Mend Our Mountains Get Stuck In! Lake District (13th-15th Aug 2025)

Many BMC members will enjoy using the Lake District for hill walking and climbing. In association with the National Trust and Fix the Fells, the BMC are arranging conservation projects in the Wasdale. Works may involve path maintenance, drainage projects, stepping stones, vegetation clearance or cairn-scattering, led by the local National Trust Rangers. There will be 3 projects in the Lakes in 2025. The third project is being held from Wednesday 13th to Friday 15th August 2025.

Volunteers must attend both work days (Wednesday and Thursday). Accommodation is available in a FRCC Climbing hut for the nights of 12th, 13th and 14th Aug, so volunteers can enjoy a free day to enjoy the Lakes on Friday 15th June, possibly a social hike, scramble or climb with the other volunteers.

Why it’s worthwhile

Our uplands are under pressure as never before with increased footfall and rainfall, combining to produce increased erosion. This causes unsightly scars on the landscape and damages precious upland habitats. Path maintenance, which may involve drainage projects and vegetation clearance, is therefore very important.

What will the work involve?

Spending around 6 to 8 hours a day, working as part of a small team, supervised and directed by National Trust staff, in various conservation projects in the Lakes. Precise project will be decided by the National Trust Rangers depending on number of volunteers and weather conditions at the time, but might include path maintenance, drainage projects, stepping stones, vegetation clearance or cairn-scattering.

What will you need to bring?

Steel toe capped boots required: these can be borrowed.

Waterproofs, warm layers and hat, along with sufficient food and drink, suitably equipped for a full day out in the mountains. Just in case it is sunny bring sunhat and sunscreen! You will also need a pair of heavy duty (gardening style) gloves.

All other tools will be supplied by the National Trust.

For those using the accommodation you will also need sleeping bag and pillow case, towel, spare clothing and food.

Please bring your own food for all breakfasts and lunches – and for Sunday evening. The kitchen is well equipped with fridges, freezer, microwave, kettles, hobs and oven. If you want wine or beer for Monday night’s communal meal please bring your own!

THE WORK IS TOUGH ON CLOTHING SO DON’T BRING YOUR NEWEST MOUNTAIN GEAR!

Where will the work take place?

Precise location of the work will be decided nearer the time but is most likely to be path building and repairs in Wasdale, or slopes of Scafell Pike.

Where is the accommodation?

Accommodation will be available in the FRCC climbing hut at Brackenclose, Wasdale Head, Cumbria, CA20 1EX. Grid Ref: NY 185073.

Accommodation is available from the Tuesday night so that we can get an early start on Wednesday morning. Further joining details nearer the time.

Who can take part?

Adults only (older than 18). No dogs, sorry! Interested?

Registration will be by Eventbrite. At registration we will ask for a non-returnable £10 donation to Mend our Mountains (£5 for students and unemployed). This is an attempt to reduce number of people booking on to the events, but then cancelling at late notice. As well as free accommodation, we hope also to provide a communal meal on one night.

Places will be allocated on first come first served basis and priority given to those able to come for both days of the project.