Walkers can now enjoy new views of Thirlmere reservoir, Helvellyn, Skiddaw and Blencathra from the summit of Great Howe, thanks to an environmental grant from Friends of the Lake District.

The removal of the trees planted in the fifties, from the top and east side of Great Howe, now allows people to enjoy panoramic new views of the surrounding fells, including Helvellyn, Skiddaw and Blencathra, as well as allowing the native upland oak woodland to regenerate.

Thirlmere is a place very close to the environmental charity's heart - it was Friends founding members that campaigned vigorously to prevent the creation of a reservoir in the Thirlmere valley in the 1890s. The campaign was lost with the creation of a major reservoir and planting of huge swathes of conifers going ahead, but that battle was central in the formation of Friends of the Lake District in 1934 and ultimately the designation of the Lake District as a National Park in 1951.

Seventy five years on Friends of the Lake District's grant has helped give Thirlmere a facelift, allowing people to enjoy panoramic new views of the surrounding fells, including Helvellyn, Skiddaw and Blencathra.

Paul Clavey, Woodland Officer for United Utilities said: "Some people worry when trees are cut down but this work at Great Howe makes sense for several reasons. Many of the trees were inaccessible and so of little economic value, we wanted to extend the important upland oak woodland wildlife habitat and the views from the top were being obscured each year as the trees grew taller."

Jack Ellerby, policy officer with Friends of the Lake District said: "The summit of Great Howe has been transformed opening up spectacular views to the northern fells and south down the full length of the Thirlmere, views which have been hidden for many years.
We hope to make the whole of Great Howe as important in terms of wildlife, ecology and habitat as the lower western slopes, which are already a recognized as a Site of Special Scientific Interest."

Over future years the slopes of Great Howe will naturally regenerate with native species such as ash, oak and birch which will help to enhance the upland oak woodland habitat.

Friends of the Lake District is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year.