2014-2015 Annual Review

Protecting Wildlife for the Future Cumbria Wildlife Trust: 2014-2015 Cumbria Wildlife Trust: 2014-2015

Chairman’s introduction A word from our President

There are a great in partnership with other organisations, seas safeguarded for the future. This was The last year has seen feel there is a positive case from our number of conservation land owners and agencies, and support a made possible thanks to the Skills for real progress for Cumbria perspective we are open to doing so, as organisations working network of volunteers whose role is vital the Future programme, funded by HLF, Wildlife Trust, and in in this instance. to protect species and in achieving success and to whom we are which enables up to six trainees each year particular the completion habitats at local, national truly grateful. to gain work-based experience in marine of the acquisition of In a world where immediate financial and international levels. conservation, including organising the Eycott Hill near Berrier, problems appear to dominate so much They all have different visions and This year, an important priority has been hugely successful conference! With two which is an important site as well as a of the news, the importance of wildlife – missions but we summarise our purpose to secure Eycott Hill as a nature reserve, new conservation apprenticeships also strategic area for the Trust. and our responsibilities towards it on as: ‘Cumbria Wildlife Trust is the only which has been achieved thanks to the p Dr. Tavis Potts was just one of many starting in 2014, it is with great pleasure behalf of both the present and future voluntary organisation devoted solely to support of members and generous grants speakers at our Irish Sea Marine that I can reflect on the last year and be Clearly we do not acquire land for generations – must not be forgotten. the conservation of the wildlife and wild from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF), Conference in April 2014 proud of the expansion in training across its own sake – not least because land We won’t! places of Cumbria’. This is our vision for a WREN, Cumbria Waste Management the organisation. ownership brings with it a range of Cumbria rich in wildlife, valued by all. Environment Trust, Garfield Weston been to inform people and encourage responsibilities and problems, and Lord Inglewood Our mission, therefore, is to create Foundation and Banister Charitable them to support marine protection The variety of projects we undertake expenditure. However, where we Hutton-in-the-Forest Living Landscapes and Living Seas for Trust. We are now presented with an by responding to the Government’s (including upland wetlands, dwarf future generations. exciting opportunity to restore this special consultation. To receive so many letters willow and hay meadows etc.) make real upland site between Keswick and Penrith, calling for the designation of Allonby Bay contributions to large-scale restoration, We need a strategic approach because the and demonstrate how uplands can be and West of Walney as MCZs highlights mapping and habitat creation. However, challenge is vastly greater than what we managed so that wildlife can flourish. growing public support for conservation there is (and will always be) much more Contents can accomplish, especially in these times of the sea as well as the land. work to be done, so I look forward to of financial stringency. Also, it is essential We have also been, and will remain, the next year knowing it will be just as Living Landscapes 4-6 Inspiring people 16-17 for the Trust to work to a Five Year Plan, committed to Marine Conservation Zones The Irish Sea Marine Conference in exciting as the news of osprey chicks this Better havens, more wildlife 7-9 Thank you 18-19 where specific objectives lead to strategies (MCZs) and the urgent need to establish April was a particular highlight of the year but aware that there is a long way to and long-term programmes of work. To a coherent network of these protected year, with inspirational speakers and go before we can relax knowing all is safe! Living Seas 10-11 Financial report 20-21 do this effectively, the Trust must work areas in the Irish Sea. Our objective has delegates united in a desire to see our Highlights 2014-15 12-13 Legacies and in memoriam 22 Anne Powell Your highlights 14-15 Looking ahead 23 Cover: Eycott Hill Nature Reserve.Photo: Mike McFarlane 2 Protecting Wildlife for the Future 2014-2015 Annual Review 3 Living Landscapes Living Landscapes

Our vision to create, conserve and disturbance-free sanctuary for coastal red poll to graze the limestone grasslands. connect wildlife-rich places in both rural birds. Improvements for flora diversity This approach benefits both the diversity and urban areas of Cumbria to form a have also commenced at Natural of plant species by opening the sward, Living Landscape is at the very heart England’s North Walney Nature Reserve, and also the local grazier and community of everything we do. To accomplish this where we have installed 2.2km of stock in the form of high-quality meat. Where we work in collaboration with a number fencing to bring the whole site under grazing alone has been insufficient, scrub of different organisations and groups, conservation grazing management for the management works have been necessary including Government agencies, other first time. Further work at these nature to recover the habitat balance within the charities and local landowners, as well reserves, as well as our Foulney Island wider landscape. as local businesses and communities. Nature Reserve and BAE Systems West of Often, this is through the Local Nature Airfield site, will gradually restore these Another aspect of our work to help Partnership (LNP), with the Trust unique habitats to improve them for a Cumbria’s landscape to flourish is our playing a central role and providing the variety of species from natterjack toads to Meadow Life project. With hay meadows secretariat for Cumbria. little and Arctic terns. suffering serious decline in recent decades, the Trust has been committed to working In 2014 we launched a new five-year Within the wider Morecambe Bay with farmers and volunteers to return project to improve, regenerate and protect Local Nature Partnership (LNP), we these meadows to wildlife havens across coastal wildlife habitats in the sand dunes have been involved in the Morecambe the county. In 2013 we improved or restored around Barrow-in-Furness. Working Bay Limestone and Wetland Nature 40 hectares of meadow, and 46 hectares in with the Morecambe Bay Partnership Improvement Area (NIA), hosting the 2014. This is a significant contribution to and Natural England, with funding from Grassland Advisor to deliver a specific Cumbria’s total area of hay meadow, which WREN, practical restoration is now well project to achieve wildlife-rich limestone was estimated to be 278 hectares in 2008. underway. At our South Walney Nature grassland that maximises benefits for To date, we have planted over 25,000 plants Reserve, the first phase of the grassland biodiversity and local communities. This with the plugs provided by HMP Haverigg. restoration has been completed to benefit project, now at the end of its three-year This partnership benefits not only the specialist dune plants including the term, has involved us working with land restoration programme, but also the unique Walney geranium, with excess managers, supported by the Higher Level u Summertime planting at Mallerstang, material used to create 1km of bunds Stewardship Scheme, to return native, near Kirkby Stephen. to screen sensitive areas and create a hardy cattle such as belted Galloways and Photo: Michelle Waller

4 Protecting Wildlife for the Future 2014-2015 Annual Review 5 Living Landscapes Better havens, more wildlife

prisoners who find the work to produce Nationally, Coronation Meadows – a vision When the opportunity to purchase Eycott the Trust’s newest nature reserve in the purchase and the delivery of a five-year meadow plants from seed interesting, of HRH the Prince of Wales to create a Hill arose in 2013, the Esmée Fairbairn north of the county started in earnest. restoration and training programme. rewarding and a route to gain City & meadow in every county to celebrate Finance Fund generously agreed to buy Two years on, our vision became a reality With help from volunteers we have Guilds qualifications. Planting on this scale the 60th anniversary of the Queen’s the land on our behalf, and the enormous as news in January 2015 revealed we had undertaken an ambitious programme of would simply not be possible without the Coronation in 2013 – has progressed even task of fundraising to secure this Site been awarded a £1.6million grant from the woodland planting, including large areas continued support from volunteers, many further. The second stage, funded by Biffa of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) as Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) towards the of oak, birch and alder, as well as juniper of whom are also involved in other aspects Award and led by the Trust on behalf of of the project such as surveying meadows The Wildlife Trusts with partners Plantlife and verges, as well as seed collection. and the Rare Breeds Survival Trust, will p Our work to improve limestone see a further 27 meadows restored across grasslands has included Farleton the country over three years. Knott, near Burton in Kendal

In August 2014, green hay harvested from Upland Wetlands project, we have been Cumbria’s flagship Coronation Meadow working with Penrith business Barker and at Piper Hole, near Ravenstonedale was Bland, who have developed innovative spread by staff and volunteers at Eycott techniques and built new machinery to Hill Nature Reserve. As we go to press, we help restore eroded peat faces. At Forest can see the new hay meadow thriving with Hall in the Shap fells, the Environment yellow rattle – a key species in establishing Agency’s Catchment Restoration Fund has new hay meadows and attracting bees and enabled 80km of damaged peat faces to be other insects. re-profiled and laid with turf.

Practical restoration has continued in the As we look forward, knowing there are uplands too. This not only conserves our many challenges ahead, we will continue to fells as iconic features of the Cumbrian focus on specific areas of habitat restoration p This wonderful view of Eycott Hill landscape, but also helps to protect and work with land managers and partner Nature Reserve, with Blencathra in p Plug plants supplied by HMP Haverigg the wider community from the effects organisations to conserve wildlife and the background, shows the intricate make a vital contribution to the of water pollution, valley flooding and create a thriving and connected Living mosaic of wetlands and rocky rides success of the Meadow Life project carbon release. As part of the Trust’s Landscape for the future in Cumbria. that make this place so special

6 Protecting Wildlife for the Future 2014-2015 Annual Review 7 Better havens, more wildlife Better havens, more wildlife

wet woodland to reach the dragonfly pool, Nature Reserve, we have been working while the other crosses the best remaining with Barrow-in-Furness charity Art Gene, area of intact raised mire to the platforms which is developing proposals for two that provide exceptional views over the new hides at the nature reserve, as well moss. From here, stonechats, reed bunting as undertaking research and engaging in and tree pipits can be seen, as well as a community discussion in order to compile host of impressive birds of prey including a plan for improving visitors’ experience marsh harrier, hobby and peregrine. A pair in the future. Regrettably, news at South of ospreys established a nest at Foulshaw Walney has not all been positive as the Moss for the first time in 2014, successfully breeding success of a variety of sea bird rearing three chicks. It was with great species fell significantly. The number of delight that we welcomed the same adult breeding pairs of herring and lesser pair back at Foulshaw Moss to settle on black-backed gulls was estimated to be  Native Luing cattle are now grazing at Eycott Hill Nature Reserve a result of our the nest again – all of which is captured 4,500 in 2014 compared to 6,000 in 2013 – partnership work with Newton Rigg College by the new high- definition cameras we a devastating reduction in numbers installed in early spring to stream live that could have been worse without to ultimately create a mosaic of woodland, The last year has proved to be an footage of the birds to a growing audience the protection of an electric fence we heath and scrub. In partnership with incredibly exciting chapter for Foulshaw of over 500 viewers each day. installed to help shield the nesting birds Newton Rigg College, native Luing cattle Moss Nature Reserve. Following 15 years of p We have been working to restore the from predators. Eider ducks suffered a have been introduced as part of the new restoration to re-establish the conditions Across our other nature reserves, we have dunes at Eskmeal Dunes Nature difficult year too as only 10 chicks fledged conservation grazing regime to help that allowed peat to form originally, this continued working to manage some of the Reserve to benefit specialist species successfully due to predation, and sadly manage the vegetation and demonstrate lowland raised mire near Witherslack is best areas of coastal habitat, limestone such as heartsease pansy common terns also failed to breed both how careful upland management can once again a thriving wetland. With visitor pavement, woodland and grassland. At here and at neighbouring Foulney Island benefit wildlife. We are also pleased to access restricted during the restoration Eskmeals Dunes Nature Reserve, major the native heartsease pansy and other Nature Reserve. welcome two new members of staff who period, we have been busy replacing works have taken place over the winter to specialist dune plants that ought to thrive. will deliver the restoration and training, around 400 metres of boardwalk so that eradicate sea buckthorn across the site. We have also created several new ponds and the marketing and communications visitors can now use the wheelchair and This invasive shrub stops the natural and restored two existing ponds for aspects of the restoration project for the pushchair-friendly routes to two areas of movement of the dunes and creates shade, breeding natterjack toads.  We ringed three osprey chicks at Foulshaw next five years. the nature reserve. One is through fen and which in turn has a negative impact on Further along the coast at South Walney Moss Nature Reserve in July 2014

8 Protecting Wildlife for the Future 2014-2015 Annual Review 9 Living Seas Living Seas

The last year has been an important species, from crabs and anemones to a The Trust is committed to developing time for marine conservation and we variety of seaweeds. This picturesque knowledge and understanding of marine have seized the opportunity to try and coastal site is also important for the issues, and in April 2014 we hosted the secure further Marine Conservation local community who use the area for second Irish Sea Marine Conference to raise Zones (MCZs) in the Irish Sea and off the recreation and benefit from tourism. awareness about the Irish Sea. coast of Cumbria. It is hoped that these Mud and sand are the dominant habitats nationally important sites will contribute in the West of Walney recommended A host of speakers with a wide range of to the network of Marine Protected Areas MCZ. The area supports rich communities expertise spoke about MCZs, the diversity (MPAs) throughout our seas. Following the of urchins, seapens, molluscs, and of species and habitats found around our initial designation of 27 MCZs nationally brittlestars as well as providing a nursery coast, how to engage people about the Irish in 2013, the Government launched a ground for many species of fish. Sea, plus the impact and benefit of offshore second round for public consultation in windfarms. Amazing footage of some of January 2015 to gather opinions on areas Securing the designation and management nature’s most fascinating marine species was next in line for consideration as MCZs. of MCZs is a major priority for the Trust’s also shared by award-winning cameraman The 12-week consultation included two objective to achieve Living Seas, an Doug Allan who spoke to delegates about areas off the coast of Cumbria – Allonby aspiration where wildlife – and people – his experience in educating people about Bay and West of Walney – which, if can thrive. We therefore asked our conserving the marine environment. successfully designated will bring the total members to respond to the public number of MCZs in the Irish Sea to four. consultation. Over 1,230 members took However, there was deep disappointment action by writing to Defra, urging the that Mud Hole – a significant habitat Government to designate the two for delicate sea pens and starfish, as Cumbrian sites and reconsider other well as the commercially important important sites for protection. It is Dublin Bay prawn – was postponed for necessary for special habitats throughout further consideration. our seas to be protected in order to create a truly ecologically coherent network of Allonby Bay contains some of the best MPAs, particularly as the pressures on our p We were thrilled to receive over 1,230 p Important habitats like the honeycomb worm reef at Allonby Bay will examples of honeycomb worm reef in the seas continue to grow. responses to the Marine Conservation be protected for the future if designated as a Marine Conservation Zone UK. The reefs support a wealth of other Zone public consultation

10 Protecting Wildlife for the Future 2014-2015 Annual Review 11 Highlights 2014-2015 Highlights 2014-2015

April July October January u Local teacher Dan Duxbury set off on u Over 150 people took to the sands in u The Trust’s Members’ Conference, which u With relief and huge thanks, we all an ambitious challenge to scale all of the glorious sunshine for the Trust’s annual featured a wide variety of topics and celebrated the news that after two years of 282 Munros in Scotland in a single self- Cross Bay Walk. Led by Cedric Robinson, speakers, was also the perfect opportunity fundraising, Eycott Hill would become the propelled journey by running, cycling and this important fundraising event raised to recognise the exceptional commitment Trust’s newest nature reserve. kayaking between summits. He completed over £3,400. and contribution of volunteers. In total, the challenge in just 42 days, raising 11 people were presented with Badger’s Paw February £1,301.50 for the Trust. u A rare hybrid between the dark Awards in recognition of their work red helleborine and the broad-leaved to conserve wildlife in Cumbria. u In the run-up to the General Election helleborine was discovered at Hutton we wrote to each of the prospective May u The Trust won the award for ‘Combatting Roof Crags Nature Reserve by local orchid parliamentary candidates to highlight  Local orchid experts Bryan Yorke and Climate Change’ in recognition of our u Families enjoyed the Trust’s Beached experts Bryan Yorke and Alan Gendle. the important wildlife and wildlife Alan Gendle discovered a rare hybrid restoration at Foulshaw Moss and Meathop Art festival of marine life despite at Hutton Roof Crags Nature Reserve habitats within their constituency, inclement weather on the day! Prizes in August Moss nature reserves at the North West and asked them to support the Trust’s the best sand sculpture competition were Green Heroes Awards event. four environmental ‘asks’. awarded for creations depicting sea shells u As part of national Marine Week, a November and a dolphin. host of events took place at South Walney March Nature Reserve, as well as a seascapes u School children from south Cumbria June painting day at Allonby Bay. created a series of brilliant art sculptures u New high-definition cameras were inspired by the wildlife at Foulshaw Moss installed on the osprey nest at Foulshaw u Osprey fever reached a high as we September Nature Reserve. Moss shortly before the pair of ospreys received news that all three chicks made their migration back to the UK. had hatched at Foulshaw Moss u Winners of the Meadow Life December Now, everyone can watch the drama Nature Reserve. photography competition were unfold as the birds breed and raise their announced! Four categories ensured a u Thanks to generous donations from chicks before returning to Africa. t Dan Duxbury raised over £1,300 for the diverse selection of winning images, members and through the Big Give  Trust by tackling all of the 282 Munros each of which starred in the Trust’s In September the winners of our Christmas Challenge, £26,819.80 was raised in Scotland 2015 calendar. Meadow Life photography as part of our appeal to help raise funds for competition were revealed our marine work.

12 Protecting Wildlife for the Future 2014-2015 Annual Review 13 Your highlights Your highlights

 Kendal Kingfishers Wildlife Watch group enjoy a walk to discover signs of spring on Cunswick Scar Wildlife Watch Apprentice West Coast Local group leader Conservation Officer Support Group Chair

The past year for our The highlight of my Perhaps not what most Wildlife Watch group year has definitely been would regard as a ‘highlight’, (Kendal Kingfishers) has having the opportunity obviously important to me and been another amazing to learn so many new my family was the sad passing adventure. Some of the and varied skills, from of my mother last October. highlights included pond getting my chainsaw She was the person who gave dipping at Plumgarths in May. In June licence to learning to use GIS mapping my sister and I our love for the countryside we walked from Plumgarths to Cunswick software and becoming a first aider. I and interest in all aspects of wildlife. When Fell and got muddy, but this only added to particularly enjoy learning to identify the Trust decided to appeal for funds to the fun. In September we met on a lovely new species, both by sight and by sound, install cameras at Foulshaw Moss Nature evening at Gooseholme and Tony Marshall as when I first started in October I had a Reserve I decided that a donation, in her led a fantastic walk spotting pipistrelle less than basic knowledge and was keen memory, towards the cameras was something and Daubenton’s bats. In autumn a young to improve. Whilst I still have a very long she would have appreciated. My family are volunteer led an excellent interactive quiz way to go and an awful lot to learn, I have pleased that the donation helped to provide an important facility for the continued with different wildlife activity stations, made significant progress since I started progress in osprey conservation in the county. and on a cold snowy Saturday in January and love the satisfaction of knowing we did the Big Garden Bird Watch at what species I am looking at and being Rosemary Hutt Plumgarths – neither the birds or children able to tell others about them. Although were put off by the weather! In February this has led to me spending a small the children made bird boxes to take fortune on guide books, it does mean I home, and we also had South Lakes River’s have discovered a new hobby – birding! Trust and Marine Trainees from the Trust hosting excellent informative sessions. The Kate Cartmell-Done biggest highlight of all was seeing children having fun learning about nature. Seb Sillito

14 Protecting Wildlife for the Future 2014-2015 Annual Review 15 Inspiring people Inspiring people

Alongside our direct work to create Living Training opportunities are also provided Volunteers continue to contribute a huge through social media and the web Landscapes and Living Seas, another of through apprenticeships. We created a amount to the Trust and support all to engage with more people, and the Trust’s key priorities is to inspire and new two-year Apprentice Conservation areas of our work. From office assistance ultimately increase our membership p A University of Cumbria placement engage people to value nature. There are Officer post in 2014 as part of the Yorkshire to surveying and practical conservation, base and income. student in 2013–2014, Ian Kane is now a number of ways in which we do this, Dales Millennium Trust’s rural trainee volunteers provide hours of time and the Honorary Reserve Manager at and one area that has grown in the last scheme, which finds young people expert skills. Last year over 250 people Thacka Beck Nature Reserve in Penrith This approach has also been effective year is to not only motivate, but create apprenticeships with various companies registered as new volunteers and we have in our campaign work, which has seen active training opportunities for the and organisations. The apprenticeship been fortunate that one of our previous with schools and colleges across Cumbria, an increase in people connecting and next generation of people who will be is wide-ranging and work varies from placement students from the University making over 60 classroom visits and responding online. In March, The Wildlife responsible for conserving the responding to wildlife queries to surveying of Cumbria has gone on to become an supporting field trips to work with over Trusts launched a UK-coordinated My natural environment. and practical restoration. In the north Honorary Reserve Manager at Thacka 1,500 children over the year. Wild Life campaign, which seeks to of the county the Solway Wetlands Beck Nature Reserve in Penrith. As well inspire more people to value wildlife. To Our successful marine traineeship, which Landscape Partnership has also funded a as honorary reserve manager roles, Inspiring people would not be possible date, over 100 people have shared their is run in partnership with the Wildlife new apprentice, hosted by the Trust and we have recently created a new live-in without communication. One of the ways ‘stories’ – a snapshot of their precious Trust for Lancashire, Manchester and Natural England, to restore and conserve Volunteer Assistant Warden position at we seek to regularly engage and update moment connecting with nature. North Merseyside, has seen 12 trainees the wetland habitats of the Solway Plain South Walney Nature Reserve to help the our members about our work is through gain work-based training in marine while working towards a work-based Level warden with the day-to-day management our magazine, Cumbrian Wildlife. In April, Our active campaign work was directed conservation and people engagement since 2 Diploma in Environmental Conservation. of the nature reserve over the busy we launched a new digital version of the in two main areas last year; one was the 2011. Last year, this scheme was extended summer months. magazine to provide another opportunity General Election and the other was the to create a further 16 Trainee Marine and Our existing partnership with the p As well as planting and surveying, we for accessing it in an increasingly Government’s consultation on Marine Coastal Conservation Officer posts over University of Cumbria has continued, ran a number of free training courses Thanks to our volunteers, hundreds paperless world, while taking advantage of Conservation Zones (MCZs) – both of the next three years, with four specifically with another student completing a of adults and young children enjoy the digital format that allows for live links which appealed to members to take such as scything as part of our created to provide opportunities for degree in Animal Conservation Science opportunities to learn about and explore and additional media-rich content, such action for nature. In the run-up to the Meadow Life project local people to improve their prospects gaining a work placement this year. With their local environment through our as videos and downloads. In return, we General Election we wrote to all of the of a career in marine conservation. Each increasing pressure on students to have apprentices, students and staff continue Wildlife Watch and local support group can benefit from immediate response to prospective parliamentary candidates in trainee benefits from wide ranging significant practical experience to support to benefit from a wide range of additional networks. Last year 75 summer walks and appeals that allow for easy click-through Cumbria outlining and asking them to on-the-job experience, including organising their education when entering full-time courses from outdoor first aid to species talks covering a wide range of conservation to the donations page on our website. support our key ‘asks’. We then published community events such as Beached Art; work, this opportunity provides them identification to help maintain a well- topics were organised by our Local Support With this in mind and an awareness that their responses on our website so that encouraging volunteers to take part in with the chance to develop a wide range informed team who are able to pass on Groups, while 6 Wildlife Watch groups the online world is continuing to grow, people could have a clear overview of the marine surveys; and delivering wildlife of practical skills to help strengthen their knowledge and experience to others. ran a total of 49 engaging activity sessions we have made a strategic investment candidates’ commitment to wildlife. workshops for children. their job applications. All trainees, for children. We have continued to work to develop our digital communication

16 Protecting Wildlife for the Future 2014-2015 Annual Review 17 Thank you! Thank you!

Supporters of Grant and donations income Corporate members during the year Cumbria Wildlife Trust Coronation Meadows Marine Heritage Skills for the Future North West Living Seas Platinum members Standard members The many achievements in the year Arcadia Heritage Lottery Fund Esmée Fairbairn Foundation The Lakes Distillery Aggregate Industries would not have been possible without Biffa Award Wildlife Trust members Nestlé UK & Ireland Carrs Milling generous and wide-ranging financial Natural England Meadow Life The Castle Green Hotel assistance from the Trust’s supporters. Royal Society of Wildlife Trusts Cumbria Waste Management Environment Trust Red Squirrel project Gold members Choice Hotels Thanks go to individual members, Heritage Lottery Fund Furness Building Society Lyon Equipment English Lakes Ice Cream corporate members, donors, grant- Eycott Hill The Wildflower Society Fortis Remote Technology giving organisations and legators. Below Banister Charitable Trust Uplands for Juniper Cumbria Wildlife Trust members Silver members Highgate Veterinary Clinic are details of some of those who have Cumbria Waste Management Environment Trust Nature Reserves H&H Reeds Printers Ltd Holker Hall Cumbria Wildlife Trust members SITA Trust supported the Trust’s various projects. Arts Council England North West Studsvik UK Ltd Lakeland Limited Garfield Weston Foundation WREN Barrow Borough Council Langdale Hotel and Spa Heritage Lottery Fund Cumbria Wildlife Trust members Unrestricted Bronze members LightBringer Essences WREN Donations were also received from many Cumbria Waste Management Environment Trust Furness Building Society Arnison Heelis Solicitors Pure Leisure Group individuals towards a large number of Defra Center Parcs Stringers Brewery projects and nature reserves. Many members Grasslands NIA Wetland Restoration Arnside and Silverdale AONB Environment Agency The Cumbria Grand Hotel Sykes Cottages generously supported a number of special Forestry Commission Environment Agency Eco-Tech Systems Wildroof Landscapes appeals including one to raise match funding Esmée Fairbairn Foundation Green Transport Corridors Heritage Lottery Fund Greg Thompson Quality Landscapes and used to secure grants at a multiple of ten times Natural England Natural England Keswick to Barrow Treecare Complimentary members the match funding contributed. Low Wood Bay Resort Hotel & Marina RSPB HolidayCottages.co.uk Cumbria Waste Management SITA Trust Irish Sea Natural England Rathbone Brothers plc Furness Building Society Esmée Fairbairn The Old School House Tarmac James Cropper Royal Society of Wildlife Trusts SITA Trust Twisted Tree Games Vine House Farm WREN Local Nature Partnership Cumbria Farmer Network Ltd Eden District Council

18 Protecting Wildlife for the Future 2014-2015 Annual Review 19 Financial report Financial report

Our aim is to create Living Landscapes, Overall income showed a slight Trustees' statement Income Expenditure secure Living Seas and inspire people increase to £2.4millon but setting aside to care for the natural environment. the Eycott Hill impact, both income The figures shown above are extracted Income in the year ended 31 March 2015 Expenditure in the year ended 31 March 2015 However, our work is always limited by and expenditure decreased slightly from the statutory accounts which were the amount of money we can raise and compared to the previous year. approved by the Trustees on 9 July 2015. we need to keep our expenditure The full statutory Annual Report and under control. Following a recovery in membership Financial Statements, on which the ■ Living Landscapes and Living Seas numbers in 2013/14, subscriptions auditors, Crowe Clark Whitehill LLP, gave an Successful fundraising for Eycott Hill increased for the second year in a row unqualified report, will be delivered to the ■ Beer havens, more wildlife has had a major impact on the Trust's and again provided over 20% of total Registrar of Companies and submitted to ■ Membership 30% 21% ■ overall finances, with £363,000 of income. The importance of this source the Charity Commission. These extracts may Inspiring people income raised and received during the of income cannot be over-emphasised ■ Legacies not contain sufficient information to allow ■ Membership scheme costs year but not spent, as the purchase since it supports all areas of the 3% 34% a full understanding of the financial affairs 5% ■ Donations 1% happened just after the year-end. As a Trust's work. of the charity. For further information the 5% ■ Fundraising costs result the Trust's finances showed an 6% ■ Other income full statutory accounts should be consulted 65% ■ overall increase in funds of £317,000 The Trust recognises the invaluable Publications and information together with the Auditors' report and the 3% ■ Grants 8% at the year-end, part of which was contribution of its members, both Trustees' Report. Copies of these may be ■ Governance costs spent on the purchase of Eycott Hill financially and through working as obtained from the Trust's Registered Office 11% 8% ■ Other costs on 2 April 2015, and the remainder will volunteers in a wide variety of ways. at Plumgarths, Crook Road, Kendal, help to fund this project over the next Without you, we would achieve so Cumbria LA8 8LX. five years. much less. Signed on behalf of the Board of Trustees by:

Anne Powell John Farmer

20 Protecting Wildlife for the Future 2014-2015 Annual Review 21 Legacies and in memoriam Looking ahead

Legacies Dr Helga Frankland of Ravenstonedale Jean Aldred of Penrith It has always The major programme of works on upland wetland restoration in Cumbria Helga was one of the founder members of the Jean was a committed member of the Penrith been important Foulshaw Moss Nature Reserve will while the second will be to work with the Lake District Naturalists Trust, now Cumbria and Ullswater Local Support Group committee that we define continue with a focus on making the site Environment Agency to create a series A legacy gift is the final and often the Wildlife Trust, when it was established in 1962 for over 20 years, having retired to Cumbria with our strategic more accessible to visitors – especially of new Slow the Flow projects across most significant gift any of us make. and she remained a key figure throughout the her husband in 1990. She was instrumental in 52 years it has existed. She was a trustee for 40 organising the group’s summer programme of priorities, which with a new camera to monitor and protect the North West of England. Both of During the year the Trust was years and became Vice President in 1981. Helga events and continued to attend meetings despite are reviewed the ospreys which nest there. At South these important projects will use natural grateful to receive legacies from worked in conservation for most of her life, joining her deteriorating health in recent years. by the Trustees Walney Nature Reserve we will review processes to help communities at risk Dorothy Barnes, Madge Donnelly, the Nature Conservancy Council (now Natural England) in 1959 and ultimately becoming regional on a regular access arrangements and continue an of flooding. Ronald Graydon, Christine Jones, Jean Scott of Askam-in-Furness Director. Her upbringing on the family farm basis. Last year ambitious programme of dune restoration. Audrey Lambert, Marian Page, Jean was a life member of the Trust since 1986 ensured a personal knowledge of farming and she and a trustee for many years during that time. we revised The Trust will also continue to support Elsie Seggar, Elizabeth Wilson, was committed to her belief that upland farming She was dedicated to supporting the mammal should be balanced with nature and support our planning We will recruit six trainees to our marine the Cumbria Local Nature Partnership group, the badger group and her local group, and George Wilson and George Woods. wildlife. She was also an excellent botanist and was presented with a Badger’s Paw Award in process and created two new documents; training programme and continue to and work hard to ensure it achieves its would train Trust members and volunteers to a five year plan 2015–2020 and a one year engage in the national programme to potential. At Gosling Sike Farm the next identify plants. Helga was awarded an MBE for her 1994 for her commitment to conserving wildlife In memoriam work for nature conservation in 1999. in Cumbria. She regularly helped with surveys, operational plan for 2015–2016, both of create Marine Conservation Zones, stage of our plans to create a training local planning applications and the production of which are available on our website and at finding new ways for people to centre at the farm will focus on how to Mary Burkett of Isel Hall Cumbrian Wildlife magazine. The Trust is indebted to the many Mary is best known for her life-long support of the our head office. understand better why the Irish Sea is a raise the funding. individuals who contribute so much Arts, but she was also Vice President of Cumbria Audrey Smith of Underbarrow very special place. Projects to conserve to the success of our organisation and Wildlife Trust. She supported our local support Audrey and her husband Edward became In the year ahead, creating Living red squirrels, dwarf willow and hay In 2014 we installed a wood pellet boiler who have given so much in groups and was Chair of the Fundraising Committee members of the Trust in 1985 and had active roles Landscapes and securing Living Seas will meadows will continue to be delivered at Plumgarths, replacing an old oil fired during the 1980s. She also looked after wildlife on her as volunteers. They were central in setting up the be the main overarching priorities for the across Cumbria and the project creating heating system and storage heaters. The their lifetime. estate and often encouraged others to recognise the Windermere Local Support Group and became inspiration of the natural world in art. honorary reserve managers for Barkbooth Lot Trust. Having purchased Eycott Hill at the new Coronation Meadows across year ahead will be our first complete year Sadly, a number of well-known Margaret Coupland of Kirkby Lonsdale Nature Reserve. Audrey remained a leading figure beginning of the year we will continue northern England will also continue. for the new system, helping us to reduce members died during the year: Margaret was a member of the Trust for over in the local group, where she organised events an ambitious programme to restore this our carbon footprint by a massive 36 25 years and became treasurer of the ‘Trust for including glow worm hunts at Barkbooth Lot, wonderful upland site near between Funding to start two new projects will tonnes of carbon. This is a 45% reduction Conservation: Kirkby Lonsdale Group’ when it was led conservation work parties and helped with established in 1984. Now known as local support office-based work. Audrey was presented with a Keswick and Penrith. be sought, and when successful, new in one year and helps us deliver our 3% a groups, she remained heavily involved in the Badger’s Paw Award in 2007 for her commitment project officers will be appointed. The year target we set in 2008. Kirkby Lonsdale group until she resigned from the to conservation and dedication to the local first will be to re-start our programme of committee due to ill health in 2005. Margaret was support group. Peter Bullard, Director involved in many aspects of the Trust’s work locally, including organising events and fundraising.

22 Protecting Wildlife for the Future 2014-2015 Annual Review 23 Cumbria Wildlife Trust Cumbria Wildlife Trust: 2014-2015 Plumgarths, Crook Road, Kendal, Cumbria LA8 8LX Cumbria Wildlife Trust is the only voluntary organisation devoted solely to the conservation of the wildlife and wild places of Cumbria. The Trust stands up T 01539 816300 for wildlife, creates wildlife havens and seeks to raise environmental awareness. Formed in 1962, the Trust now cares for over 40 nature reserves, works to protect [email protected] endangered habitats and species such as peat bogs and red squirrels, and helps www.cumbriawildlifetrust.org.uk adults and children to discover the importance of the natural world. Registered in England as Cumbria Wildlife Trust Limited, a Company Limited by Guarantee No. 00724133. Registered Charity No. 218711.

Wildlife Trust. Back cover photo: Ian Alexander Waite. fluiddesignstudio.com by Designed

Protecting Wildlife for the Future