ENVIRONMENTAL projects across Cumbria benifited from over £60,000 worth of grants from Friends of the Lake District last year.

Funding was recieved for new wetland areas at Hoff, near Appleby, while the Lake District National Park at Calder Bridge and Pooley Bridge at Ullswater recieved £10,000 for the two Miles Without Styles routes - which will create better accessibility for pushchair and wheelchair users by removing unnecessary styles and narrow gateways.

Another £3,800 went towards an accessible recycled plastic boardwalk at Derwentwater and there was funding for an apprenticeship to learn conservation grazing skills to preserve grassland in areas of limestone pavement around Morecambe Bay.

Jack Ellerby, Policy Officer at Friends of the Lake District said it is important to create and protect wetland habitat by increasing wildlife, plants, insects and birds.

“Our grants help local community groups and land owners to conserve valuable landscape and environmental features,” he said. “Through working in partnership with local people we can help keep our environment beautiful for future generations to enjoy.”

Once again, in Friends of the Lake District’s 75th anniversary year, conservation grants are available to groups throughout Cumbria to carry out work to enhance the local environment.

For more information contact Jack Ellerby on: 01539-720788 or email: jack-ellerby@fld.org.uk