On the Foulsyke Estate in Loweswater, a historic fishpond has been brought back to life, along with the creation and restoration of several hedges. Supported by the Lake District National Park archaeologist, Natural England and the Farming in Protected Landscape team, West Cumbria Rivers Trust were able to restore the historic stone-faced dam wall and recreate a wildlife pond where the original fishpond would have once been.
The landowner was keen to restore the heritage feature but also wanted to see the environmental benefits that ponds can bring to the landscape, so wetland plug plants were included to increase the diversity. The surrounding fields continue to be part of the farm business, and the wider scope of this project included the restoration and creation of several hedges (480m in total). These hedges have subdivided the field which will allow stock to be rotated more easily, and provide shelter during hot, windy and wet weather to the livestock, whilst also providing valuable habitat for wildlife and helping to slow the flow of water in the landscape.
Farming, forestry, nature and climate
The Lake District National Park Partnership is working in collaboration with farmers and land managers across the National Park to deliver nature recovery and climate resilience projects while supporting the continuation of farming and forestry and conservation of cultural heritage.
