Have a great time on one of our working Holidays

Working Holiday May 2012

Ever wanted to Wake up in a beautiful location, and enjoy a fun-packed day doing exciting conservation activities, and make great new friends in the process with one of our working holidays?

Well this is what these guys did. Taking part and getting active on one of our working holidays. Fun packed week with twists and turns but a fantastic experience, learning about this part of the Lake District, doing some great conservation work and getting a chance to have a go and enjoy a brilliant outdoor activity.

Sarah encouraging rides in her wheelbarrow

The First day the Volunteers and Rangers worked hard on the shores of Grasmere to remove tree saplings along the path and shore. This work is important to do while the trees are young, many have self seeded but removing them helps keep the mature trees healthy encourages smaller wild flora to grow and ultimately retaining the beautiful views across the Lake and fells. We also have a special event coming up on June 9^th this year the Grasmere Gallop 10k trail race. We are hoping this year’s race will attract 500 plus runners of all ages to enjoy what must be one of the most beautiful routes in the country. For more details follow this link Grasmere Gallop

Katie and Alan removing tree saplings, not a bad view

Adam looking cool, modelling that Bow Saw

Grasmere water from Loughrigg

The rest of the week was spent at High Close Garden near Langdale. The house that sits in this 11 acre site is used by the YHA. The original building has been extended over the years but we think there would have been a wooden structure here since the 15^th century. The garden covers 11 acres and is part of the High Close estate which totals 535 acres. The garden was originally planted in the 1860s by Edward Balme and was laid out in the fashion of the day using many recently discovered exotic conifers from North America as well a variety of Rhododendrons. In its time the garden would have employed 9 gardeners and a full time path sweeper. The maintenance has been undertaken by the Rangers and volunteers and this work is now ongoing to bring the garden back to life. 

Roger clearing vegetation from around a 200 year old "Corting" seat

The gang worked very hard all week with some inclement weather for May but this did not dampen there sprits. Work has been ongoing in the garden to remove Rhododendron from the site. We collected logs and brash to burn for the fire. Paths that had become over grown and covered with soil and leaf mould were dug off and landscaped and resurfaced with local slate. Drains were cleaned and reinstated.

Bernard discovering old drains

Alan digging of turf

Twisted fire starters

Krisi taking our barrow for a spin

We use crushed slate from a local quarry in Elterwater

The gang cant wait to get there barrows full

Raking the slate level

Perfect

Katie showing us the before shot

And after

Magic

One happy customer

We add a full day on Windermere using Canadian canoes and kayaks as part of the holiday, this gives first timers a chance to try a new sport and for others to view the Lakeland fells from a different perspective. There is nothing better than bobbing about on the water enjoying fantastic views and great company.

Canadian canoes on Windermere

A chance to try out Kayaks

Experts in the field of Kayaking

Time to relax and enjoy many fabulous locations the Lakes has to offer

Our Working Holidays provide a great way to learn new skills, help our work, see new places and have fun with like-minded people. There are plenty of Working Holidays to choose from with locations country wide. Go on, give it a go. Find out more and get involved by following this link National Trust Working Holidays