Fellfoot Forward
Landscape Conservation Action Plan Part 2
Fellfoot Forward Landscape Partnership Scheme Landscape Conservation Action Plan Part 2 1 Fellfoot Forward is led by the North Pennines AONB Partnership and supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Our Fellfoot Forward Landscape Partnership includes these partners Project Plan List
Programme A Programme B Programme C Conserving Engaging Revealing and Restoring and Training and Connecting
A1 Better Becks B1 Uncovering the Past C1 Bringing the Past Alive
A2 Species Recovery B2 Farm Futures C2 Stars in the Tarn
A3 Wild Connections B3 Citizen Science C3 Slow Trails
A4 Monuments at Risk B4 Next Generation C4 Arts Connections
A5 Going Underground B5 Fellfoot Welcome C5 Community Grants
A6 Community Buildings B6 Trainees
2 Fellfoot Forward Landscape Partnership Scheme Landscape Conservation Action Plan Part 2 Programme A Conserving and Restoring
Fellfoot Forward Landscape Partnership Scheme Landscape Conservation Action Plan Part 2 3 A1 Better Becks
Project lead partner: Eden Rivers Trust Objective The Fellfoot Forward LPS partners The North Pennines AONB Partnership To utilise Natural Flood Management determined early on that their programme carried out a comprehensive peatland Other partners involved in delivery: (NFM) techniques to reduce flood risk on of works for Better Becks would comprise survey on Croglin Estate, in the highest North Pennines AONB Partnership, downstream communities. To enhance NFM measures, implemented where there reaches of the Croglin catchment, to Woodland Trust, Natural England, Forestry river water quality, riparian habitats and is clear evidence of need; measures which determine the potential for peat restoration Commission, farmers and landowners biodiversity. To share and promote best are easily maintained at low or no cost to reduce erosion, sedimentation and practice in natural flood management across and measures for which there is a clear flooding downstream. Through these local, regional and national networks. benefit not only for flooding reduction scoping surveys, a programme of work was but also for habitats and biodiversity. established which will ensure high impact Threats delivery of NFM measures (listed below). Degraded peatland; poor water With this exacting remit, project Further Slow the Flow applications to the quality; local and regional flooding; development benefitted greatly from a Environment Agency will be made in August degradation of aquatic and riparian strong partnership with experts at the Eden 2019 and will be awarded by January 2020. habitats; loss of aquatic species. Rivers Trust (ERT), and from funding via a These Slow the Flow grants will release Slow the Flow grant from the Environment match funding for the delivery of NFM Opportunities Agency to scope the catchment for the measures on the Gamblesby and Croglin Improved peatland habitat; increased most suitable locations for NFM measures. Becks. If the Slow the Flow application is carbon storage; flood risk management; unsuccessful, funds to deliver this work are enhanced aquatic and riparian habitats; The Glassonby, Gamblesby and Croglin underwritten by Eden Rivers Trust and the Natural Flood conservation of aquatic species; sub catchments were extensively surveyed North Pennines AONB Partnership for year increased understanding of NFM and landowners contacted to determine 1 of the Landscape Partnership Scheme. Management in the and watercourse conservation. measures in these upland becks to reduce downstream flood risk. In the complex The Fellfoot Forward LPS will enable upper reaches of the Development and activity Croglin sub catchment, ERT formed a ERT to extend their initial EA-funded The Fellfoot Forward LPS project area collaboration between landowners, Natural NFM delivery in the Cairn Beck across Eden tributaries will includes several communities and large England, the Woodland Trust, United new catchments in the Fellfoot area, areas of agricultural land designated as Utilities, Cumbria County Council and all of which will decrease flood risk to ‘hold back the water’ being at risk from flooding. Major flooding the North Pennines AONB Partnership to vulnerable communities downstream. events in the area have prompted a regional best determine how to deliver woodland during high rainfall, and national commitment to NFM: reducing creation and management within an Location and timescale flood risk by implementing measures that NFM context, utilising existing and We will deliver NFM interventions in protecting communities help to protect and restore the natural new woodland creation schemes. the Cairn, Gamblesby, Croglin, Raven functions of rivers and their catchments. and Gelt sub-catchments of the River downstream and Eden. Project activity will take place mitigating flood risk from April 2020 until December 2023.
4 Fellfoot Forward Landscape Partnership Scheme Landscape Conservation Action Plan Part 2 Fellfoot Forward Landscape Partnership Scheme Landscape Conservation Action Plan Part 2 5 A1 Better Becks
Volunteer and training opportunities Outputs Outcomes Volunteers will be recruited to assist with hedgerow and woodland creation and will learn traditional skills. 24,921m peat grips blocked Flooding risk downstream is reduced as water is held in wetlands Through B4 Next Generation we will 220 hectares blanket bog restored provide training opportunities for and behind leaky dams 6,000m2 wetland created students at Newton Rigg College, Young Water quality is improved as surface run- Farmers, William Howard School, 15 leaky dams installed off is reduced by grip blocking, new and Brampton and members of AFON. restored woodlands, riparian buffer strips, 14 hectares of woodland created NFM schemes will be selected as hedgerows and improved soil management demonstrator sites for other farmers in the 1.6 hectares of new riparian Habitats are improved, area, by working with the audience in B2 buffer strips created Farm Futures as part of farm open days. created and connected 2,300m hedgerows created/restored Some smaller NFM interventions may Land managers have learned new skills also be suitable for practical volunteer or 80 hectares soil management improved in NFM creation and maintenance student involvement working alongside professional contractors. Our B6 Trainees 60 volunteers trained People have volunteered time will also benefit from this experience. and learned new skills
Project Costs
*Combined total of two grant applications Total project cost National Lottery Heritage Match funding to the Environment Agency’s Slow the Funding requirement Flow fund. These have been submitted (August 2019) and an outcome expected £265,944 £80,000 £68,500 Eden Rivers Trust January 2020. If these applications are unsuccessful, Eden Rivers Trust and North Pennines AONB Partnership £88,544* Environment Agency have agreed to underwrite the costs associated to secure delivery (see Slow the Flow grants LCAP Part 3: A1 Better Becks)
£7,200 In-kind ERT staff time
£1,700 Volunteer time
£20,000 United Utilities grant Previous page picture: Cumrew leaky dams.
6 Fellfoot Forward Landscape Partnership Scheme Landscape Conservation Action Plan Part 2 A1 Better Becks
Project risk management
Risk Likelihood Impact Action to mitigate Legacy The project will leave a legacy of NFM Slow the Flow external Medium High Work with EA (catchment coordinator) and interventions in the landscape. Some such as funding is not approved ERT to work up best bid possible tree planting and new hedges will increase in value over time and others will come into Partners (ERT and NPAONB) have agreed to underwrite their own with the first high rainfall incident. both Slow the Flow grants to secure project delivery There will be increased understanding Farmers do not wish to engage with NFM Low High Several farmers have already committed to NFM by farmers and landowners of the value measures being installed on their land, as evidenced of NFM work for their farm as well as by letters of support in LCAP Part 3, A1 Better Becks contributing to a reduction in flood risk across their catchment and further Officers will secure further buy-in by landowners downstream. They will have gained the through careful employment of NFM measures skills to monitor the interventions and have which will benefit farm business a closer working relationship with ERT and other partners involved with the monitoring Damage to NFM structures and Medium High All projects to be delivered with fully costed 10-year and maintenance of NFM features. habitats due to extreme weather maintenance plans, signed by the landowner Through engagement with schools and events and/or poor maintenance public events, the wider community will Training to be provided where needed to ensure have an appreciation of what NFM can necessary skills in maintaining structures and habitats achieve and understand the role it plays in protecting communities downstream. Funding secured where possible, for example through Countryside Stewardship, for the ongoing maintenance of woodland creation projects
Fellfoot Forward Landscape Partnership Scheme Landscape Conservation Action Plan Part 2 7 A2 Species Recovery
Project lead partner: RSPB Objective Geltsdale is an important place for research The Curlew Trial Management Plan is To deliver a programme of targeted species into upland habitat management and a flagship RSPB programme, trialling Other partners involved in delivery: recovery for curlew, black grouse, ring ouzel reversing the declines of threatened wildlife. vegetation management for curlew recovery North Pennines AONB Partnership and hen harrier on the RSPB Geltsdale Sample monitoring using a standard upland across 6 sites in the UK. Funding through Nature Reserve. To produce high quality bird survey technique has been carried out the Fellfoot Forward Landscape Partnership conservation research into the recovery of at RSPB Geltsdale nature reserve since 1999 Scheme will enable the RSPB to extend red-list species, informing local, regional and the results have been used to inform this trial beyond its original scope, such and national advocacy and policy work. both the management of the reserve and that the longer-term effects of vegetation the advice to land owners and managers management on curlew can be monitored Threats throughout the UK. The data has been used at Geltsdale. This will add considerable Loss of suitable breeding habitat due to in publication of peer reviewed papers1. value to the national research programme changes in land management; infestation and will strengthen conservation of soft rush; loss of woodland cover; Development of the Fellfoot Forward management advice in the future. collisions with overhead power lines. Landscape Partnership Scheme identified Trail-blazing research severe local and national declines in The Fellfoot Forward LPS offers the Opportunities curlew, ring ouzel, black grouse and hen opportunity for nationally significant into grazing cattle Improved habitat management for upland harrier. All these birds are red listed (at research into grazing management birds; research of upland management for greatest threat) in the UK2. The Partnership for ring ouzel to be extended. The on open moor using wildlife and advocacy of best conservation expressed a will to utilise the facilities and Development stage of this LPS identified practice for wildlife and habitats. expertise at RSPB Geltsdale to improve the this as a one-off chance to add value to electronic cattle collars conservation of these red list species. The this data, thus increasing our practical Development and activity RSPB, as delivery partners for this project, understanding of ring ouzel conservation. will inform future RSPB Geltsdale Nature Reserve is a propose a series of new and continuing unique upland environment comprising practical trials to test new conservation conservation across the blanket bog, heath, grassland, meadow solutions at Geltsdale, which will directly and woodland. These diverse habitats support the recovery of these birds. host a range of threatened wildlife, uplands. Without the including breeding populations of black grouse, golden plover, curlew, ring ouzel, need for fences, a wilder merlin and – infrequently – hen harrier. Designations recognise Geltsdale’s 1 landscape with greater international importance for wildlife: it is such as Douglas, D.J.T., Beresford, A., Selvidge, J., Garnett, S., Buchanan, G.M., Gullett, P. & Grant, M.C. 2017. Changes in upland bird abundances show associations with moorland management. Bird Study 64: 242-254. both a SSSI (Geltsdale and Glendue Fells) 2 Eaton, M.A., Aebischer, N.J., Brown, A.F., Hearn, R.D., Lock, L., Musgrove, A.J., Noble, D.G., Stroud, habitat heterogeneity and part of the North Pennine Moors D.A. & Gregory, R.D. ( 2015) Birds of conservation concern 4: the population status of birds in will develop. Special Area of Conservation (SAC). the United Kingdom, Channel Islands and Isle of Man. British Birds, 108, 708– 746
8 Fellfoot Forward Landscape Partnership Scheme Landscape Conservation Action Plan Part 2 Fellfoot Forward Landscape Partnership Scheme Landscape Conservation Action Plan Part 2 9 A2 Species Recovery
RSPB Geltsdale is a stronghold for black The RSPB Geltsdale reserve is an area Project volunteer and Scientific reports, policy briefs and advisory grouse in the North Pennines AONB, which where hen harrier have nested in the training opportunities documents will be produced by the RSPB are known to favour areas where there is a past. RSPB staff and RSPB volunteers Training of annual seasonal staff and as a result of the research carried out burst of vegetation growth following heavy will monitor for breeding hen harriers volunteers on identification, survey and through this LPS project. These will have a grazing. The Fellfoot Forward LPS offers the during the start of the breeding season. recording techniques for targeted species. wide local, regional and national audience, opportunity to conduct trail-blazing new If a nest is identified during the LPS, RSPB Through B4 Next Generation we will including farmers and land managers, policy research achieving this particular grazing will fund and take responsibility for its provide training opportunities for makers and other conservation bodies. pattern, which will benefit black grouse protection by staff and volunteers. We students at Newton Rigg College, Young and other endangered species, such as will raise awareness of raptor persecution Farmers, William Howard School, whinchat. Electronic cattle collars, which with wildlife crime police officers locally Brampton and members of AFON. control grazing without the need for physical and regionally through provision of a fencing, will allow the RSPB to introduce a training event(s), sharing recent experience RSPB Geltsdale Nature Reserve will be different grazing regime for cattle across of working with estates and partners selected as a demonstrator site for other two large 300 hectare moorland blocks across the North Pennines AONB. land managers in the area, by working and one 300 hectare area of upland wood with the audience in B2 Farm Futures. pasture. The cattle will be concentrated and The species recovery work will be moved around the vegetation blocks. This championed by the RSPB staff to land concentrated grazing regime, called pulse managers and landowners regionally grazing, will give a more diverse vegetation communicating this best practice work structure and generate bursts of new beyond the Geltsdale reserve and the RSPB vegetation. The collars mean there is no need for the erection of fences which are Location and timescale resource heavy, labour intensive, intrusive Research and conservation management on an open moorland site and are the for this project will take place across the cause of lethal collisions of black grouse. RSPB Geltsdale Nature Reserve from April 2020 until December 2023. Outputs Outcomes 960 hectares of enhanced Habitat for endangered species is improved habitat endangered species Understanding of specific habitat 4 seasons of nest protection for hen harrier requirements of endangered species is improved and shared with local, 4 seasonal staff trained in habitat regional and national audiences management and breeding bird survey work Land managers have learned new skills 12 skilled volunteers recruited and trained habitat creation and maintenance Scientific reports to inform upland People have volunteered time advice to land managers and learned new skills Advocacy of upland conservation to land Previous page picture: Curlew. managers (output in B2 Farm Futures)
10 Fellfoot Forward Landscape Partnership Scheme Landscape Conservation Action Plan Part 2 A2 Species Recovery
Project Costs
Legacy Total project cost National Lottery Heritage Match funding High quality conservation research into Funding requirement the recovery of red-list species at Geltsdale will directly inform RSPB advocacy and £168,000 £92,900 £58,900 RSPB policy programmes. Through B2 Farm £16,200 Volunteer time Futures, connections will be made with local farmers and landowners via workshops to promote best practice in, for example, heather cutting and rush management. Geltsdale Reserve will be able to evidence long term management research trials, Project risk management enabling it to secure future investment in similar conservation research. Risk Likelihood Impact Action to mitigate Electronic cattle collars are not Medium Low Electric fencing used to achieve available due to licensing issues same outputs in pulse grazing
Failure to recruit sufficient Low High Fellfoot Forward LPS Partnership to assist staff and/or volunteers with promoting volunteer opportunities. Project staff to assist with surveys if needed.
Fellfoot Forward Landscape Partnership Scheme Landscape Conservation Action Plan Part 2 11 A3 Wild Connections
Project lead partner: North Project objective Development and activity Our Development Stage consultation has Pennines AONB Partnership To create a landscape that is richer Woodland, hedgerows, open grown trees identified several farmers and landowners in wildlife. Working with farmers and and wetlands are all essential components who are already keen to improve and Other partners involved in delivery: landowners, we will implement the of our Fellfoot Forward landscape which enhance the opportunities for wildlife on The Farmer Network, Natural England, Lawtonian principles of habitat creation and together help provide a biodiverse, resilient, their land. Woodland creation schemes Woodland Trust, Forestry Commission, management: ‘More, bigger, better, more productive and healthy ecosystem. For have been identified, hedgerows mapped community wildlife groups, RSPB, joined up’. This will be achieved through a these features to provide maximum for restoration and potential spaces for farmers and landowners. broad partnership (see above), by utilising a benefit to both wildlife and people, they new wetland have been located. Partners variety of funding and advisory mechanisms must form part of a connected network in the RSPB will provide officer time to and with a whole landscape approach, in of habitats that allows dispersal and advise farmers on optimal wading bird which habitats are enhanced and created movement of species for breeding and habitat. In delivery, B2 Farm Futures, on the most meaningful of scales. feeding, and in response to climate change. will help Scheme staff and partners to identify many more opportunities for Threats Through the Development Stage habitat creation and improvement. Habitat fragmentation and decline; consultation, farm visits and workshops for species decline; loss of traditional landowners have engaged farmers across We will make space for nature by working land management skills and loss of the project area. We have heard about the with farmers and landowners to create environmental subsidy support to farmers. many pressures and uncertainties facing new native woodland, plant in-field farm businesses today in the Fellfoot trees, create new wetland features, Opportunities Forward project area, and understand and to increase the area and number Creation of new habitat; enhancement of that farmers in the area care deeply about of wild field margins. Replacement in- existing habitat; increased connectivity their role as custodians of the landscape. field trees will be planted to anticipate between habitats; connecting Our broad partnership, encompassing the loss of ash and other veteran trees, communities with their local wildlife. agents across the environmental and land securing the future of parkland habitat. management sectors, understands the barriers to achieving a landscape that is We will enhance existing habitats by working better for wildlife, and together we have with farmers and landowners to implement identified how a Fellfoot Forward LPS woodland management plans, and to will be best delivered for biodiversity. improve habitat for breeding waders, for example through rush management. We will work with partners at the Woodland Trust and Natural England to monitor and enhance existing young woodland, ensuring that schemes planted in the last ten years are in good health.
12 Fellfoot Forward Landscape Partnership Scheme Landscape Conservation Action Plan Part 2 Fellfoot Forward Landscape Partnership Scheme Landscape Conservation Action Plan Part 2 13 A3 Wild Connections
We will make habitats better connected wildlife groups to work on small projects to Project volunteer and We will utilise B3 Citizen Science, C5 by creating new hedgerows, planting increase biodiversity on village greens, on training opportunities Community Grants and C4 Arts Connections trees and increasing the area and number road verges, schools and in private gardens. Training in valuable conservation skills will to involve the community in learning of wild field margins used by small Work of this kind will be supported through be offered through B2 Farm Futures and about, protecting and celebrating the mammals, birds and pollinating insects. the Scheme staff working with communities B3 Citizen Science, which will be put into biodiversity and habitats of the Fellfoot and groups, supporting applications to practice through the habitat restoration landscape. We will support local community Some of these activities will be deliverable C5 Community Grants, and providing opportunities identified in this project. These groups, such as Kirkoswald Environment through existing Countryside Stewardship training through B3 Citizen Science. projects will engage farmers, landowners Group, in practical projects such as incentives. However, many landowners and local volunteers in learning vital habitat promoting wildlife-friendly gardening and will not be able to access this funding due Location and timescale restoration and creation techniques, such enhancing village green management. to the scale of their projects, restrictions This project will take place across as hedgerow and woodland creation. on amendments to current schemes and the Fellfoot Forward LPS area from uncertainty over the future availability of April 2020 until January 2024. environmental support. The Fellfoot Forward Environment Grant has been developed as a source of funding for landowners to implement conservation schemes. In this way, the Fellfoot Forward LPS will increase Outputs Outcomes resilience in the natural environment despite a context of uncertainty and a lack of other 10 Forestry Commission-approved Habitats are improved, increased funding incentives. Meanwhile, Fellfoot woodland management plans and better connected Forward project staff will continue to work 10 small woods management plans Fellfoot Forward landscape is more resilient in partnership with government agencies against climate change, with more and a 3 community – lead projects to enhance to ensure that available Stewardship greater diversity of habitats for wildlife funds deliver the maximum conservation habitats for their local wildlife Land managers have learned new skills impact and follow Lawtonian principles. 40 hectares of new native in habitat creation and maintenance woodland and scrub Much of our landscape comprises farmland, People have volunteered time 400 m2 of wetland but a patchwork of villages, village greens and learned new skills and connecting lanes offer yet more 5km of new and restored hedgerow opportunities to make space for nature. During consultation we have registered 500 new hedgerow and in-field trees an interest from local communities and 15 farms receiving bespoke advice and training on habitat improvement for wading birds 150 volunteers engaged and trained in traditional land management skills
Previous page picture: View to North Pennines from Kirkoswald road.
14 Fellfoot Forward Landscape Partnership Scheme Landscape Conservation Action Plan Part 2 A3 Wild Connections
Project Costs
Total project cost National Lottery Heritage Match funding Legacy Funding requirement Habitats in the Fellfoot Forward landscape will be better connected. There will be £834,281 £415,000 Landowners £150,000 a better mosaic of habitats of higher (50% quality, offering better resilience in Environment the ecosystem against challenges such Grants) as climate change, tree disease and Countryside £41,065 environmental funding deficits. Stewardship Equally, a more diverse landscape will agreements offer the farmed environment greater resilience, as trees, hedgerows and field Woodland Trust £12,000 margins protect valuable soils and prevent run-off in extreme weather conditions. RSPB staff time £6,216
Landowners £10,000 (CS Woodland Management Grants) Landowners £200,000 (CS Woodland Creation Grants)
Project risk management
Risk Likelihood Impact Action to mitigate Lack of landowner interest in woodland Low High LPS Staff to work with partners to promote management plans, woodland opportunities from day 1 of the LPS. creation and/or environment grants Environment Grant designed to be fit-for- purpose and attractive to landowners Ecological constraints prevent Medium Medium Survey work will ensure that the principle of ‘the new habitat creation right tree in the right place’ is followed, such that woodlands and hedgerows are not planted on existing high conservation value land. An allowance for a number of schemes dropping out as a result of these surveys has been made
Fellfoot Forward Landscape Partnership Scheme Landscape Conservation Action Plan Part 2 15 A4 Monuments at Risk
Project lead partner: North Project objective Long Meg and her Daughters Opportunities Pennines AONB Partnership To conserve or consolidate key historic This important initiative to reduce sites and features currently on the Heritage Threats deterioration of the site through a visitor Other partners involved in delivery: at Risk (HAR) register. To remove the Long Meg is one of northern England’s management approach will be a catalyst Historic England, North Pennines structures from the HAR register and most enigmatic ancient monuments. to review the current Ancient Monuments AONB Partnership including the allow visitor access for the first time, and/ A huge Neolithic stone circle, the third and Archaeological Areas section 17 Partnership’s Historic Environment or enhance the visitor experience. largest in England and fifth largest in management agreement. This is also an Working Group, landowners, Eden District the British Isles. A scheduled monument opportunity to consider development of a Council, Carlisle City Council, Cumbria Our two priority sites are as follows: identified as being at risk from vehicle new integrated management approach to County Council, parish councils. • Long Meg and her daughters damage and erosion, it has, for many the site, working with landowner, farmer, – Neolithic stone circle years been a source of concern to the local community and public interest. • Kirkoswald Castle – remains of a historic environment community due castle dating to the 1485 AD to the lack of visitor management. Development and activity The Neolithic monument complex known During the development period, we Current problems on site include as Long Meg and her Daughters is one have worked with Historic England and • Frequent visitors, especially at solstice, but of the most important prehistoric sites with the AONB Partnership’s Historic no visitor management or interpretation; in Northern England, yet it is in poor Environment Working Group to shortlist • Damage caused by visitors parking and deteriorating condition and is on heritage sites, which would benefit most on the site itself or on road the Heritage at Risk register. Images and from investment. The two sites identified verges approaching the site; references occur across websites and the above have all been researched, written • Verges and the monument are famous painting ‘The Druids collecting about, appear on websites, are visited churned up by vehicles in wet the Mistletoe’ 1832 by local artist Jacob Long Meg and her to a greater or lesser extent and have weather, sometimes getting stuck, Thompson hangs in the Penrith Museum. a significance within the community. often leaving mud on the road; It was a study site for the North Pennines Daughters’ scars • Cars block farm gates; AONB Partnership’s Altogether Archaeology • A single-track road to the site, limited in project. The project and the excavation will be healed, and width by one of the stone daughters has produced a comprehensive project report caused informal creation of a second in 2013. Historic England has had long- visitors welcomed and informal track next to the original, held aspirations to support the landowner within the scheduled monument area. with better site management and reduce guided to protect the ongoing deterioration of this iconic site. In May 2017, they commissioned an Options enigmatic stone circle Appraisal Report to inform improvements in aspects of site management that would they come to see. enable its removal from the Heritage at Risk register. People visit the site regularly but there is no formal visitor survey data.
16 Fellfoot Forward Landscape Partnership Scheme Landscape Conservation Action Plan Part 2 Fellfoot Forward Landscape Partnership Scheme Landscape Conservation Action Plan Part 2 17 A4 Monuments at Risk
Working with Historic England we have Outputs Outcomes developed a pragmatic and achievable first step to halting and reversing deterioration Removal of unofficial access to Long Meg Integrity of Long Meg is of the site by tackling vehicle access onto which is causing damage to site archaeology restored and conserved and through the site in its southeast corner. Creation of new access, including Visitors are better informed and Cumbria County Council Highways have parking for disabled visitors aware of the site’s significance drawn up plans for new offsite parking for cars and a coach, including disabled Creation of orientation and interpretation, The heritage of the site is better provision. This careful planning has enhancing the visitor understanding managed and conserved and experience of the stone circle informed and secured agreement from the Access to Long Meg is available and site owner, local parish council, surrounding Recording of archaeology clearly signposted for all abilities landowners, local riding centre and café at during access works Little Salkeld Watermill. We have secured People have learnt about heritage through in principle with Historic England a section 15 volunteers trained during excavations volunteering and visiting the site 17 management agreement for the land manager which will offer match funding for ground works, signage and interpretation.
Location and Timescale Long Meg, NY571372. All work to create new parking and remediate existing vehicle damage done to site will be completed by 2021. Interpretation, including orientation signs and leaflets, will be complete by 2022.
Previous page picture: Long Meg.
18 Fellfoot Forward Landscape Partnership Scheme Landscape Conservation Action Plan Part 2 A4 Monuments at Risk
Kirkoswald Castle Development and activity Location and Timescale Kirkoswald Castle is a significant medieval Kirkoswald Castle, NY55946 41021. Threats monument, with a complex history, that All consolidation will be complete in Kirkoswald Castle is a Scheduled Monument lies within the bounds of Kirkoswald 2021. Signage and orientation for on the Heritage at Risk register. In its current village. It is a scheduled monument visitors parking and walking on to incarnation, it has stood on the edge of on the Heritage at Risk register. the site will be complete in 2022. Kirkoswald village since 1485AD and is a square, moated, late medieval, high-status The castle is of great interest to the residential castle. The castle has been landowner, local community, visitors and robbed of stone for use in other buildings regional historic environmental specialists. in Kirkoswald and further north at Naworth During the Development Stage we facilitated Castle, and the remaining south east and a guided visit to Kirkoswald castle for some south west towers have now fallen with 30 members of the Cumbria Vernacular only footings and ground level chambers Buildings Group. It has been the recent Outputs Outcomes focus of research for the Victoria History remaining. The main upstanding tower was Well-signposted access for Integrity of remaining tower at Kirkoswald of Cumberland published 2019 and is the former solar tower and garderobe. the public onto the site Castle is conserved and restored referenced on many historical and visitor The castle is a key part of the historical websites. In development, an Historic Consolidation of the south west Visitors are better informed and story of Kirkoswald and the surrounding Environment report was produced and south east tower aware of the site’s significance which will inform the interpretative landscape and is of significant interest to Creation of orientation and interpretation, The heritage of the site is better work during the delivery period. visitors. However, the castle is currently enhancing the visitor understanding managed and conserved inaccessible and lacking in interpretation. and experience of the castle Historic England’s last condition survey, People have learnt about heritage through Opportunities undertaken in 2004 with the landowner, Recording and preservation of other volunteering and visiting the site The castle was last surveyed in 2004 by highlighted concerns and proposed significant stonework on the site immediate activity to halt further Historic England and at that time was 10 volunteers trained during deterioration. Since then it has stood highlighted as at risk and requiring key works on the castle work, but nothing has happened since with minimal maintenance for 15 years. that 2004 survey. This is an opportunity During the Development Stage we to remove the structure from the commissioned a detailed Conservation Heritage at Risk register and reduce the Plan for the remaining upstanding tower, maintenance burden on the landowners. including a fully-costed programme of works which responds to the earlier Historic England condition survey in 2004.
Fellfoot Forward Landscape Partnership Scheme Landscape Conservation Action Plan Part 2 19 20 Fellfoot Forward Landscape Partnership Scheme Landscape Conservation Action Plan Part 2 A4 Monuments at Risk
Project volunteer and Any practical training opportunities training opportunities at Kirkoswald Castle will be identified The practical work associated with the and led by the appointed architects. management and consolidation of Kirkoswald Castle and Long Meg will offer B5 Fellfoot Welcome will build many opportunities for volunteers to be in familiarisation workshops to involved. This will include historical research, encourage visitor businesses to archaeological recording on site and, at learn about these sites and take full Kirkoswald Castle, training in building advantage of the heritage assets. restoration work including lime mortaring and in habitat survey and management. C1 Bringing the Past Alive will ensure that all these sites are interpreted. This work B1 Uncovering the Past will provide in turn will rely on the many volunteer volunteers with opportunities for local historians engaged with us through archaeological recording, historical B1 Uncovering the Past, on the expertise research and/or oral history recording of volunteer members of the AONB’s on these priority sites and others. Historic Environment Working Group and their wider network of volunteer local B4 Next Generation will ensure that schools history and archaeological associations. and younger people have the opportunity to engage fully in these sites and their stories. There will be the opportunity for teachers to have continued professional development sessions with architects and historians to learn how to use the sites to enrich the school curriculum.
Previous page picture: Kirkoswald Castle.
Fellfoot Forward Landscape Partnership Scheme Landscape Conservation Action Plan Part 2 21 A4 Monuments at Risk
Project Costs
Total project cost National Lottery Match funding Legacy Heritage Funding Two important monuments on the Heritage requirement at Risk register, Long Meg and her Daughters and Kirkoswald Castle, will have been removed from the Register. Both Long Meg £178,960 (Long Meg, Kirkoswald £174,460 Historic Environment Section 17 agreement and Kirkoswald Castle will have improved castle and associated access work) £4,500 public access and interpretation. Through this work, more people will have gained first-hand experience of the site through volunteering, and through attending events.
Young people will have visited the sites, learned more about their history, explored and had fun. This greater awareness, alongside the sites’ improved accessibility, will ensure their continued Project risk management care, interpretation and access are embedded within the community Risk Likelihood Impact Action to mitigate People will have learned traditional skills and Long Meg’s landowner Low High Thorough consultation gained new knowledge about the care and refuses permission for during development period, history of their monuments. These skills and removal of track way landowner agreement secured knowledge can be drawn on in the future and disabled car park in Development Stage. and applied to different sites and occasions. Kirkoswald Castle Low High Open dialogue with Historic England repairs are more and other potential funders through extensive and consolidation if increased funds are more expensive needed to secure the building. than costed in the conservation plan. Long Meg or Low High Full development of Kirkhouse Gas Kirkoswald Castle Works, incl. Conservation Plan, projects fail to means this project is retained in complete due reserve and can either replace or to unforeseen augment the other two sites at risk circumstances
22 Fellfoot Forward Landscape Partnership Scheme Landscape Conservation Action Plan Part 2 A5 Going Underground
Project lead partner: Electricity North West Project objective The RSPB and North Pennines AONB Project volunteer and To protect bird life and improve Partnership have for several years had training opportunities Other partners involved in delivery: the setting of the approach to the ambitions to remove existing powerlines None North Pennines AONB Partnership, RSPB Geltsdale RSPB reserve from Clesketts and reset them underground as part of Geltsdale, Cumbria County Council car park by undergrounding a 1.9km a wider programme of undergrounding stretch of overhead power lines. cables for visual amenity in Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and National Threats Parks. Undergrounding the overhead Overhead cables threatening bird life; powerlines on the Geltsdale RSPB Reserve visitor experience diminished through was identified as a priority for this intrusive electricity wires and poles. programme during the Development Stage due to the danger that existing lines pose Opportunities to the bird life on the reserve and to the Undergrounding cables to protect bird life; otherwise wild and open nature of the undergrounding cables will enhance the site, and due to their negative impact on visual amenity of Geltsdale Nature Reserve. landscape quality in this part of the AONB. Consultation events have shown wide Development and activity support for this initiative. Electricity North The Geltsdale RSPB Reserve is an West have been brought on board through Outputs extensive area of lowland pasture and the Development Stage of Fellfoot Forward tarns rising to dramatic heather covered LPS and there is now the opportunity 1.9km electricity cable undergrounded fells. The Reserve is managed for wildlife, to collaborate to deliver those earlier Long Meg and her including rare wading birds, black grouse ambitions. Scheme staff will assist Electricity Outcomes and raptors. The area includes Public North West to manage the disruptive work Daughters’ scars Rights of Way and RSPB-promoted trails for the communities at Clesketts, to ensure Bird life is better protected across a wild and rugged landscape. continued community support for the work. will be healed, and Visitor experience is enhanced Location and timescale Landscape value enhanced visitors welcomed and Detailed plans are included in Part 3 of the LCAP. All cables are located on guided to protect the RSPB Geltsdale Nature Reserve. All work will be completed in 2020. enigmatic stone circle they come to see.
Fellfoot Forward Landscape Partnership Scheme Landscape Conservation Action Plan Part 2 23 24 Fellfoot Forward Landscape Partnership Scheme Landscape Conservation Action Plan Part 2 A5 Going Underground
Project Costs
Total project cost National Lottery Heritage Match funding Legacy Funding requirement A safe flight path for rare red-list breeding birds such as curlew and lapwing £292,936.00 £0 Electricity £292,936.00 without the danger of lethal collisions North West with power lines, and an enhanced landscape offering a much greater sense of ‘wildness’ to locals and visitors
Project risk management
Risk Likelihood Impact Action to mitigate
Electricity North West Low High All preparation and consents have fails to underground been completed in the Development cables within the Stage. Work to be completed in lifespan of the LPS year 1 of the scheme, allowing contingency time in case of problems.
Previous page picture: Overhead power cables.
Fellfoot Forward Landscape Partnership Scheme Landscape Conservation Action Plan Part 2 25 A6 Community Buildings
Project lead partner: Cumbria Objectives is reliant on continued use as meeting In the Development Stage the two Action for Sustainability Increased conservation of energy in heritage places and places for community events community heritage buildings above, along community buildings, to protect the fabric and activity. For this to continue, these with Croglin and Ainstable village halls Other partners involved in delivery: North of the buildings and support their long- buildings need to be financially sustainable. have undergone an energy audit carried Pennines AONB Partnership, parish councils. term use as a hub for community activity. Many of these buildings are expensive to out by Cumbria Action for Sustainability heat and run, and their long-term viability (CAfS). The audits give information on Threats would be improved by insulation and the next steps needed to improve the Community heritage buildings are too other energy conservation measures. viability of the heritage building through expensive to heat; community spaces are conservation of energy. The audit has lost and poorly insulated buildings with high Many homes in the Fellfoot area will have also identified where the community can heat loss contribute to climate change. experienced severe weather in the past from be involved with practical, sustainable driving rain penetrating the fabric of the methods and materials, such as using Opportunities building, flooding and the Helm Wind. Many traditional lime plaster and sheep’s wool Improve energy conservation; retain homes are built using the local sandstone, insulation. Increased knowledge for heritage buildings for the community; which can be very friable – so transferring example, about thermal efficiency and reduce carbon footprint of community a good understanding of maintenance, water conservation will be relevant beyond buildings; provide locally -relevant restoration and sustainability in the face of the community buildings themselves training in energy conservation. a changing climate will be very relevant. and used in the wider community.
Development and activity Village halls, such as that at Kirkoswald, Working with CAfS, we will support the Many of our community buildings are of have received recent upgrades to heating local community to achieve one or more high heritage value and are central to the systems and internal decoration, but are of the recommendations from the energy infrastructure and cohesiveness of the still in need of insulation to maximise audit depending on budget. Actions settlement. The maintenance of this heritage the long-term benefits of these recent have been divided into low, medium and Communities make improvements and to reduce running high cost and opportunities for wider costs. Renwick Reading Rooms was built community engagement and training have a commitment to be in 1838, originally as a schoolhouse. The been identified. Actions include replacing building is a distinctive part of the village’s lighting with LED fixings, insulating water Future Fair by reducing heritage and, being relatively central, is pipes, upgrading loft insulation, new used by Kirkoswald Parish Council and heavy interlined curtains, replacing hot energy and water others as a meeting place but has only water heaters and repointing external basic heating and other facilities. walls with lime mortar. We will help consumption at their with training to embed these diverse skills in the community and support community buildings. them to seek external funding to deliver these and other works in the future.
26 Fellfoot Forward Landscape Partnership Scheme Landscape Conservation Action Plan Part 2 Fellfoot Forward Landscape Partnership Scheme Landscape Conservation Action Plan Part 2 27 A6 Community Buildings
Project Costs
An initial aspiration to explore a green Total project cost National Lottery Heritage Match funding energy scheme through harnessing micro Funding requirement hydro was explored at Castle Carrock reservoir but abandoned early on by £108,000 £68,000 £40,000 CAfS due to difficult access and United Community fundraising Utilities unwillingness to engage.
Location and timescale Community buildings which will be supported with measures to improve energy conservation are Ainstable Village Project risk management Hall, Renwick Reading Rooms, Kirkoswald Village Hall and Croglin Village Hall. This project will be complete by 2023. Risk Likelihood Impact Action to mitigate Community has no Low Medium Good engagement around energy interest in investing audits in Development Stage in the green energy Identification of additional Outputs initiatives for their funding early on to support Energy conservation improved to secure heritage community seed funding from LPS futures of 4 heritage community buildings buildings 8 volunteers trained in energy Initiatives for heritage Low Medium Seed funding allocated in delivery conservations for heritage buildings community building budget. Costs from audits divided cannot be funded into low, medium and high 20 volunteers working on their heritage community buildings Outcomes Project volunteer and Legacy training opportunities Community Heritage Buildings will be Energy is conserved and running cost Volunteers, with support from CAfS staff, in better condition with lower running reduced in community buildings will undertake recommended actions to costs and a more sustainable future. Community buildings are future-proofed deliver practical solutions for modification Members of the community will be better as a result of reduced running costs and conservation of community informed about energy conservation and buildings. The energy audits will give green energy generation and able to advise Local communities are engaged recommendations on how user groups and assist others with similar actions and empowered to better manage and the wider community can be involved. across buildings in the Scheme area. their heritage assets There are opportunities for training in care of traditional buildings, including re Communities will be better networked pointing with lime mortar, which will allow and connected to and supported communities to maintain other buildings by CAfS. They will be in a stronger Previous page picture: in the area. Advice will include where and position to secure funding for Renwick Reading Rooms. how to access other sources of funding. ongoing work at heritage community buildings across the Scheme area.
28 Fellfoot Forward Landscape Partnership Scheme Landscape Conservation Action Plan Part 2 Programme B Engaging and Training
Fellfoot Forward Landscape Partnership Scheme Landscape Conservation Action Plan Part 2 29 B1 Uncovering the Past
Project lead partner: North Objective Framework, along with contributions from Four small-scale community archaeology Pennines AONB Partnership To uncover, research and share new the Fellfoot Forward local history and projects have been chosen; Carlatton Cairn stories about the Fellfoot Forward archaeology community. This has allowed evaluation; Kirkoswald Castle - moated site Other partners involved in delivery: area’s past, through community a comprehensive assessment of significant and bridge; The King’s Forest of Geltsdale Historical societies, Historic England, engagement with archaeology, historical sites from the Neolithic to the 1900s. – landscape survey; Croglin - vernacular Parish Councils, Eden District Council, research and oral history recording. The report is presented in LCAP Part 3. buildings survey. The sites selected are Carlisle District Council, Cumbria under-recorded and have been identified Archive Service, Carlisle Archive Threats Oracle Heritage carried out a full as of interest by the community. This will Centre, Tullie House Museum and Lack of awareness about local historical consultation, including two public ensure the community archaeology project Art Gallery and Penrith Museum. sites; lack of information on local workshops to draw out sites, research and will deliver research that has demonstrated registers; fragmented and inappropriate stories for oral histories from the Fellfoot a clear need from local people and the site management; loss of valuable Forward community. The results of this work Cumbria Historic Environment Framework. historical features and sites; loss of include a new programme of archaeological opportunities for enjoyment and deeper research and recording focussing on the In delivery, we will follow the engagement with the area’s heritage. area’s prehistory, and a programme of recommendations from the historic activities based on the recognised Historic environment scoping report, which was Opportunities Village Atlas approach, for three villages, based on research and public consultation. Reveal and record hidden histories; Renwick, Croglin and Hayton in the We will work with the local community to safeguard archaeological heritage; empower Fellfoot Forward area. Concurrent to this deliver a programme of activity that will be local volunteers and landowners to work, the Victoria Counties local history of value in its own right, while also providing protect their local history; interpret sites groups have completed their work in the them with the skills and confidence to for a wider and more diverse audience. Kirkoswald and Renwick parish and are develop future projects of their own. now working with the local community in Carlatton Cairn: digging Development and activity the Ainstable, Croglin and Cumrew Parish. A major part of the Development Stage The proposed Fellfoot Forward approach a hole there might just has been the commissioning of an complements and draws on the work of historic environment scoping project. the Victoria Counties local history group. turn out to be very This has drawn upon the Cumbria Historic Environment Record and the very interesting, though North West Regional Historic Research obviously no guarantee of finding gold!” Paul Frodsham Following page picture: Summit of Talkin Fell..
30 Fellfoot Forward Landscape Partnership Scheme Landscape Conservation Action Plan Part 2 Fellfoot Forward Landscape Partnership Scheme Landscape Conservation Action Plan Part 2 31 B1 Uncovering the Past
We will follow a ‘historic village atlas’ Through ‘Capturing Conversations’ we Outputs Outcomes approach for Roman and medieval history will bring together people to have a onwards. The historical research is already conversation around an aspect of past 1 public community archaeology More people will better understand the being done by local historians as part of practices, village life or more recent launch event and workshop cultural heritage of the Fellfoot Forward area the nationwide Victoria Counties History significant events (similar to the BBC’s 6 Historic Village Atlas training events People will have been trained in (VCH) project. The aim is to enhance the The Listening Project). We will support archaeological survey, recording 25 volunteers trained in Historic Village Atlas VCH local histories by concentrating on an intergenerational approach. and reporting techniques the survey of archaeological sites, using 3 Historic Village Atlases written People will have been trained in a range of techniques, all deliverable Equipment and training will be provided up as complete documents by local people with appropriate levels so volunteers can create a pop-up booth capturing oral histories and have of training and supervision. From in a community building to run oral history 3 final Historic Village Atlases equipment for future projects the historic village atlas work, we will sessions across the Scheme area. We will celebratory events support five community archaeology produce five of these oral histories in an 3 field survey training days for Neolithic fieldwork projects. Projects include: engaging format that will be accessible and Early Bronze Age monuments survey digitally and form part of an exhibition. • Carlatton Cairn evaluation – 20 volunteers trained in field topographic and geophysical survey Location and Timescale survey techniques Historic Village Atlas locations: Carlatton 1 Neolithic and early Bronze • Kirkoswald Castle, moated site and bridge Cairn; Kirkoswald Castle; King’s Forest Age results event – topographic and geophysical survey Geltsdale; vernacular buildings in Croglin. 1 oral history training workshop • The King’s Forest of Geltsdale Oral history projects: across 20 volunteers trained in capturing – landscape survey the Fellfoot Forward area. and transcribing oral histories • Vernacular buildings survey of This project will be delivered 20 oral histories captured and transcribed Croglin – research and recording by December 2023 5 oral histories presented and shared digitally We will capture oral histories from the Scheme area. These will take the form of either a ‘Memory Maker’ style history or a more informal ‘Capturing Conversations’ approach.
Through the ‘Memory Maker’ oral history, older members of the community will be encouraged to share their stories relating to a specific topic such as music, farming, education or a more general recollection around a place.
32 Fellfoot Forward Landscape Partnership Scheme Landscape Conservation Action Plan Part 2 B1 Uncovering the Past
Project Costs
Project volunteer and Total project cost National Lottery Heritage Match funding training opportunities Funding requirement This project is entirely focussed on volunteer £44,600 £41,000 £3,600 engagement and training, as described. RSPB (oral history project at Geltsdale Nature Reserve) Legacy The survey information will be recorded as part of the Historic Environment Register for Cumbria and shared with North Pennines Historic Environment Working Group. Oral Project risk management histories and any other relevant material will be lodged with the Cumbria Archive Services in Carlisle. The sites surveyed Risk Likelihood Impact Action to mitigate and recorded are not planned to be conserved or maintained but information Community reluctant Low High Consultation and events held will be shared with Cumbria Historic to engage through Development Stage. Environment Services at County Hall as Start in year 1 to allow time to relevant. The findings will feed into the build engagement if needed. Victoria Counties local history research. Landowners Medium High Initial conversations held in refusing access to Development Stage to establish A significant legacy will be a skilled and archaeological sites access in principle. Early identification knowledgeable group of volunteers who of sites to allow substitutions have worked together and can go on and later in scheme if needed. carry out further survey work in the Fellfoot Poor weather Low Low Unless weather is extreme Forward area, either independently or as delays field work volunteers will be supported to be part of a local history and archaeological flexible and encouraged to come trust or society. Through community group with suitable protective clothing. and school contact with archaeology and oral history projects during the Delivery Stage those volunteers who wish will be able to go on and support local schools and community groups by delivering guided walks/events based around this and future research. Volunteers will be offered guide training during the Delivery Stage.
Fellfoot Forward Landscape Partnership Scheme Landscape Conservation Action Plan Part 2 33 B2 Farm Futures
Project lead partner: The Farmer Network Objectives The Farmer Network were identified Themes covered in this training To provide training and practical support early in the Development Stage as project will include: Other partners involved in delivery: to farmers wishing to develop their skills important partners in the LPS. They are an - Survey and identification skills needed North Pennines AONB Partnership, in wildlife and habitat identification, independent, not for profit organisation to monitor wildlife outcomes on farms; RSPB, Eden Rivers Trust, Cumbria soil conservation and natural flood run by farmers, for farmers. They have - In-river and on-farm measures for Biodiversity Data Centre. management. To provide training and a successful track record of running Natural Flood Management; support for those farmers who wish effective training events for the farming - Creating and connecting to open their farms to the public. community, and for promoting farming habitats for wildlife; and its associated benefits to the public. - Current funding opportunities; Threats With excellent connections with farmers - Soil management and conservation Uncertainty over future of farming across the Fellfoot Forward area, they - Running Open Farm events. policy; soil degradation; loss of habitats are well placed to deliver elements and species; climate change, lack of our Farm Futures programme. In addition to the 12 knowledge transfer of public awareness about public events, an event on running Open Farm goods provided by farming. The Farmer Network will run 12 knowledge events will be held. 4 local farmers will transfer events throughout Fellfoot also be funded to receive CEVAS training Opportunities Forward’s delivery period. Expertise within (Countryside Educational Visits Accreditation Training local land managers; increasing the Fellfoot Forward Landscape Partnership Scheme), a nationally recognised farmer skills to recognise ‘public goods’ will be drawn on where relevant, for accreditation for individuals wishing to for which they might receive public example from Eden Rivers Trust and RSPB. encourage educational visits to their farms. money; advocating local farming, and The RSPB will also run 4 Demonstration Days The Farmer Network will seek further its provision of ecosystem services, to at Geltsdale Nature Reserve, demonstrating funding for an on-farm schools event in local communities and school pupils. upland farming and conservation practice. year 3 of the project. Fellfoot Forward LPS A programme of activity for year 1 has will provide travel grants to support schools Development and activity been defined, which will connect farmers attending this, enabling school children Consultation with the farming community with opportunities for funding through from beyond the project area to attend in the Fellfoot Forward area identified a A3 Wild Connections and our Fellfoot and learn about East Fellside farming. range of potential training opportunities. Forward Environment Grant. Future years’ Through the delivery of the LPS, these training will be guided by demand from Location and Timescale training opportunities will respond to local farmers and by emerging policy. Across the LPS area, with events local demand and will make both farm from 2020 until 2023. businesses and the farmed environment more resilient to future challenges.
Following page picture: Farmer workshop.
34 Fellfoot Forward Landscape Partnership Scheme Landscape Conservation Action Plan Part 2 Fellfoot Forward Landscape Partnership Scheme Landscape Conservation Action Plan Part 2 35 B2 Farm Futures
Project Costs
Outputs Total project cost National Lottery Heritage Match funding 12 knowledge transfer events for farmers Funding requirement 40 farmers trained across themes £12,400 £7,600 RSPB: 4 £3,800 including soil conservation, species demonstration identification, habitat creation and days at RSPB natural flood management Geltsdale Nature Reserve 25 farmers trained at RSPB Geltsdale Farmer Network: £1,000 Nature Reserve in rush and heather Schools’ Open conservation management Farm Event 1 workshop on running Open Farm events 4 farmers achieving CEVAS training to run on-farm educational activities Project risk management 1 Open Farm event for schools
Risk Likelihood Impact Action to mitigate Outcomes Failure to recruit Low High Development Stage of the LPS has Land managers better equipped for heritage farmers to knowledge already confirmed high interest protection in a changing policy environment transfer events in training. Work with partners through delivery will ensure good Communities, school children and visitors promotion of events. We will better connected with local farms work closely with local farmers and landowners to respond to demand for training topics, ensuring Volunteer and training opportunities fit-for-purpose workshops. This is a training activity aimed at the farming community. If there is capacity on workshops, other members of the local Legacy Farmers will be better connected with community may be invited to join in. A series of high-value knowledge each other, and with organisations transfer events will upskill farmers and providing support in the Fellfoot landowners, increasing resilience to area such as the Farmer Network, changes and challenges and enhancing increasing resilience for the future. biodiversity conservation. Workshops will provide a venue to promote LPS opportunities for landowners, including our Environment Grant, increasing uptake of other programmes.
36 Fellfoot Forward Landscape Partnership Scheme Landscape Conservation Action Plan Part 2 B3 Citizen Science
Following page picture: Wildlife workshop.
Project lead partner: North Project objective Cumbria Biodiversity Data Centre (CBDC) Having developed skills in species and Pennines AONB Partnership. To raise awareness, knowledge, and field identified that the Fellfoot Forward habitat identification, communities will be skills relating to identification, monitoring area lacks species records. Training better equipped to conserve and protect Other partners involved in delivery: and managing of local wildlife habitats and workshops and a promotion of species their natural heritage. The Fellfoot Forward Cumbria Biodiversity Data Centre, RSPB, species, to further species conservation. recording and data transfer to the Local Environment and Community Grants Cumbria Wildlife Trust, A Focus On Nature Records Centre will enable them to build (projects A3 and C5) will offer funding for Threats up a more accurate dataset of species community conservation, for example People are disconnected from their present in the Fellfoot Forward area. through tree planting, road verge and village environment, knowledge is lost green enhancement and pond creation. and forgotten; habitats and species We will run a series of identification and are unprotected due to lack of survey training workshops to increase The project also affords an opportunity for awareness; climate change impact the skills and confidence of the public in those young people working with A Focus on is unrecorded and un-mitigated. wildlife identification and recording. These Nature (the national young people’s nature workshops will focus on specific groups of network) to gain knowledge and experience Opportunities species, and will vary in length from single in the field as part of B4 Next Generation. Increase knowledge, awareness and afternoons, to a series of days, depending Fellfoot Forward LPS staff will be protection of natural heritage. on the complexity of the species group responsible for delivering this project, and the depth of training involved. with support from partners at Project development Cumbria Biodiversity Data Centre. Through our consultation, local communities Through these newly acquired skills, the shared with us a desire to better know local community will feel confident in Location and timescale and understand local wildlife habitats contributing records of species occurrence Across the project area, from and species, and for this knowledge to across a range of taxa that will greatly June 2020 – December 2023. lead to positive action for local wildlife. enhance the dataset held by CBDC. These We know, from our work on North records will contribute to the body of Pennines AONB Partnership projects knowledge of the biodiversity of the Fellfoot such as ‘Wildwatch’ and ‘Cold-blooded Forward area and will help to map the and Spineless’ that there is a great deal of changes that are occurring as a result of interest from local residents and visitors climate change. Linking with young adults in our North Pennines wildlife. Feedback engaged with A Focus on Nature will also from these projects and the number of help to ensure that the next generation are records that they have generated have equipped with the knowledge and skills demonstrated to us the importance people needed to continue the collection of data in attach to their wildlife and the reward the years to come. A Focus On Nature is an that they get from learning new skills. organisation that coordinates opportunities for young adults to experience and study the natural world with specialists in their field.
Fellfoot Forward Landscape Partnership Scheme Landscape Conservation Action Plan Part 2 37 38 Fellfoot Forward Landscape Partnership Scheme Landscape Conservation Action Plan Part 2 B3 Citizen Science
Project Costs
Outputs Total project cost National Lottery Heritage Match funding 210 people trained in wildlife identification Funding requirement £10,500 18 identification workshops £10,500 2 wildlife recording celebration events 2 biohunts 60 volunteers recording wildlife and carrying out small-scale conservation activity. Project risk management 1,000 new species records submitted to CBDC Risk Likelihood Impact Action to mitigate 3 community – projects to enhance Insufficient interest in Low High A dedicated Community Engagement habitats for their local wildlife workshops and events Officer will work with potential audiences to identify high-interest workshops. The NPAONB Partnership Outcomes and LPS partners will work together People are more engaged to promote events across the network with natural heritage Insufficient interest in Low Medium Consultation has already yielded Communities are better equipped developing community a number of potential projects. to protect biodiversity wildlife projects Community engagement across the LPS programme is likely to encourage more to come forward. Officer time will be spent developing these into high nature-value projects
Project volunteer and Legacy training opportunities A programme of high quality, informative This project is entirely focussed on workshops and events will increase skills in volunteer engagement and training. species identification and ecology to a wide range of participants, this will in turn lead to an increase in species recording and thereby enhance the body of data held by CBDC on the biodiversity of the Fellfoot Forward LPS area. In the long term, the data acquired will help to inform management and conservation action plans across a range of habitats and will be a valuable resource in understanding the changing dynamics of the ecosystem.
Fellfoot Forward Landscape Partnership Scheme Landscape Conservation Action Plan Part 2 39 B4 The Next Generation
Project lead partner: North Project objective Development and activity Eden Rivers Trust will deliver a school’s Pennines AONB Partnership This project aims to excite young people Young people have a natural affinity with programme focused on the watercourses about the heritage on their doorstep, help the outdoors, nature and the exciting stories that flow through the landscape. The Other partners involved in delivery: Eden them reflect on their impact on this heritage locked in their landscapes. Curriculum programme will be made up of in-school Rivers Trust, A Focus on Nature, University of and how they might help conserve, celebrate pressures in school and restrictions and activity and fieldwork to discover, explore Cumbria, Newton Rigg Agricultural College, and champion it now and in the future. distractions at home limits their access and learn more about the ecology of their Carlisle Youth Zone, Stomping Ground to the natural world and to the stories streams and rivers and the relationship CIC, Cumbria Action for Sustainability, Threats from their historic landscape. Without between their rivers and their communities. local history organisations, schools Limited access to the natural world for positive experiences at a young age, that The work will draw from A1 Better Becks young people; subsequent decrease in can potentially influence the whole family, with respect to Natural Flood Management ability to engage with their environment. these young people can become detached and there will be a programme of teachers’ from the natural and cultural world. In the CPD to support future school activity. Opportunities future, they will have no reference point Utilise Fellfoot Forward heritage assets to with which to engage with their own cultural The community arts programme will work engage young people in their landscape; heritage, or a basis on which to build an with schools and in year one this is identified work with partners to offer work understanding of their environment. Young as Castle Carrock and Langwathby primary experience in heritage conservation. people are our future heritage champions, schools. By the end of the workshops but only if we positively engage them now each pupil will have written poems with their heritage. Passionate young responding to the landscape, history, people will become the conservationists place names, folklore, curlews, beetles and of the future for this area and potentially, barn owls of the Fellfoot Forward area. its future guardians and residents. Schools will be encouraged to engage Schools and colleges require support with B1 Uncovering the Past and A4 to deliver an enriched curriculum and Monuments at Risk. Pupils and teachers Young people are have expressed a desire to use their local will be supported to discover, explore area to achieve this. We have identified and learn more about key sites and our future heritage and programmed various educational stories on their doorstep. Volunteers opportunities for the local schools in and from the B1 Uncovering the Past, and champions, but on the edge of the Fellfoot Forward area. local history and archaeology groups only if we positively will support programme delivery. engage them now with their heritage. Following page picture: Warwick Bridge School minibeast session.
40 Fellfoot Forward Landscape Partnership Scheme Landscape Conservation Action Plan Part 2 Fellfoot Forward Landscape Partnership Scheme Landscape Conservation Action Plan Part 2 41 B4 The Next Generation
As part of the Fellfoot Forward Future - A Focus on Nature, a national organisation Outputs Outcomes Fair initiatives Cumbria Action for with most of their work delivered Sustainability will develop and deliver a through volunteers has a volunteer 400 pupils and their families experience Young people and their families are climate change primary school programme coordinator based at Tullie House, Carlisle. a freshwater discovery programme more engaged with natural heritage of activities drawing on the Future Fair She will facilitate engagement of her 300 pupils and their families experience a Communities are better equipped elements of the scheme project. community of young people aged 18-30 local history and archaeology programme to protect biodiversity RSPB Geltsdale will host with ecological and land management school(s) on the reserve. training and volunteer opportunities 120 pupils take part in a Future within the Fellfoot Forward area. Fair programme with CAfS Young people in education and training 60 pupils engage with outstanding natural struggle to gain relevant field experience - Alston Youth Group, Carlisle Youth heritage at RSPB Geltsdale Nature Reserve and contact time with specialists in the Zone and Stomping Ground are youth fields of ecology, land management or groups with attached young people in and 20 teachers trained on 3 CPD events archaeology. Without this experience outside the Fellfoot Forward area. The linked to education programmes they are often diverted into other fields of leaders are keen to see their young people in Fellfoot Forward Area employment and lost as future workers engaged with grass roots, young people-led 4 new self-guided and curriculum- and champions of heritage conservation. heritage-based projects within the area. linked resources at Talkin Tarn With the partnership approach of the Fellfoot Forward LPS there is the We will review and update Talkin Tarn’s 3 CPD events for teachers linked to capacity to offer a diverse range of work self-guided education resources, adding new resources at Talkin Tarn experiences, training and networking to the ‘Numeracy Trail’ with additional 45 teachers trained on using Talkin Tarn opportunities to these young people. topics of geology, climate change, farming, and the self-guided education resources. Our audiences for these opportunities wildlife and freshwater water. There will will be drawn from the following be twilight sessions for teachers, partners 400 pupils using new organisations and groups in the region. and freelance education providers from resources at Talkin Tarn Carlisle, along the A69 corridor east to 6 youth events helping young people - University of Cumbria’s wildlife and Haltwhistle and Penrith. We will offer a to engage with their local heritage media course and the environmental school travel grant to encourage teachers conservation courses. who have attended twilight sessions to 30 young adults engaged bring their class/school to Talkin Tarn. 40 transport grants enabling pupils and - Newton Rigg College have identified young people to discover local heritage opportunities for their students to We will offer travel grants to subsidise engage with a broad range of activity the cost of transport for schools, youth across the Fellfoot Forward LPS through groups, colleges and Universities dissertations, field work and traineeships. travelling to take part in education activity in the Fellfoot Forward area .
Location and timescale Across the project area, from June 2020 – December 2023.
42 Fellfoot Forward Landscape Partnership Scheme Landscape Conservation Action Plan Part 2 B4 The Next Generation
Project Costs
Project volunteer and Total project cost National Lottery Heritage Match funding training opportunities Funding requirement Through delivery of study programmes school staff, trainee teachers, youth leaders £65,200 £61,000 £2,800 RSPB: education programme and community members volunteering at Geltsdale Nature Reserve in support of the young people will all £1,400 Cumbria County benefit from the learning experience. Council: room hire Teachers engaging with CPD programmes linked to new educational resources and education programmes will gain skills they can employ in the future. A Focus Project risk management on Nature young volunteers will have the opportunity to volunteer and engage with relevant training across the Fellfoot Risk Likelihood Impact Action to mitigate Forward projects. Young adults attached Eden Rivers Trust lose Medium High Close contact with ERT. to youth groups will be trained in nature education officer Sourcing of education contract conservation arts, and outdoor skills. to deliver programme Legacy Local schools Low High Respond to outcomes of school Teachers from within and outside the reluctant to engage consultations so meeting Fellfoot Forward will have acquired local schools needs knowledge and skills about the local heritage Youth leaders Low High Close contact and respond to leaders and ideas on how to deliver education reluctant to engage and groups time as best as possible programmes for their young people. There will be a new set of curriculum- AFON volunteer Medium Medium Agree Fellfoot Forward to make linked resources available to download and network collapses direct contact with young people use at Talkin Tarn drawing on the special and coordinate activity heritage of the Fellfoot Forward area. New Talkin tarn Low Medium Appoint recommended contractor Young people, including school pupils resources not well will have discovered and explored received or used the Fellfoot Forward area, gained experiences, knowledge, skills and contacts, which will inform their futures.
Fellfoot Forward Landscape Partnership Scheme Landscape Conservation Action Plan Part 2 43 B5 Fellfoot Welcome
Project lead partner: North Pennines AONB Project objective Development and activity Carlisle City Council and Eden Tourism, Partnership (with Eden District Council and To develop a deeper understanding and A future for our heritage relies on an established partners, will lead on elements Carlisle City Council leading on elements) knowledge of the heritage of the Fellfoot engaged and passionate local population, to deliver activity and build relationships Forward LPS area amongst our visitor but also on thriving visitor businesses which beyond the life of the Scheme. Other partners involved in delivery: businesses. To equip these businesses understand that heritage can be a motive Cumbria County Council with the skills, tools and structures to force for the local economy. There is a We will produce digital resources that will maximise their engagement with visitors need to engage these businesses and to be included in a North Pennines tourism around heritage in our ‘slow landscape’. help them to make the most of our natural toolkit available free. The toolkit will supply To support people of all ability and and cultural heritage by helping them to the businesses with material to expand interest to be inspired by and immersed become our heritage ambassadors. and develop their presence and reach. in the Fellfoot Forward landscape. Engaged visitor businesses will deliver a A key element is the offer of free training Threats responsible tourism message, a warm in effective use of social media, and in Lack of economic activity causing a welcome, and encourage more informed all aspects of the natural and cultural decline in local communities; lack of exploration and discovery in our ‘slow’ heritage of the Fellfoot Forward area as visibility of the Fellfoot Forward area landscape. In turn, our visitors will part of the ‘Know Your Fellfoot’. Working stalling future investment by agencies stay longer, return more often, learn with project partners, those that wish can and business; fragmented management to love our landscape and heritage and develop their knowledge and skills to act of the tourism offer leading to a lack support a thriving local economy. as volunteer guides. We will guide and of understanding of visitor numbers, support businesses with accreditation to their impact, and conservation of We have worked closely in the Development welcome cyclists, walkers and astronomers. the unique character of the area. Stage with Carlisle City Council and Eden District Council tourism units to develop Opportunities this programme of works. They have Network visitor businesses; share key both recognised that the Fellfoot Forward responsible tourism messages; promote area has been neglected in terms of local distinctiveness and sense of place; this engagement, and are keen to catch sensitively ‘turn up the volume’ on this up. Active business have been keen to often-overlooked part of the country. come forward and contribute ideas. We will use workshops, events and the community fund to draw together visitor businesses, including those which have not yet engaged with our Scheme. We will work with all our businesses and the wider community to provide targeted training and resources to help with joint working Following page picture: Little Salkeld Mill. and develop our heritage ambassadors.
44 Fellfoot Forward Landscape Partnership Scheme Landscape Conservation Action Plan Part 2 Fellfoot Forward Landscape Partnership Scheme Landscape Conservation Action Plan Part 2 45 B5 Fellfoot Welcome
Working with four individual visitor Outputs Outcomes Project volunteer and businesses we will support them with training opportunities development of an information point 1 new web presence, hosted by the Visitor businesses are custodians and The workshops and events will offer varied offering a welcome, orientation and North Pennines AONB Partnership (www. champions of the Fellfoot Forward landscape opportunities for tourism businesses northpennines.org.uk) supporting Visit information on where to go and things to do. More people will discover the to gain knowledge and training for Eden and Discover Carlisle websites In response to businesses’ aspirations to unique heritage features of the tourism businesses and interested be better networked and supported and 18 workshops (social media, specialist Fellfoot Forward landscape members of the wider community. to raise awareness of the area, we will subjects, guide training, dark skies organise an annual tourism showcase, and walkers and cyclists welcome Those people who wish to share their led by the businesses for the Fellfoot to include accreditation) local knowledge with others can come Forward area. We will also run a ‘sense of forward for guide training so they can place’ workshop, and two familiarisation 108 heritage ambassadors trained deliver subject specific volunteer led days for a local and national audience. 20 visitor businesses engaged and guided walks and events on such topics as supported from within and outside geology, wildlife folklore and history for a We will encourage tourism businesses to the Fellfoot Forward area local and visiting audience. Local experts collaboratively bid into the community emerging from B3 Citizen Science and grant fund under C5 Community An annual tourism showcase event B1 Uncovering the past will also have the Grant for new resources in support 2 new heritage information hubs, opportunity to benefit from guide training. of responsible tourism activity. located at Melmerby and Talkin Tarn
Location and timescale 4 information points in local businesses Across the project area, from 1 ‘sense of place’ workshop June 2020 – December 2023. 1 familiarisation day for businesses, individuals and organisations outside the Fellfoot Forward area 1 familiarisation day for travel journalists and bloggers 4 successful applications to C5 Community Grant fund. 20 high quality copyright-free images to form part of the North Pennines tourism toolkit 4 new specialist wildlife, ecology and/ or history volunteer guides trained
46 Fellfoot Forward Landscape Partnership Scheme Landscape Conservation Action Plan Part 2 B5 Fellfoot Welcome
Project Costs
Legacy Total project cost National Lottery Heritage Match funding A warm and knowledgeable welcome from Funding requirement tourism businesses. A strong responsible tourism message communicated to £20,600 £20,600 people staying and visiting in the area. A community of tourism businesses who are strongly networked and connected to their local tourism organisation.
An area that is better known and visited, with a stronger visitor economy contributing Project risk management to a sustainable and vibrant community.
Risk Likelihood Impact Action to mitigate Lack of engagement Medium High Strong communication and from tourism support for tourism business businesses network in year 1. Time workshops to suit businesses. Backlash from local Low Low Strong responsible tourism message community regarding communicated. Community increased visitor encouraged to engage with pressure in the area programme of workshops and events. No suitable locations Medium Medium Discussions have already been held for the heritage hubs with several places. There is no and information points cost to the business for the initial installation. Support will be available.
Fellfoot Forward Landscape Partnership Scheme Landscape Conservation Action Plan Part 2 47 B6 Trainees
Project lead partner: North Project objective Development and activity The University of Cumbria and University Pennines AONB Partnership To provide broad and in-depth work The North Pennines AONB Partnership of Newcastle deliver several relevant experience for three people seeking a has embedded traineeships into many undergraduate and MSc courses, some Other partners involved in delivery: career in heritage management by working of its projects, adding value to project of which include a year’s placement. Staff Newton Rigg College, Eden Rivers Trust, with partners across the Fellfoot Forward delivery and helping to train and inspire have identified the traineeships as valuable Natural England, RSPB, Woodland Trust Landscape Partnership Scheme. To the next generation of heritage custodians. undergraduate and graduate experience to encourage young people from the Fellfoot Trainees have been recruited from a wide further the careers of their students. This Forward area to gain experience that will range of backgrounds and have all brought will offer a pool of traineeship candidates. allow them to remain and work locally. different skills and enthusiasms to North Pennines AONB Partnership projects. We will recruit three trainees across the Threat Alongside traditional heritage conservation life of the Scheme. The traineeships will be Difficulty for people in education and skills - such as species and habitat surveys, advertised locally, regionally and nationally. training to gain relevant field experience interpretation and practical conservation The traineeships will be self-employed, and contact time with specialists; - past traineeships have included using a well-established model within the committed individuals otherwise secondments to partners, experience North Pennines AONB Partnership. They diverted into other fields of employment of delivering public events and work on will contracted for a 12-month period and lost to heritage conservation. independent projects in order to develop and will have an allowance for travel and project management skills. Following this training. One or more of these traineeships Opportunity well-rounded and bespoke training, all the could become the apprenticeship being To train and secure a knowledgeable and AONB’s trainees (14 in the past 4 years) developed jointly with Newton Rigg. dedicated workforce to protect natural have secured employment in the sector, or and cultural heritage; to support new further study, at the end of their traineeship. The trainees will be supervised by the graduates in gaining local heritage-based Scheme Manager and managed on a employment; to add significant value to all We are working in partnership with day to day basis by members of the the heritage programmes within the LPS. Ernest Cook Trust staff based at Lowther North Pennines AONB Partnership Castle, Penrith to develop a 12-18-month staff and partners, depending on the apprenticeship for an NVQ level 2 student nature of the work. Opportunities will to be based in the Fellfoot Forward area. be sought for work experience with Other natural and cultural organisations other partners in the LPS, and a bespoke in the area will be involved. Newton Rigg training programme designed for each land-based college at Penrith has identified trainee, depending on their interests an ongoing need for apprenticeships for and the requirements of the LPS. their students. We would wish to recruit a student from Newton Rigg for the Location and timescale apprenticeship and ideally they would Across the project area, from be from the Fellfoot Forward area. June 2020 – December 2023.
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Project Costs
Outputs Total project cost National Lottery Heritage Match funding 3 year long apprenticeships Funding requirement £54,198 £54,198 Outcomes 3 graduates or NVQ level 2 student with enhanced skills in the heritage sector Enhanced delivery of the Fellfoot Forward LPS Project risk management
Risk Likelihood Impact Action to mitigate Project volunteer and training opportunities Insufficient interest Low High Work with partners at Newton Rigg The trainees will have their own in traineeships and local universities to secure training programme, including the well-advertised posts. Strong opportunity to join external training promotion through all usual local, as well as Fellfoot Forward LPS events. regional and national networks. They will work with volunteers across Timely advertisements to allow the LPS programme of work. opportunity to re-advertise if necessary. Experience in North Legacy Pennines AONB Partnership Individuals with a well-rounded suggests this is very unlikely. understanding of, and a commitment to, heritage conservation. Individuals trained Lack of opportunities Low High The breadth and remit of the LPS sufficiently to gain longer-term employment to provide high is such that there will be many or further study in the sector. The quality training opportunities for learning ‘on traineeships will also add significant value the job’. Partners in the scheme to the LPS legacy, through their work with have also expressed their desire partners, volunteers and local communities. to work with the trainees.
Previous page picture: Hedgerow restoration on a Fellfoot farm.
50 Fellfoot Forward Landscape Partnership Scheme Landscape Conservation Action Plan Part 2 Programme C Revealing and Connecting
Fellfoot Forward Landscape Partnership Scheme Landscape Conservation Action Plan Part 2 51 C1 Bringing the Past Alive
Project lead partner: North Project objective Sites chosen for C1 Bringing the Past Alive In delivery, the media we use to tell these Pennines AONB Partnership To creatively interpret the stories around span the different key historical periods in stories will be determined by the skills our key historic buildings, structures and the history of the scheme area; prehistoric, and interests of the volunteers, the stories Other partners involved in delivery: monuments in the Fellfoot Forward area. medieval and industrial heritage and are and locations themselves, the intended Historic England, Cumbria Archives Service, These will include our key monuments dispersed through the Fellfoot Forward area. audiences and the characteristics of Lancaster University History Department, at risk in project A4 Monuments at Risk, the heritage features themselves. Archaeological and Local History Trusts and as well as the stories which emerge During the Development Stage we facilitated groups, parish councils and landowners. from B1 Uncovering the Past a visit by Lees Hill Primary school, near New stories will be revealed through B1 Brampton, to Long Meg, supported by Uncovering the Past and told through a Threats community archaeologist Paul Frodsham. variety of media in accessible and engaging Lack of interpretation and access causing We hosted the Cumbria Vernacular Buildings ways. There are significant opportunities local heritage to be lost or hidden Group annual spring meeting in Kirkoswald, to engage the public in this work through from communities and visitors. including a visit to Kirkoswald Castle with our C4 Arts Connection, B4 Next Generation Historic Buildings Archaeologist Peter Ryder. and fund community interpretation Opportunities through C5 Community Grants. Research and share stories from our A major piece of work during the past; reach new and less-engaged Development Stage was a scoping exercise We will engage a professional interpreter audiences; raise awareness of the for B1 Uncovering the Past. This work and designer who will work alongside our rich cultural heritage of this area. included an historic environment audit, community and our partners to develop a a consultation with the Fellfoot Forward scheme of interpretation that tells the key Development and activity community, and the development of an stories at Long Meg and Kirkoswald Castle. In choosing the monuments in A4 agreed programme of community local In developing the on-site interpretation, we Monuments at Risk a significant criterion history, archaeology and oral history. will enlist the support of local knowledgeable was the potential to tell interesting stories The resulting community programme enthusiasts and professionals to inform and the current lack of interpretation, will involve a large number of volunteers and guide the background research information and physical access to the in historical research and training, and accuracy of material produced. sites. All the chosen sites have been archaeological fieldwork and oral history researched and recorded during the recording. The outputs of their work Development Stage but currently lack will be stories that can be interpreted accessible physical information and and shared with a wider audience. interpretation on site, or elsewhere.
Following page picture: Long Meg.
52 Fellfoot Forward Landscape Partnership Scheme Landscape Conservation Action Plan Part 2 Fellfoot Forward Landscape Partnership Scheme Landscape Conservation Action Plan Part 2 53 C1 Bringing the Past Alive
In interpreting the monuments identified in Outputs Outcomes Project volunteer and A4 Monuments at Risk, and sites emerging training opportunities from B1 Uncovering the Past we will present Interpretation on site at Kirkoswald Castle Local heritage sites are This project relies on volunteer involvement interpreted and celebrated a consistent approach that will give the 200 participants on 10 volunteer led walks from local history societies, the AONB audience a sense of connectivity, identity and events linked to B1 Uncovering the Past More people and a wider range of people Partnership’s Historic Environment Working and sense of place of these monuments are engaged with historic heritage Group, and other passionate individuals. in the Fellfoot Forward area. We will work 20 volunteers involved in researching with the communities engaged with B1 and writing interpretation The heritage visitor offer of Fellfoot Volunteers will be key to the development landscape is enhanced Uncovering the Past and help them to One information panel and of interpretation alongside the consider and devise their interpretations one orientation panel and one contractors and for fact checking of the local history, archaeology or oral interpretation piece at Long Meg of the historical information. histories they have been working on. Their involvement with the interpretation of We will also engage with volunteers to the sites will strengthen their ownership develop interpretation relating to their and help secure the future of these sites work on B1 Uncovering the Past. Keen through local interest and support. It is volunteers will be offered training in also important to celebrate their work and basic principles of interpretation, writing support them in sharing aspects of the and design, to support volunteer led past through events, records, exhibitions, applications to the C5 Community recordings, arts and publications. Grants for interpretative projects.
Consultees have expressed a desire Other volunteers will be trained in the use to involve the younger members of of equipment and software for recording the community and we will ensure oral histories and in the questioning that this project feeds into B4 Next techniques for capturing and transcribing Generation and C4 Arts Connection. the best accounts. For volunteers new C5 Community Grants will provide to local history research there will be a a mechanism for those groups who programme of workshops with the Cumbria wish to develop their interpretation Archive Service in Carlisle and other around a project from B1 Uncovering museums and libraries. More experienced the Past, where this is beyond the volunteers will be encouraged to mentor capacity and budget of this project. new volunteers in the early stages.
Location and timescale Long Meg, Kirkoswald Castle and other sites emerging from B1 Uncovering the Past, from June 2020 – December 2023.
54 Fellfoot Forward Landscape Partnership Scheme Landscape Conservation Action Plan Part 2 C1 Bringing the Past Alive
Project Costs
Legacy Total project cost National Lottery Heritage Match funding The Scheme will leave a suite of stories Funding requirement for the Fellfoot area, engagingly told and accessible to the community and visitors, £45,000 £40,000 Historic England £5,000 and a community of networked, skilled and section 17 engaged volunteers that can work together management in the future on interpretative projects. agreement for Long Meg
Project risk management
Risk Likelihood Impact Action to mitigate One or more of Low Medium Thorough conservation plans the monuments do and costed programme of works not go through to in the Development Stage with consolidation and landowners’ consent in principle so not available for interpretation The community Low Medium Thorough consultation as part of come up with very the historic environment scoping few outputs from project in the development phase. B1 Uncovering the Projects and outputs discussed Past suitable for and identified. Community support interpretation agreed in principle by key supporters
Community Low Medium Professional interpreter and designer disinterested in engaged to lead the process. They contributing to the take on more of the core content interpretation of and ownership of the process both monuments and community archaeological projects.
Fellfoot Forward Landscape Partnership Scheme Landscape Conservation Action Plan Part 2 55 C2 Stars in the Tarn
Project lead partner: North Project objective In contrast to much of England, the North Dark skies are a key characteristic of our Pennines AONB Partnership To raise awareness of our dark night skies Pennines has truly dark night skies – it is the Fellfoot Forward area’s heritage, a relatively in the Fellfoot Forward area. To create country’s darkest mainland AONB and only sparsely populated, farmed landscape. Other partners involved in delivery: opportunities for people to engage and the Isles of Scilly AONB has darker skies. Security lights and floodlights can all Borders Astronomy Society, North immerse themselves in astronomy and The fellside villages and hamlets such as break into the darkness and threaten the Pennines Astronomy Society, Carlisle City stargazing as part of our ‘slow landscape’. Cumrew, Renwick and Outhwaite that hug intactness of the area’s dark night sky. Council, Eden District Council, Carlisle the east fellside escarpment, benefit from Conservation of our dark skies is a positive Youth Zone, Stomping Ground CIC. Threats the dark skies over the North Pennines fells. action we can all support and take. In Loss of dark skies negatively affecting discussion with Carlisle City Council in the people’s health and wellbeing, and Experiencing dark skies and seeing their Development Stage, they are to undertake that of our nocturnal wildlife; lack of wonders has been proven a desired a lighting audit at Talkin Tarn to protect awareness about the value of dark experience for local people and visitors. their dark skies in support of wildlife, dark skies; loss of opportunity for dark The success of the last three North sky events and gain designation as a Dark sky and astronomy experience. Pennines Stargazing Festivals (1,500 people Sky Discovery Site. The Council can see the attended 2018 festival), development benefits to people, wildlife and to increase Opportunities of a new community observatory at heritage-based activity on their site at Talkin Engage more people and a wider audience Allenheads and plans for a new observatory Tarn Country Park. They are a venue in the in dark skies and astronomy; increase use on Alston Moor demonstrate demand North Pennines 2019 Stargazing festival. of dark sky-friendly light use; enhance for easier access to dark skies. local visitor offer; add economic value Protecting our dark night skies, and to tourism in autumn/winter months. Tourism businesses elsewhere in the North restoring them where they are being Pennines AONB have welcomed training lost, can lead to tangible benefits for Development and activity designed to help them offer dark sky friendly tourism, promote our health and well- Our first pilot Stargazing We continue to build on our knowledge experiences to visitors. Cumbria Tourism is being, help wildlife and save both energy of the universe yet today we are, in lots of in discussion with the North Pennines AONB and public money. These benefits can event at Talkin Tarn ways, less connected to the dark skies above Partnership and Eden Tourism and Carlisle be delivered whilst maintaining safety us. The amazing cluster of stars that is the City Council to develop and offer a dark and security, if we have the right light, in will take place on Milky Way, visible on every clear night from sky accreditation for tourism businesses. the right direction, at the right time. dark locations anywhere on earth, has only We will work with local astronomy societies, 26 October 2019. been seen by 40% of Europeans and 20% Border Astronomical Society, North of North Americans. Due to the endless Pennines Astronomy Society and Carlisle 2000 people have been growth in light pollution (3% a year – Royal City Council to establish Talkin Tarn as a Commission on Light Pollution 2009) these Dark Sky Discovery Site. We will also identify interested in attending, starry skies are hidden from most people. and designate one other site in the south of the Scheme area to extend the North and it is sold out! Pennines Dark Sky Discovery network.
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Working with an artist we will commission Outputs Outcomes Project volunteer and a functional stargazing structure at Talkin training opportunities Tarn, which will facilitate and encourage 1 lighting audit of Talkin Tarn visitor centre Dark skies are protected and There will be opportunities for youth celebrated as a heritage feature people to use the site for stargazing, 2 new Dark Sky Discovery Sites designated. engagement with the design and but which can also be used during the of Fellfoot Forward landscape build of the star gazing structure. 4 volunteer astronomers involved daytime for ‘slow’ reflective activities. The More people, and a wider audience, have Links to B4 Next Generation. with dark sky quality monitoring project will involve young people from the engaged with dark skies and astronomy Fellfoot Forward area in its conception 1 functional art installation to interpret and construction as much as possible. dark skies heritage; ten young people The young people will showcase their and youth leader(s) from Carlisle Youth project in a future stargazing event(s) Zone and/or Stomping Ground CIC involved with design and delivery We will feature Talkin Tarn as an accessible star gazing venue as part of 16 public stargazing events the annual North Pennines Star Gazing 1 Star Camp Festival, and we will work with our partners to help them deliver further 2 planetarium events stargazing events at Talkin Tarn. 800 people attending stargazing events Location and timescale At Talkin Tarn and sites throughout the Scheme area, from June 2020 - December 2023.
Previous page picture: Skywatch at Talkin Tarn.
58 Fellfoot Forward Landscape Partnership Scheme Landscape Conservation Action Plan Part 2 C2 Stars in the Tarn
Project Costs
Legacy Total project cost National Lottery Heritage Match funding This project will leave behind two new Funding requirement Dark Sky Discovery sites where people can safely stop and stargaze on a clear night. £10,000 £10,000 The sites will be mapped on the Dark Sky Discovery partnership’s on-line map and the North Pennines AONB Partnership web site. Awareness will be raised locally among the community and with partners.
Dark sky-friendly lighting will have Project risk management been installed at Talkin Tarn reducing running costs and light pollution. A group of young people will feel pride in their role in the design and Risk Likelihood Impact Action to mitigate delivery alongside a professional Sky quality and other Medium Low Secure involvement of local artist of a permanent star gazing parameters not community with volunteer art structure at Talkin Tarn. met for a second astronomers to identify sites. dark Sky Discovery Members of the local and regional site designation community will better understand and Carlisle City Council Low Medium Assurances at Development value their dark skies for their contribution don’t undertake Stage to undertake audit and to their health and wellbeing, to wildlife lighting audit or modify act on recommendations and to the economy of their local area. lighting at centre No youth group Low High Revisit groups early and establish wants to engage timetable and activity to engage in with arts project year one ahead of year two delivery Inappropriate Medium High Have early conversation with lighting from housing developers and agree appropriate development at south lighting and support for events. side of Talkin Tarn.
Fellfoot Forward Landscape Partnership Scheme Landscape Conservation Action Plan Part 2 59 C3 Slow Trails
Project lead partner: North Project objective Parish Councils, walking groups and Village Heritage Trails Pennines AONB Partnership To develop ‘slow’ walking and cycling members of the community voiced a We will upgrade and promote four new routes for walkers and cyclists who desire for local routes to be improved walking routes in the Fellfoot Scheme Other partners involved in delivery: wish to take their time travelling in our and better promoted as a local resource area which start and finish in village Cumbria County Council, Eden District landscape and to learn about our heritage and to support health and wellbeing. locations. These routes have been Council, Carlisle City Council, parish councils, along the way. To give people a choice of chosen for three main reasons: United Utilities, Eden Valley Cycling UK, differently accessible, immersive walks Designing and promoting easier walking and Cumbria Tourism, Eden Rivers Trust, through the area’s ‘slow landscape’. cycling routes which are well-interpreted, 1. They will allow interpretation of local walking groups, visitor businesses and designed for a diverse audience, will some key local heritage features; Threats help us to engage more of the public in 2. They have been identified by Local rights of way are under-promoted our local natural and cultural heritage. local people as key local walking and little used and are therefore harder to routes in need of upgrade; walk and ride as they become overgrown. We facilitated partner discussions regarding 3. They start and finish in locations Extremes of weather and/or changes future development of a multi user route which could benefit from to surface threaten the loss of routes along the line of the disused Lord Carlisle increased visitor spend. as ground slips or is lost into rivers. Railway from Tindale to Hallbankgate. Without restoration work, routes will Future aspiration is to continue to These routes are at Lacy’s Cave, be lost, along with access opportunities Brampton Junction station, opening up Kirkoswald, Ainstable, and Gelt for communities and visitors. opportunities for people to access the Woods. Each route will have new route area through sustainable transport means. descriptions and interpretation available Opportunities Carlisle City Council have submitted this in both printed and digital media. Promote local walks for the community and as an EOI to Borderlands for funding. visitors; make improvements to the surface Easy access walks underfoot and increase access by replacing We will upgrade and promote three new stiles with gates. Increase high—interest short accessible routes for those with Curiosity, exploration access for people with restricted mobility. either limited mobility or with young children. These routes have been identified and immersion in a Development and activity for Long Meg (in A4 Monuments at Risk), During the Development Stage consultation, Castle Carrock Reservoir and Talkin Tarn ‘slow’ landscape rich in visitor businesses have voiced a need for (a major venue for B4 Next Generation). promoted routes and products for their All routes will have a route description nature and culture, will cycling and walking guests. Designing and heritage interpretation. At Castle routes, which start and pass through villages Carrock, we will work with United Utilities to lead to reflection and with pubs, cafes and shops, will support the improve access and develop interpretation care for our heritage. local economy and visitor infrastructure. at the southern end of the reservoir.
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Fellfoot 40 Cycle route Outputs Outcomes Project volunteer and We will create a 40 mile cycle route that training opportunities links villages within the heart of the 4 new Village Heritage Trails with Heritage is accessible to different users There will be a need for volunteer improved access and interpretation; Fellfoot Forward area and offers riders Heritage is better promoted engagement with initial route checking, a circular route, with variations, that 3 new Easy Access routes with and we will work with local parish councils immerses them in the local landscape. improved access and interpretation; to encourage ongoing route checking beyond the life of the scheme. Eden Valley Multi-user routes 1 new promoted cycle trail: Fellfoot Cycling UK volunteers will support with We will support Cumbria County 40, with interpretative leaflet route checking the Fellfoot 40 Cycle route. Council to complete the re dedication and digital route download. of footpath to bridleway east of Castle 16 stiles replaced with gates Carrock to create a circular bridleway, creating a new multi user route. 6 volunteers route checking
We will encourage the horse-riding community to identify gate latches that can be replaced to offer easy access routes along gated bridleways and byways. The community can apply to the Fellfoot Forward Community Grant to fund this work.
We will support Friends of the North Pennines in promoting their ‘Donate a Gate’ scheme to replace stiles with gates, making routes more multi-user friendly.
Previous page picture: Walkers in Geltsdale.
62 Fellfoot Forward Landscape Partnership Scheme Landscape Conservation Action Plan Part 2 C3 Slow Trials
Project Costs
Legacy This project will leave behind a series of Total project cost National Lottery Heritage Match funding access routes where people of different Funding requirement abilities can explore the outstanding heritage of the Fellfoot landscape. These £71,000 £31,000 £40,000 Cumbria County Council routes will be well promoted by visitor expenditure on Village Trails businesses and will offer opportunities and replacement gates for a range of immersive walks through the Scheme’s ‘slow landscape’. Project risk management
Risk Likelihood Impact Action to mitigate Original routes Low Medium Discussion and agreements in the become unavailable development stage. Early revisiting of routes at beginning of scheme so others can be identified. Volunteers reluctant Low Medium Engage local people with to be involved their local routes. Funding for donate Medium Medium Work with Friends of the North a gate doesn’t Pennines and Cumbria County come through Council to promote the scheme. Identify other source of funding.
Fellfoot Forward Landscape Partnership Scheme Landscape Conservation Action Plan Part 2 63 C4 Arts Connection
Project lead partner: North Project objective In the development period we have The year one workshops and performances Pennines AONB Partnership A Community Arts programme delivered discussed with groups and organisations will act as a consultation for a community over the life of the scheme, to engage how the arts and crafts are currently arts programme spanning years two to Other partners involved in delivery: local community across village and represented in the Fellfoot Forward area. three. The nature of that programme will Eden District Council, Carlisle City parish boundaries with the rich natural Eden Valley Artist’s Network, which includes be determined by the audiences we target, Council, Eden Valley Artists Network and cultural heritage uncovered and artists from the Fellfoot forward area, attract and work with. In partnership with enhanced by the Fellfoot Forward LPS. exhibit at two venues twice in the year. Katie Hale we will make a submission to Hallbankgate Hub host craft groups and Arts Council England for support for a Threats have a gallery for local artists. RSPB have two-year programme of connected arts Parts of our community within and a public art gallery at their reserve offices. activity that will focus on the natural and outside Fellfoot Forward area are not There are two music festivals, Music on the cultural elements of Fellfoot Forward. The yet engaged with Fellfoot Forward LPS Marr and Mains farm and Glassonby have a purpose of these arts projects will be to because they fall outside our key audiences family music and crafts weekend. Cumbria involve new, underrepresented audiences such as farmers, visitor businesses, Wildlife Trust and Prism Arts have advised in the activities of the Fellfoot Forward educational establishments, young on community arts development. We have scheme and to help make connections people, and heritage enthusiasts. worked with a community artist, Katie Hale, between village communities across the to develop a one-year programme of activity area and beyond. The arts activity will flow Opportunities designed to announce the presence of the through the four years of the scheme and An arts-based approach will allow us to scheme. Katie is a poet and creative writer. draw from activity in all programmes. engage in a creative way with a more diverse audience than just those targeted The year one programme will create directly through projects, and with under- a multi-faceted portrait of the Fellfoot represented groups from outside the area. Forward area through words which will be shown as a work-in-progress during Development and activity Music on the Marr. The final work will be We want to engage the widest possible shared at a showcase in a Village Hall, at audience in the landscape and heritage which there will be a launch of a pamphlet of the Fellfoot Forward area and in the of the work produced during the project. activities of the scheme. We want to The workshops with adults and young bring different communities together people will explore creative ways of writing around interesting, creative and engaging about place: from personal connection activities. Conversations with partners, with landscape, to history, to place names, artists and our recent experiences as an to ways of capturing the atmosphere of a organisation has shown that community place through poetry/descriptive prose. arts are a mechanism to do this. Through these methods participants will explore their relationships to the Following page picture: Drawing from places around them, and their creative Long Meg visit by Lees Hill primary school responses to the Fellfoot Forward area.
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Outputs Outcomes Volunteer and training opportunities People will have the opportunity to 20 community arts workshops A diverse audience from within and outside volunteer to be part of a creative arts the Fellfoot Forward area engaged with 4 arts performance at Music on the Marr process celebrating their landscape. They Fellfoot Forward activity in a creative way. will receive training in new creative skills 200 volunteers People engaged and inspired by and will be given opportunities to contribute 4 exhibitions/ temporary installations the Fellfoot Forward Landscape towards a performance pieces, installations and exhibitions. Other volunteer and People aware of ways to be involved training opportunities associated with with the natural and cultural other projects will be unlocked for them. heritage of the Fellfoot area. Personal development of individuals through the medium of creative arts.
66 Fellfoot Forward Landscape Partnership Scheme Landscape Conservation Action Plan Part 2 C4 Arts Connection
Project Costs
Legacy Total project cost National Lottery Heritage Match funding People will have celebrated and been Funding requirement immersed in the stories from the rich natural and cultural heritage through £87,000 £80,000 £7,000 community arts. They will gain new skills, knowledge and build relationships within and across communities. The process will strengthen ties for individuals and communities with the Fellfoot Forward area and with interest in the area sparked it will encourage Project risk management people from outside the Scheme area to experience, learn more about, return to and celebrate this area. Risk Likelihood Impact Action to mitigate Community Artist is Low High Research Artists that come poor in engagement recommended. and delivery
Community reluctant Low High Use the first-year programme to engage ease the community into a community arts approach. Use the first year to consult so the two year programme delivers for the community and people outside the area Arts Council bid fails Low Medium We can deliver a reduced programme on the HF funding allocated to community arts.
Fellfoot Forward Landscape Partnership Scheme Landscape Conservation Action Plan Part 2 67 C5 Community Grants
Project Lead Partner: North Project objective Development and activity The grant will be offered with a Pennines AONB Partnership To allow community groups and individuals Several potential projects have been requirement for 20% match funding from to develop heritage-based projects which identified during the development stage of other sources. This match may be cash Other partners involved in fit with the themes of this Scheme, but this project which are not yet sufficiently well and/or in-kind contributions, including delivery: Carlisle City Council, Eden which are as yet unidentified. Examples developed to be included in this application. volunteer time. Where the funding is District Council, Parish Councils would include community wildlife projects Our experience of running other Landscape sourced is up to the grant applicants, developed through B3 Citizen Science, Partnership Schemes is that many more as long as it’s not double funding. community history projects developed projects will emerge from the community through B1 Uncovering the Past, heritage during the course of the scheme, and We have set the criteria for the tourism projects from our audience for that these are valuable and worthwhile grant scheme and the process for B5 Fellfoot Welcome, or community activities. A grant scheme allows for a application in Part 3 of the LCAP. arts projects developed alongside certain flexibility in allowing the community C4 Arts Connection, or community- to develop these ideas within the Scheme Location and timescale led village green enhancements. timeline, and for project staff and partners Across the project area, from to help with project design as needed. June 2020 – December 2023. Threats Small-scale heritage features are We will administer a Community Grant, easily overlooked and lost if not which will be open to individuals and cared for by the community. groups in the Fellfoot Forward area. In this way, communities will be part- Opportunities funded to protect their own heritage, Community-led priorities for heritage and better equipped to seek funding can be supported by the Fellfoot Forward and agency support in the future. Community Grant. In particular we expect projects relating to tourism, village greens, heritage interpretation, and wildlife enhancement to come forward through this project.
68 Fellfoot Forward Landscape Partnership Scheme Landscape Conservation Action Plan Part 2 Fellfoot Forward Landscape Partnership Scheme Landscape Conservation Action Plan Part 2 69 C5 Community Grants
Outputs Outcomes Volunteer and training opportunities Legacy Volunteers will be encouraged to lead Communities are better able to protect 40 Community Grant Schemes delivered Communities work together to raise funds on community grant applications. Where their natural and cultural heritage. The for and protect their local heritage 10 people trained in locally necessary, training will be provided by Community Grant has inspired groups of relevant fundraising project staff in applying for grants so volunteers to work together to develop that 20% match funding can be found projects. Where needed, individuals to match the LPS contribution. This will are trained in budgets and funding secure greater confidence and ability applications, increasing the skillset of within communities in developing communities and facilitating future projects, as well as in funding and budget collaborative heritage protection. management for heritage projects.
Project Costs
Total project cost National Lottery Heritage Match funding Funding requirement £90,000 £80,000 £10,000 grant recipients fundraising
£10,000 grant recipients volunteer time
Project risk management
Risk Likelihood Impact Action to mitigate Lack of interest in Low High A Community Engagement Officer Communities Grant will work closely with communities across the LPS programme to encourage new initiatives.
70 Fellfoot Forward Landscape Partnership Scheme Landscape Conservation Action Plan Part 2 Fellfoot Forward
For more information
Contact Emma Wright: [email protected] or Fiona Knox: [email protected] 01388 528 801
North Pennines AONB Partnership The Old Co-op Building, 1 Martin Street, Stanhope, Durham DL13 2UY northpennines.org.uk
Fellfoot Forward is led by the North Pennines AONB Partnership and supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Version: May20 Design: [email protected] Fellfoot Forward Landscape Partnership Scheme Landscape Conservation Action Plan Part 2 71