FLORA OF THE FELLS

CUMBRIA FARM EVENTS PROJECT

Over the next few months Friends of the Lake District (FLD) will be working in co-operation with other organisations and individuals to develop a proposal for a Cumbria Farm Events Project. The suggested 3 year project will give farmers the opportunity to gain the necessary skills and confidence to run unique events aimed at raising awareness about the link between farming, food production and the environment.

During 2006 and 2007 Friends of the Lake District (FLD) supported by the Cumbria Farming Network, The National Trust, Leader +, Cumbria Tourism and Natural England worked with over 50 farmers across the county to organise events on their farms. Many people who attended these events expressed how much they learnt from the farmer and how enjoyable and interesting they found their visit. Susan France from Worsley in Manchester who visited Low Sizergh Farm said:

farm Visit ‘It was a wonderful day overall. I now know more about how food is produced on farms, the range of work undertaken and benefits to the public provided by farmers, how farming and the environment are linked, the current challenges faced by farmers and the importance of buying local produce. I also learnt about the requirements to meet organic standards and shall especially remember the gorgeous 2 week old calves that I met’.

Many farmers and related organisations recognise the value of encouraging the public to visit a working farm and are keen that these types of events can continue in the coming years. FLD would like to hear from you if you have any ideas or suggestions on how this should happen.

If you have previously enjoyed hosting a public event on your farm, would like to discuss the project further or think you might be interested in running an event in the future please let us know.

Call Carol Douglas on: 01539 720788 or email: carol-douglas@fld.org.uk

Flora of the Fells events planned for 2008

Sunday 4th May

Sandwick Farm Walk

Join Andrew and Caroline Ivinson for a leisurely walk around their farm and hear what life is like working as a fell farmer today. You will meet some of the lambs, calves and pigs that have been reared at this family run farm at Ousby near Penrith and have the chance to purchase some of their local produce.
Time: 1.30 pm:
Grade: Easy - Moderate
Start: Sandwick Farm, Townhead, Ousby, CA10 1QB (NY 634341)
Booking: Advisable as places are limited phone: 01539 720788 or book online at www.floraofthefells.com
Length/duration approx 2 – 3 miles / 2.5 hrs
Other Information: Boots or Wellingtons, refreshments provided by the farmer, dogs on lead only.
(FREE)

Sunday 11th May

Dairy Farming in the Lower Eden

Join Les Armstrong for an afternoon on his dairy farm near Kirkoswald. Les will show you around the farm and explain how modern farming can complement the environment and take you on a leisurely stroll through the fields, where weather permitting, you get a superb view of the fells.
Time: 1.30 pm
Grade: Easy
Start: Blunderfield Farm, Kerkoswal, CA10 1EX
Booking: Advisable as places are limited phone: 01539 720788 or book online at www.floraofthefells.com
Length/duration: 1 – 2 miles / 2 – 2.5 hrs
Information: Wellingtons or walking boots recommended, Sorry no dogs.
(FREE)

Tuesday 13th May

Organic Farming beside the River Eden

Join farmer Susan Aglionby for an evening stroll around her farm where you will see a rich variety of wildlife, flowers, grasses and birds together with the recently restored hedgerows and dry stone walls, historic woodland and hazel coppicing beside the river Eden. The King Cups and Blue Bells will be in flower and it is a wonderful time of year to visit the farm.
Time: 6.00 pm
Grade: Easy
Length/duration: Approx 1-2 miles / 2 hrs
Start: Wallace Field, Armathwiate (NY505491)
Booking: Advisable as places are limited phone: 01539 720788 or book online at www.floraofthefells.com
Information: Wellingtons advisable. Refreshments provided by the farmer, dogs that have been wormed on lead only.
(FREE)

Sunday 18th May

Farming Under Helvellyn

Enjoy a family visit to this National Trust farm set on the side of Ullswater where Sam and Candida Hodgson hope you will enjoy a leisurely afternoon walk with them on the farm during lambing time. Hear how their farming methods try and balance the needs of the environment with the requirement to be economically sustainable.
Time: 1.30 pm
Grade: Moderate
Start: Glencoyne Farm, Glenridding, CA11 OAT (NY385187)
Booking: Advisable as places are limited phone: 01539 720788 or book online at www.floraofthefells.com
Length/duration: 2 – 2.5 hours / 1 –2 miles
Other Information: Refreshments provided by the farmer, children’s activity, walking boots recommended, public transport, sorry no dogs.
(FREE)

Sunday 25th May

Lambing at Ennerdale

Enjoy a family visit to Hollins Farm near Ennerdale Bridge where hill farmer Will Rawling will lead you on a leisurely walk and describe the farming year and how it links with natures cycle. There will be plenty of lambs to see and new born calves as well as a number of bird species that nest on the farm at this time of year.
Time: 1.30 pm
Grade: Easy
Start: Hollins Farm, Ennerdale, CA23 3AL (NY074165)
Booking: Advisable as places are limited phone: 01539 720788 or book online at www.floraofthefells.com
Length/duration: 2.5 hrs - Walk around fields dependant on weather
Other information: Wellingtons or waterproof boots, Childrens activity, sorry no dogs.
(FREE)

Sunday 1st June

Rough Fell Heritage Walk

Enjoy a relaxed yet informative visit to this farm near Kendal where Jayne and Brian Knowles will take you on a short walk and explain about farming Rough Fell Sheep and share some history of the area. The afternoon will include a demonstration of both hand and machine clipping and an explanation of dry stone walling.
Time: 1.30 pm
Grade: Moderate
Length/duration: 2 – 2.5 hrs/ 1 – 2 miles
Start: High Borrow Bridge Farm, A6 North of Kendal (NY552040)
Booking: Advisable as places are limited phone: 01539 720788 or book online at www.floraofthefells.com
Other information: Walking boots are recommended. Dogs on lead only.
(FREE)

Sunday 1st June

Food Production for People, Livestock and Wildlife

Join Jane Emmerson from ‘Deer n Dexter’ for a leisurely ‘educational’ walk with lots of stops to see and discuss how the farm and local environment is managed. This is one of a series of events taking place nationwide as part of the Open Farm Sunday initiative.
Time: 2.00 pm
Grade: easy - moderate
Start: Old Stoddah Farm, Penruddock, CA11 ORY
Booking: Places are limited so pre-booking is essential: phone: 01768 480069
Length/duration: 1-2 miles / 3 hrs
Other Information: Walking boots or Wellingtons recommended. Beef and Venison for sale. Sorry no dogs.
(FREE)

Wednesday 11th June

Farming in Borrowdale

Come and share the experiences of a fell farmer looking after the land and raising sheep and cattle on this National Trust farm set in the heart of the Lake District. The afternoon will include a short walk around the farm, discussion with the farmer and sheep clipping and working dog demonstration. Come prepared for all weathers and walking boots recommended.
Time: 1.30 pm
Grade: Easy
Start: Hollows Farm, Grange (NY254174)
Booking: Advisable as places are limited phone: 01539 720788 or book online at www.floraofthefells.com
Length/duration: 2 – 2.5 hrs / 1 – 2 miles
Other information: Public transport

Wednesday 25th June

New Life in the Woods

Visit the quiet Rusland Valley and enjoy a walk up through mature woodlands into a newly planted area where farm land has been transformed for the benefit of wildlife. Hear about coppicing, planting of woodland, charcoal burning and the history of the area and see medieval charcoal pits, excellent flora and fauna including rare species of butterflies.
Time: 1.30 pm
Grade: Moderate
Start: Barkhouse Bank (SD324895)
Booking: Advisable as places are limited phone: 01539 720788 or book online at www.floraofthefells.com
Length/duration: 2.5 – 3 hrs / 2 – 3 miles
(FREE)

Monday 30th June

Flowers and Fell Farming, Keswick

Come and see some of the finest hay meadows in Cumbria located on this National Trust farm that has spectacular views of Saddleback, Blencathra and Skiddaw fells and is only a ten minute walk away from the Castlerigg stone circle. Robert Tyson the farmer will lead you on a short walk through the meadows and explain how traditional farming methods can compliment the environment and support a diverse range of flora and fauna species.
Time: 1.30 pm
Grade: Easy
Start: Moor Farm, Castlerigg, CA12 4TE (NY283229)
Booking: Advisable as places are limited phone: 01539 720788 or book online at www.floraofthefells.com
Length/duration: Approx 1 mile / 2 hrs
Other information: Walking boots or Wellingtons suitable

Sunday 6th July

Lorton Meadows Walk, near Cockermouth

Local fell farmer Pauline Blair will lead a walk around her farm explaining about the hefted flock of Herdwick and Swaledale sheep and examining a wide variety of flowers and grasses ranging from Tier 2 hay meadows to traditional herb rich upland pasture. It is hoped that on the walk you shall hear and see many different types of birds, a variety of butterflies and moths, plus dragon and damsel flies.
Time: 1.30 pm
Grade: Moderate
Start: Miller Place Farm, Lorton. Grid ref: NY 162232
Booking: Advisable as places are limited phone: 01539 720788 or book online at www.floraofthefells.com
Length/duration: 2 miles / allow 3 hrs
Other Information: Walking boots recommended, bring your own refreshments, dogs on a lead only.
(FREE)

Wednesday 16th July

Cinderbarrow Farm Walk, near Kendal

David and Rose Willison invite you to join them for an evening walk around their farm at Levens. On the walk you will encounter the dairy herd of Jersey cows and calves and see the work undertaken on the mosses to enhance the environment and encourage wildlife on the site. This work includes creating a wetland area for birds such as the Lapwing and Cerlew and a drainage system to keep the land in its present condition. The walk will end with drinks back at the farm.
Time: 6.30 pm
Grade: Easy
Start: Cinderbarow Farm, Sizergh, Levens, LA8 8NX (SD486870)
Booking: Advisable as places are limited phone: 01539 720788 or book online at www.floraofthefells.com
Length/duration: 2hrs / 1 –2 miles
Other Information: wear walking boots or wellingtons if wet, dogs on lead only
(FREE)

Sunday 20th July

Farming and conservation, Penrith

Jane Emmerson from Deer n Dexter will lead you on a leisurely walk around the farm and explain the work involved in managing the farm’s wetlands, rivers and ponds for conservation, conserving rainwater and using reed beds to clean water used on the farm.
Time: 2.00 pm
Grade: Easy - Moderate
Start: Old Stoddah Farm, Penruddock, CA11 ORY
Booking: Essential as places are limited. Phone 01768 480069
Length/duration: 1 – 2 miles / 3 hrs
Other Information: Walking boots or Wellingtons recommended, beef and venison for sale, not suitable for pushchairs, sorry no dogs.
(FREE)

Sunday 20th July

Wetlands, woodlands and wildlife on the farm

Join farmer Stephen Marsden for a family friendly walk around Matson Ground, an organic farm near Windermere where emphasis is given to environmental conservation. Stephen will lead you on a short walk and explain what life is like as a farmer raising sheep and cattle and tell you about the work being done for conservation on the farm.
Time: 1.30 pm
Grade: Easy – suitable for pushchairs / wheelchairs
Start: Matson Ground Farm, Windermere, LA23 2NH. (SD416966)
Booking: Advisable as places are limited phone: 01539 720788 or book online at www.floraofthefells.com
Length/duration: 1 mile /1.5 – 2 hrs
Other Information: Walking boots or Wellingtons recommended, suitable for all the family– children’s activity, dogs on lead only
(FREE)

Tuesday 22nd July

Farming Under Scafell

Enjoy a family outing to this National Trust Farm set on the shores of Wast Water where Mark and Clare Hodgson rear a large number of Herdwick sheep as well as a herd of tough, hardy Galloway cattle. The afternoon will include a leisurely walk around the farm with an explanation of the year round activities on the farm, children’s activities, a tour of the white room where the meat is prepared and a sheep clipping demonstration. Refreshments will also be provided.
Time: 1.00 pm – 4.00 pm
Grade: Easy
Start: Wasdale Head Hall Farm, CA20 1EX (SD486870)
Booking: Advisable as places are limited phone: 01539 720788 or book online at www.floraofthefells.com
Length/duration: Optional walk 1-2 miles
Other Information: Wellingtons are required for the walk, refreshments by donation
(FREE)

Wednesday 30th July

Farming, Wetlands and Windfarms, near Cockermouth

Come and see how wildlife conservation, traditional farming and renewable energy production can work side by side.
Time: 1.30 pm
Grade: Easy
Start: East Town End Farm, Winscale, Workington, CA14 4JG
Booking: Essential phone: 015397 20788 or book online at www.floraofthefells.com
Length/duration: 1 –2 miles / 2 – 2.5 hrs
Other Information: Walking boots or sturdy shoes recommended.
(FREE)

Sunday 10th August

Hill Farming and History, Hartsop

Enjoy an afternoon walk on a National Trust hill farm above Brothers Water and learn about the history of the area and life farming sheep and cattle in the centre of the Lake District.
Time: 2.00 pm
Grade: Easy - moderate
Start: Crossgates Farm, Hartsop CA11 0NZ (NY407131)
Booking: Advisable as places are limited phone: 01539 720788 or book online at www.floraofthefells.com
Length/duration: 1 – 2 miles / 2-3 hrs
Other information: Walking boots recommended

Wednesday 20th August

Hill Farming in the Howgills

Join Harry Hutchinson for a walk through his fields onto the fells and enjoy views of the dales and hear about life as a fell farmer on the commons. The walk will include a working dog demonstration and tea and cakes in the barn whilst viewing a video about the commons.
Time: 1.30 pm
Grade: moderate
Start: Uldale House, CA17 4LN ( SD731966)
Booking: Advisable as places are limited phone: 01539 720788 or book online at www.floraofthefells.com
Length/duration: 1-3 miles dependent on group / 2 – 3 hrs
Other Information: Walking boots recommended, dogs on lead only

Wednesday 20th August

Keeping our upland hill farm sustainable.

Join Jane Emmerson for a leisurely and informative walk around her farm to look at rearing and retailing two very special meat, venison and Dexter beef.
Time: 2.00 pm
Grade: Easy-moderate
Start: Old Stoddah Farm, Penruddock, CA11 ORY
Booking: Places are limited so pre-booking is essential: phone: 01768 480069
Length/duration: 1-2 miles / 3 hrs
Other Information: Walking boots or Wellingtons recommended. Beef and Venison for sale. Sorry no dogs.
(FREE)

Sunday 7th September

Fornside Farm Walk, St Johns in the Vale

Pam and Robert Hall welcome you to Fornside where they farm 75 acres of beautiful countryside in St Johns in the Vale with spectacular views of the fells including Skiddaw and Blencathra to the north. Join them on this leisurely afternoon walk where you will see the work they have undertaken on the farm to protect wildlife and archaeological features and to enhance the environment.
Time: 1.30 pm
Grade: easy
Start: Fornside Farm, St Johns in the Vale, Keswick, CA12 4TS (NY321206)
Booking: Advisable as places are limited phone: 01539 720788 or book online at www.floraofthefells.com
Length/duration: 2-3 miles / 2 – 2.5 hrs
Other Information: Walking boots recommended

Sunday 14th September

Organic Farming, Wetlands and Woodlands, Windermere

Join farmer Stephen Marsden for an informative walk around Matson Ground, a large organic farm near Windermere where emphasis is given to environmental conservation. There are two wetland Sites of Special Scientific Interest on the farm that are home to rare invertebrate species and interesting plant life. Over a quarter of the 1000 acre farm is woodland and Stephen can explain the work undertaken to restore this woodland and the wetland areas as well as the river stabilisation and planting undertaken as part of an Environmental Stewardship Agreement.
Time: 1.30 pm
Grade: Easy - moderate
Start: Start: Matson Ground Farm, Windermere, LA23 2NH. (SD416966)
Booking: Advisable as places are limited phone: 01539 720788 or book online at www.floraofthefells.com
Length/duration: 2-3 miles / 2 - 3 hrs
Other Information: Walking boots or wellingtons recommended, suitable for children aged 7 plus – children’s quiz, dogs on lead only
(FREE)

Sunday 14th September

Organic and extensive non-organic livestock production

Jane Emmerson from Deer n Dexter will lead you on a leisurely and informative walk to see and discuss how the farm and local environment is managed. This is one of a series of events taking place nationwide as part of Organic Fortnight.
Time: 2.00 pm
Grade: easy - moderate
Start: Old Stoddah Farm, Penruddock, CA11 ORY
Booking: Places are limited so pre-booking is essential: phone: 01768 480069
Length/duration: 1-2 miles / 3 hrs
Other Information: Walking boots or Wellingtons recommended. Beef and Venison for sale. Sorry no dogs.
(FREE)

Saturday 20th September

Organic Fruit and Farming, Cartmell

Have a go at juicing organic fruity and vegetables and enjoy a guided walk around the farm and polytunnels.
Time: 2.00 pm
Grade: Easy
Start: Howbarrow Farm, Cartmel, CA11 7SS
Booking: Phone Howbarrow Farm on 015395 36330
Length: 1-2 miles / 2 – 2.5 hrs
Other information: sorry no dogs, sturdy footwear recommended, for more information see www.howbarroworganic.co.uk

Sunday 28th September

Farming for the Future, Kendal

Visit this innovative organic dairy farm and join farmer Richard Park for an afternoon walk around the farm to hear how organic farming and protecting the environment go hand in hand.
Time: 1.30 pm
Grade: Easy
Start: Low Sizergh Farm, Sizergh, Kendal, LA8 8AE
Booking: Advisable as places are limited phone: 01539 720788 or book online at www.floraofthefells.com
Length/duration: 2 miles / 2 – 2.5 hrs
Other Information: Walking boots or Wellingtons recommended
(FREE)

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EVENTS FOR 2008

May