A new crowdfunding campaign has been launched to raise money for a popular walking route in the Langdale Pikes.
The Lake District Foundation aims to raise £5,000 by the end of January to fund vital repairs to the path from Stake Pass to Pike O’Stickle via Martcrag Moor.
The cash raised will be donated to Fix the Fells, enabling its volunteers to landscape erosion scars, improve drainage, and define the line of the path to avoid a fragile bog habitat.
Volunteers will also build new sections of the ‘sheep fleece path’ – a traditional type of path that involves ‘floating’ a gravel path over peat bog by using the fleece as a barrier between the ground and the path.
This approach, which is both sustainable and environmentally friendly, results in an excellent upland path that blends in effectively with its surroundings.
James Forrest, Fix the Fells Fundraiser and TGO contributor, says, “The jagged skyline of Langdale is one of Lakeland’s most beautiful sights – and the distinctive peaks of the Pikes are much-loved by walkers, runners, cyclists and tourists alike. But this popularity comes at a price.
“The Langdale Pikes are suffering from ongoing erosion caused by human activity. This is why the work of Fix the Fells’ dedicated teams of rangers and volunteers is of crucial importance. Please help support this vital conservation work. Every donation – no matter how big or small – makes a real difference.”
In return for donations, rewards will be sent to those people who donate specific amounts.
The rewards include:
- A Fix the Fells pin badge for donations of £10 or more
- A Lake District Foundation goodie bag (containing a tote bag, Conquer the Lake District patch, badge and pen) for donations of £20 or more
- A limited edition Fix the Fells T-shirt – designed by Fix the Fells partner Geo Clothing – for donations of £40 or more
- A day out with the Fix the Fells volunteers on a ‘drain run’ for donations of £100 or more
- A hike with local adventurer and author James Forrest (aka ‘Mountain Man’) for a donation of £200 or more
To donate any amount, visit the Langdales project page on the crowdfunding website at crowdfunder.co.uk/martcragmoor before January 29.
Images courtesy of the Lake District Foundation.
