Press release: 27 April 2017

New art installation opens at

Today, Wednesday 26 April ‘Steamers’, The Wordsworth Trust, The National Trust and Friends of the Ullswater Way came together to open a brand-new art installation at Aira Force called Dorothy’s Gate.

The installation is one of nine commissioned pieces of art to make up a new heritage trail located on the Ullswater Way. Over the past twelve months, local group ‘Friends of the Ullswater Way’ who works with all five parishes around the lake has been working closely with local craftspeople and artists to create nine heritage-themed installations to celebrate. different aspects of the history and culture of the valley.

Rachel Bell, Head of Marketing & Development at Ullswater Steamers says; “The Ullswater Way is a fantastic addition to the Ullswater valley and compliments the work we do at the ‘Steamers’ on a daily basis. We welcome this new addition of Dorothy’s Gate to the heritage trail as it continues to raise awareness of the area and is yet another reason for visitors to come and explore this beautiful part of the .”

Steve Dowson, National Trust Area Ranger for Ullswater said: ‘It’s great to have this new installation in front of the tearoom at Aira Force, we have done a lot of work improving this stretch of the Ullswater Way between Aira force and Glenridding, so it’s fantastic to see it being so well used by visitors.’

The Dorothy Gate located in front of the National Trust’s Aira Force café celebrates the writing of Dorothy Wordsworth and her influence on the poetry of her brother, William Wordsworth. The ash poles have been carved with words from Dorothy Wordsworth’s journal by local craftsperson James Mitchell - describing the beautiful daffodils she saw as she walked along the shores of Ullswater very near its location.

Funding for the gate has been donated by Ullswater ‘Steamers’ and the Wordsworth Trust. Additional support has been given from a wide range of individuals and organisations including: Colin Bell and Stephen Gorton in Hartsop who advised on how the gate would have looked in Dorothy's day. The National Trust and the Lightburn family of Watermillock have also contributed to the overall design, production and sourcing of materials necessary to install the gate.

-ENDS – Notes to Editors:

For additional information or to arrange an interview please contact Sarah Jones on 01539 825052 or e-mail [email protected]

About Ullswater ‘Steamers’

Ullswater ‘Steamers’ is a family-owned business that has been operating in the tranquil Ullswater Valley since 1859. Today, the company provides a sustainable and environmentally friendly way of linking some of the most iconic walking routes and views in the Lake District National Park.

Ullswater ‘Steamers’ has one of the largest heritage passenger vessel fleets in , including the oldest working passenger vessel in the world, Lady of the Lake. The business’s awards include Gold at CREA’s 2014 and 2015 Green at Heart Award, Gold for the 2013 and 2014 GTBS Visit England award and winner of Tourism’s 2011 Sustainable Tourism award and 2016 Large Visitor Attraction of the Year award among many others.

About the National Trust The National Trust is Europe’s largest conservation charity and we believe in the importance of nature, beauty and history in people’s lives. We care for over 20 per cent of the Lake District National Park, including England’s highest mountain, Scafell Pike; its deepest lake, Wastwater; its precious wildlife; 90 tenanted farms, and the cultural heritage within a dozen historic buildings. We support 300 jobs in Cumbria and the Lake District, and each year we work with local volunteers, who help us look after one of England’s most inspirational landscapes. The Trust is dependent on the support of its members and the visitors we welcome to our special places each year: every penny we raise in Cumbria is invested in caring for this special place, for ever, for everyone. For more information and ideas for great seasonal days out go to: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/thelakes