FoUW Understanding Ullswater Evening Talk - 19.30 in Parkin Memorial Hall, Pooley Bridge and on ZOOM

Lee has been the RSPB Senior Site Manager at Haweswater since 2013. A decade ago the RSPB took on the tenancies of two hill farms at Haweswater. They now work in partnership with landowner United Utilities to manage the land in a way that benefits water, wildlife and people. He has shared his experiences in his book, Wild Fell: Fighting for Nature on a Lake District Hill Farm, published by Penguin this year. Wild Fell tells the story of the efforts to breathe life back into thirty square kilometres of upland habitat. 

Informed, by the land, its history and the people who have shaped it, Lee and his team have re-meandered a straightened river and repaired damaged wetlands, meadows and woods. The landscape is becoming richer, wilder and better able to withstand the shocks of a changing climate. 

But in the contested landscape of the Lake District, change is not always welcomed, and success relies on finding a balance between rewilding and respecting cherished farming traditions. Wild Fell is not only a story of nature in recovery, it is also the story of Lee's personal connection to place, and the highs and lows of working for nature amid sometimes fierce opposition. 

Gordon Lightburn, Chair of FOUW said: This promises to be an intriguing evening, full of insight into how a hillside farm can simultaneously provide for nature, climate change and affordable food, whilst maintaining that most cherished of hill farming traditions - financial survival!

Background: FOUW was created in April 2016 to promote awareness of the culture and natural heritage around the Ullswater Way. It was granted charitable status in August 2019. 

Please contact Tim Clarke at info@ullswaterheritage.org to register for the talk, indicating whether you wish to follow it in Parkin Memorial Glenridding Hall or by ZOOM. The talk is free. 50 % of donations received will go to FOUW, and 50% to Lee’s charity of choice.