Camaraderie and cakes are on offer for volunteer tree planters. Photo: FLD

A conservation charity is looking for volunteers to help plant trees in a newly extended area of the Lake District.

The Friends of the Lake District has 5,200 native trees to place in High Borrowdale near Shap.

It is seeking willing hands to join the Fell Care Force tree-planting day next week. The organisation needs to get the trees in the ground by spring to create a new woodland in the secluded valley, between the A6 and M6.

A Friends spokesperson said: “If you’ve been on one of Friends of the Lake District’s Fell Care Days before you’ll know the fun, camaraderie and huge sense of achievement that comes from spending a day in the outdoors helping look after our spectacular Cumbrian landscapes.

“And, of course, there’s always the cake to help fuel volunteers through the day.”

The tree planting will take place on Wednesday 8 February.

Ruth Kirk, Fell Care project officer, said: “High Borrowdale was described by Alfred Wainwright as ‘the most beautiful valley outside the Lake District’, although since 1 August last year, thanks to many years of hard work by Friends of the Lake District, it is now within the new extension of the Lake District national park.

The tree planting will take place in Borrowdale, in the East of the national park. Photo: Bob Smith/grough

“We know from a recent survey of our members how important woodlands are to people, and this is a great to chance to play a small part in creating a new piece of woodland for the future.

“You don’t have to member to volunteer; everyone is welcome to come along and help.”

Parking near the site, at Hucks Brow on the A6, is limited so a car-share arrangement will be operated, the Friends said. Anyone interested in joining the work force for the day can book via the Friends’ website or email Ms Kirk for more information.