Friends of the Lake District

Events 2008

For details of volunteer work parties see our volunteering pages

For details of farm events in 2008 and activities in the Flora of the Fells Festival click here

For further details about any our events phone 01539 720788.

Saturday 10th May
Walling Competition

Come and join us to watch competitors from across the north of England practise this traditional outdoor craft. Organised in association with the Dry Stone Walling Association, celebrating their 40th Anniversary this year. Free Entry.
Venue: Near the National Trust car park at Elterwater on part of the Cumbria Way grid reference: NY 330047
Time: 9:00am-4:00pm

Saturday 17th May
Annual General Meeting

Venue: The Marchesi Centre, Windermere. Phone 01539 720788 for more details.

Saturday 5th July
Members Walk at the Helm, Oxenholme, Kendal

Members are invited to join Judith Moore, Policy Officer, on a walk around the eastern side of the Helm. This area of land was bought in 2007 by Friends of the Lake District and will enable access to be opened up to the general public in the coming months. This is a great opportunity to learn more about the site and discuss our plans for the area. Once at the Helm please follow signs to direct you to our marquee. Outdoor clothing and boots are essential. Meet at 1.20pm for 1.30pm start. We look forward to seeing you there.
Parking is extremely limited at the Helm. Oxenholme railway station is only a 5 minute walk away and there is a bus service (No.41/41A up Burton Road). Members are encouraged to use public transport if they can or park at the office at Murley Moss Business Park and either walk (15 min) or take the bus. Phone Traveline on 0871 200 2233 to confirm bus times.

Sunday 6th July
High Borrowdale Hay Meadow Walk

A visit to High Borrowdale with Jan Darrall, Policy Officer, to look at why we bought this property and the work that has been achieved over the last five years, including repairs to buildings, re-creation of an upland hay meadow, new native woodland and new grazing regimes. Meet at the layby on the A6 at Hucks Brow (GR NY553030) at 10:30am. Or if travelling from the south, meet at the office (Murley Moss) at 9:50am and car share where possible. Outdoor clothing and boots are essential. Please also bring a packed lunch and refreshments. The estimated time on site is 3-4 hours with the opportunity for a longer circular walk back. Please reserve your place with the office in advance.

Saturday 12th July
Morecambe Bay Walk Arnside to Kents Bank

Join Queen's Guide, Cedric Robinson, across the sands and enjoy the views across the Bay together with the wildlife, sea birds, flowers and grasses. Please remember to bring a packed lunch, warm clothing (wind breaker) and footwear you don't mind getting wet, such as old trainers. It takes about three hours to complete the eight mile walk.
This is a one-way walk so you will either need to arrange a car share return to Arnside or return by public transport. There is a train station at Kents Bank linking to Arnside. For public transport information and to check train times please call Traveline on 0871 200 2233.
Meet at 12.15 (for a 12.45 start) in Arnside opposite the Albion Hotel at the top of the ramp. Look out for FLD staff and volunteers to confirm your place.
Please do not just turn up on the day, pre-booking is essential due to the high demand for this event. You are advised to phone the office as early as you can to book your place(s).

September is Green Travel Month - events and activities without a car

Following the success of last year's Members' Mystery Tour it is hoped there will be another journey through Cumbria without the use of a car. More details will follow in Summer/Autumn Conserving Lakeland and on our website www.fld.org.uk

Thursday 9th October
Kirby Lecture - Everywhere is Somewhere : an Exploration of Local Distinctiveness

Venue: Kendal Leisure Centre, Burton Road, Kendal. 7.30pm
Join us for this evening with Sue Clifford, co-founder of Common Ground and co-author of England in Particular: a celebration of the commonplace, the local, the vernacular and the distinctive. This is a free event open to all and there is no need to book in advance. Refreshments served from 7pm.

The Flora Connection - Free Events for FLD Members!

This year Members of Friends of the Lake District can go on more than 20 Flora of the Fells events free! All flora events under £5.00 will be free to Members. To take up this offer please book in advance with either Sarah Stergiaki or Ruth Evans in the office. Please note that it is not possible to just turn up on the day. Visit www.floraofthefells.com for more information about the festival or ring the office for a free guide.

SHOWS 2008

If you're out and about at this summer's shows look out for our stand:
Saturday 19th April - Damson Day
Sunday 22nd June - Cumbria Life and Dalemain Garden Festival
Friday 8th August to Sunday 10th August - Lowther Show
Tuesday 12th August - Lunesdale Show, Kirkby Lonsdale
Thursday 14th August - Appleby Show
Tuesday 19th August - Hawkshead Show
Sunday 24th August - Eskdale Fete
Sunday 7th September - Loweswater and Brackenthwaite Agricultural Show
Thursday 11th September - Westmorland County Show
Friday 26th & Saturday 27th September
Greenwood Fair, Holgates Caravan and Camping Park, Silverdale.