Members explore green finance, barn restorations and landscape recovery
Lake District National Park Authority (LDNPA) Members spent time in May out in the National Park with staff as part of a ‘Seeing is Believing’ event. These events are opportunities for Members to see first‑hand the projects and partnerships managed on-the-ground by LDNPA staff and bring to life how policy decisions translate into real‑world outcomes, from green finance to heritage conservation.
Green finance and landscape recovery
The day began with a briefing from Nick Hall, Nature Recovery Ranger, who outlined current opportunities and challenges around Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) in the Lake District. Nick discussed how BNG can support nature recovery, generate new income streams and help landowners deliver long‑term environmental benefits.
Barn restoration and heritage skills at Yew Tree Farm
The next stop was Yew Tree Farm, where Members met farmer Jamie, who recently restored a traditional stone barn after receiving a grant through the Farming in Protected Landscapes (FiPL) programme. Jamie explained locally-sourced timber had been used throughout the restoration process, with him undertaking much of the timberwork himself, helping preserve traditional craft skills.
Rose Lord, our Built Environment Adviser, talked Members through the application process and the importance of conserving traditional farm buildings, not only as part of the Lake District’s cultural heritage, but also as habitats for wildlife, with Jamie’s barn home to an owl with its own newly-restored nesting box!
Down in the fields Members heard about Jamie’s FiPL‑funded hedgerow and tree planting, which is improving habitat connectivity across the farm. There was even a chance to say hello to a resident Tamworth, with a lucky few able to sneak a peek at the piglets.
Landscape Recovery: Resilient Glenderamackin
At Yew Tree Farm, Members also met Vikki Salas from West Cumbria Rivers Trust, who introduced the Resilient Glenderamackin Landscape Recovery Scheme. Vikki outlined how the scheme is working with farmers and landowners to restore river systems, improve flood resilience and enhance biodiversity at a catchment scale.
LDNPA Member Peter Walter said: “I love these Seeing is Believing days. We get to see projects being delivered on the ground and meet the staff making things happen. Over the year we get to see work being done for nature, heritage, farming and community.”
LDNPA Members play a vital role in shaping the strategic direction of the National Park. To understand who they are and what they do, visit: Members – Lake District National Park
