Friends of the Lake District

19 March 2008

Wild and Woody Wonders in Eskdale

There's a welcome in the woods this Easter Monday when Eskdale hosts a major event in Flora of the Fells Festival 2008. From guided walks to cookery demonstrations, bird and bat box building to nature trails, there is something for everyone to take part in.

There are activities throughout the valley. The main centre of activity is at the La'al Ratty terminus at Dalegarth Station where there is bird and bat box building, cookery demonstrations, guided walks and information. Events are free and have been timed to fit with the train timetable. There is also a chance to take a woodland walk at Hows Wood or Giggle Alley or see a demonstration of a wood fuel burner at Eskdale Youth Hostel.

Ruth Evans, Festival Officer said, "Woodlands is a key feature of Eskdale and we want to help people celebrate it. It's an ideal place for families and individuals alike to explore. There are numerous pubs and village stores and the railway means that you can leave your car at home for the day."

This is one of more than 130 events taking place across Cumbria in the Flora of the Fells Festival 2008 between March and September. For more information please telephone 01539 733187 or log onto www.floraofthefells.com. The Flora of the Fells Festival is funded by Natural England, Friends of the Lake District and the Lake District Sustainable Development Fund.

ENDS

Editors Notes

1. For further information contact Ruth Evans, Festival Officer or Martin Varley Communications Officer 01539 720788.

2. Friends of the Lake District is a registered charity committed to enhancing and protecting the landscape and natural beauty of Cumbria and cooperating with other bodies with similar objectives or interests. We are also regional representatives for the Campaign to Protect Rural England, a national charity that helps people keep their local countryside beautiful, productive and enjoyable for everyone.

Our theme for 2008 is 'Connecting People and Place'. Throughout the year we are focusing our work on encouraging people to gain a greater sense of belonging to places in Cumbria where they live, work and visit.