Our work at Lake Windermere and Claife Viewing Station

Protecting historical sites

The Claife woods were once the ‘factory floor’ for charcoal production, coppicing and the tanneries, and they are rich in woodland archaeology. There are many charcoal pit-steads, pack horse bridges, potash kilns and even a bark barn.

We’ve recently spent time repairing and protecting these important sites, removing trees that are damaging the stonework and protecting them for the future.

Caring for the lakeshore

On the Windermere lakeshore, reed beds are an important habitat for insects and nesting birds like coots, teal and golden eye. They were far more extensive in the past than they are today so we’re working with the South Cumbria Rivers Trust to re-establish pockets of reed beds in the sheltered bays along the west shore, to help improve their natural habitats.

Tree felling on Windermere West Shore

We are currently felling a number of diseased larch trees to prevent the spread of Phytophthora ramorum, which is a fungus-like virus. It can attack and kill other trees, so it is necessary to take action and we are required by law to fell all larch trees within 100m of each infected tree.

Because of this, parts of the woodland above the Windermere shore will look quite different for a while. Phytophthora ramorum is not dangerous to humans, dogs or wildlife, but visitors can help to prevent the spread of the disease by staying on marked paths and cleaning mud and needles off boots, (and paws) and pram wheels before they leave.

Why do you have to fell the trees?

There is no cure for Phytophthora ramorum and there are no effective chemical treatments available. There are fungicides which can suppress the symptoms, but none which kill the virus.

When phytophthora is confirmed the landowner (in this case, the National Trust) is issued with a Statutory Plant Health Notice (SPHN) by the Forestry Commission. This means that infected, spore producing trees, such as larch, must be felled or otherwise killed as quickly as possible after detection of the disease.

The future

These areas will be replanted with a mixture of native trees and shrubs, things like Oak, Birch, Hazel, Cherry, Rowan, Hawthorn. Around 8,500 trees will be planted in tree tubes to protect from deer browsing. Scotts Pine, Norway Spruce and Douglas Fir will also be planted as landscape trees and to provide habitat and food for red squirrels.

Having a wide range of tree species in the planting mix means the woodland will be more robust to face the challenges of new tree pests and diseases and the uncertainty around climate change.

Celebrating and preserving the Lake District's hay meadows

National Trust rangers work with local farmers to conserve hay meadows in the Lake District and create new ones where possible.

Now sitting within a World Heritage Site, hay meadows have been an integral part of the Lake District’s cultural landscape for hundreds of years, providing feed for livestock during the winter months.

With support from generous legacies, volunteers and the Cumbria Wildlife Trust, the National Trust has begun a two-year conservation project to restore the hay meadows in Grasmere, Borrowdale and Sizergh.

Why are hay meadows are so important?

As well as their significance in farming, the vast mixture of wildflowers and grasses provides a huge food and nectar supply for bumblebees, birds and butterflies. The long grassland provides valuable cover for nesting birds like the endangered curlew and mammals such as brown hares.

The cyclical process of making hay – preparing the fields, moving livestock to allow grasses and flowers to grow and cutting and drying the hay grass – was a significant event in the farming calendar and within the local community.

By using the seed rich ‘green hay’, or in some cases ‘plug planting’ of hay meadow flowers to produce a new seed source, the we hope to kick start this restoration.

Reducing the use of fertilisers

During the 20th century, an increase in demand for food led to the intensification of farming, and a greater use of fertiliser meant that while grass thrived, wildflowers did not. Because of this, bird species such as the corncrake, lapwing and curlew have declined dramatically.

In reducing the use of fertilisers and waiting until late summer to cut the meadows, there is more time for different flower and grass species to thrive and grow.

Say 'hello' as we work

If you come across the ‘rangers in red’ when out and about in the South Lakes, do stop and say hello. They have lots of knowledge about countryside management, wildlife and the local area and are always happy to answer your questions and share their experience with you.

Thank you

With your ongoing support, we're able to continue our vital conservation work. Thank you for helping to protect these special places.