
"We have already worked with Fix The Fells this year when we had a display by them at our Open Day in July, so were keen to do a day actually out on the fells with them. A work day like this also gives the Instructors an insight as to how the fells are managed and hopefully this will get passed on to the groups they lead.
"Newlands has recently achieved some environmental awards and is shortlisted for the CN Group Environmental Business Award, so this work fits in nicely with our policy on environmental issues and shows our commitment to making a difference where we can”.
Richard Fox, Fix The Fells Project Officer said:
“Large numbers of people are involved in making Fix the Fells a success, from those giving financial support and donating to the project, to the hundreds of volunteers who give up their free time. It’s always really encouraging when we encounter local businesses like Newlands who share our commitment to protecting and caring for our stunning landscape.”
Newlands Adventure Centre is planning other community events over the winter and spring of next year, the first being a Ski and Outdoor Gear Bring and Buy sale at Keswick Climbing Wall on 17th October. The sale starts at 7pm, with a £1.00 entry fee, which is going to Keswick Mountain Rescue. Sellers can set up from 6pm, it is £5.00 per table and bring your own stand / table.