Matterdale and surrounding area
In the last 10 years there has been a lot of ongoing activity in Matterdale and the surrounding Ullswater area, where sustainable farming practices are being combined with conservation efforts. Just from "our" little lane we can see three new ponds, thousands of newly planted tree, and sturdy black Galloway cows being introduced amongst the sheep to enhance biodiversity.
Matterdale Community Association
If you want to get a flavour of what is going on locally, this is the place to go. There is plenty of practically information as well as some activities you can join. For people interested in local history there is also a brief section, for more details Ullswater Heritage Knowledge Bank is recommended.
Ullswater Catchment Management CIC
In their own words "We are a not for profit, community interest company based in Ullswater in the Lake District National Park. We combine sustainable farming, conservation and natural flood management".
This video really shows what it is about - and it is right on our doorstep.
Gowbarrow Hall Farm &
Wilder Culture
Wilder Culture is a new integrated approach to ecological restoration and food production on our uplands. Gowbarrow Hall Farm is one of their projects where the care of the wildlife and diversity goes hand in hand with sustainable farming.
Another Way & Another Weigh
Started by our neighbour Amy Bray with focus on reducing single use plastic and a passion for oceans. Two Zero Waste shops have been opened in Penrith and Kendal.
Another important part of the charity's work is helping with tree planting and working with Ullswater Catchment Management CIC, and we are so lucky that one of their projects is an oak woodland planted a few hundred meters from here.
Things to read
James Rebanks has so far written two books, both very much worth a read.
- The Shepherd's Life, a tale of the Lake District
- English Pastoral, An Inheritance
Helen Rebanks has written the below, giving a different perspective on farming life.
- The Farmer's wife
Newly out is Lee Schofield's Wild Fell, Fighting for nature on a Lake District hill farm. It's set at Haweswater where Schofield is the site manager for RSPB.
Verey bookshop has newly opened in Pooley Bridge with a good selection of local books - and lovely cakes.
Things to listen to
The Countrystride Podcast combines a walk in Cumbria with a specific topic covered during the walk, presented by mark Richards. In relation to the above links episode 17, 38, 63, and 76 are very relevant, as the co-walkers ares Amy Bray, James Rebanks, Danny Teasedale, and Lee Schofield.
There are lots of other interesting podcasts covering areas close to here.