Bright future for Lake District hostel (From The Westmorland Gazette)

Bright future for Lake District hostel

10:58am Tuesday 18th November 2008

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THE Youth Hostel Association has announced revised plans for the iconic Lake District hostel Black Sail that are set to secure the long-term future of the popular former shepherd's bothy.

The move will involve a full refurbishment of the building next year to create a more environmentally-friendly and sustainable operation, while retaining a full catering provision and manager at the remote site in the Ennerdale valley.

YHA has also agreed a new 25-year lease for the property in principle that will safeguard one of its most popular locations for future generations of visitors.

YHA Black Sail is only accessible on foot or by bike, and is situated at the remote head of the valley, where the main landowners - The Forestry Commission, National Trust and United Utilities - have formed a partnership called Wild Ennerdale.

YHA Black Sail relies heavily on supplies and services from YHA Ennerdale to enable it to operate the accommodation and catering service it currently provides.

The YHA had initially announced plans to remove the catering operation to cut service trips to the building.

John Connelly, YHA Regional General Manager for the North, explains: "YHA is a firm supporter of Wild Ennerdale and we were always very mindful of the need to reduce the environmental impact of Black Sail to support the project's objectives.

"We believed withdrawing catering for our guests would help reduce the number of vehicle journeys in the valley but this was a proposal that was not taken well by some of Black Sail's many admirers.

"They told us they believed the memorable meals they had enjoyed at the hostel were an integral part of the experience and this helped us reach a suitable decision.

"Well, now we're delighted to announce that we have carried out a detailed assessment of vehicle movements required to service Black Sail and come up with a new plan that is acceptable to all involved parties. "

Simon Ainley, YHA Development Manager for the North, added that he was delighted that all key partners now shared the same vision for the future of the Youth Hostel.

He said: "While we still need to take a Land Rover to the hostel to transport laundry, refuse, gas bottles and cleaning products, through proposed changes to energy use and storage capacity on site, we can also provide catering while keeping the number of journeys to an absolute minimum.

"We have also agreed in principle, a scope of works with our partners which will see Black Sail improved and reduce its environmental impact while retaining its essence and unique character.

"The Forestry Commission has lent further support by generously offering us all the seasoned oak we need for the scheme, most notably replacing doors and window frames."

Gareth Browning, Forestry Commission Beat Forester and partner in Wild Ennerdale said: "YHA is a key partner in the Ennerdale valley. The Wild Ennerdale Partnership is very excited about the revised plans and looking forward to seeing YHA Black Sail continue into the future."

Cash raised from a recent fundraising campaign is still available and supporters have donated enough to install a hydro-electric power scheme at the site.

Simon will now be looking into the possibility of securing grant funding to make more eco-friendly improvements including additions like solar panels, sheep wool insulation and a new wood-fuelled heating system.

For more information contact Paul Fearn on 01629 592775 or visit Wild Ennerdale on www.wildennerdale.co.uk.

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