Friends of the Lake District's Flora of the Fells project has completed the restoration of a 60 metre historic sheepfold on St John's Common high above Thirlmere last week.

Cumbrian master craftsmen and champion wallers Steven Allen from Tebay and Andrew Mason from Old Town, Kirby Lonsdale joined a team of skilled volunteers from Friends of the Lake District, the Dry Stone Walling Association, the Lake District National Park Authority and Cumbria Heritage Skills Initiative.

More than 25 different volunteers helped over three days restoring the sheepfold, and work began on Helvellyn Fell Care Day in September, a day of mass volunteering organised by the Flora of the Fells project.

Jack Ellerby, Policy Officer at Friends of the Lake District said: ‘Thanks to all the volunteers who have worked so hard restoring this wonderful historic feature. It is right next to the busy Stick's bridleway so we know people will enjoy seeing it and they can share the shelter with the sheep on rough weather days!

‘Managing the Lake District's upland commons sustainably and supporting the hill farming community is vitally important for the future of the landscape and the fabric of rural communities. Friends of the Lake District's Flora of the Fells project highlights and celebrates how valuable our upland landscape is for everyone.'

See more pictures of the day on our Facebook page.

If you would like to try your hand at dry stone walling or become a conservation volunteer with Friends of the Lake District, our 2012 volunteering leaflet is available now, contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it 01539 720788 or visit What's On.