Volunteer litter pickers from the Helvellyn Fell Care Day

Volunteers cleared rubbish from more than 10km of paths on England’s third-highest mountain as part of a Fell Care Day.

The teams collected 14 bags of rubbish from Helvellyn and the surrounding area during the event organised by the Friends of the Lake District Flora of the Fells Project.

Fifty schoolchildren joined 120 volunteers in various activities, including rebuilding 25m of a drystone wall sheepfold, repairing woodland paths, clearing drains and the litter pick on Swirral Edge, Striding Edge and around Red Tarn.

The Fell Care Day last Thursday was also documented by photographer Peter Cairns of the 2020Vision project and by University of Cumbria students who worked on a video diary of the activities.

Sue Manson, Flora of the Fells Project officer said: “It’s been a fantastic day, we’ve had brilliant volunteers who’ve thrown themselves into the activities and achieved a lot.

“Everyone seemed to really enjoy it and get something out of the day. We can’t thank everyone enough, including volunteers from Fix the Fells who led the footpath drainage work, the Grasmere Red Squirrel group and staff from United Utilities, Natural England and the Lake District National Park Authority who helped run the different conservation activities.

“The day has raised the profile of the immense amount of work which goes into taking care of the fells not only by volunteers but also by the organisations managing the landscape. We hope word will spread and encourage people to book onto helping with our Ennerdale Fell Care Day on Tuesday 18 October where we’ll be planting lots of juniper among other activities.”

Anyone wanting to take part in the Ennerdale event can ring Ms Manson on 01539 733187 or email her.