No landscape feature should be examined in isolation as none exists or functions in isolation – it is important to view landscape elements in their wider context. The approach of this survey was to combine both field survey with documentary research Read more
We were delighted to see the progress of our upland hay meadow restoration carried out as part of our Westmorland Dales project and in reminiscent mood as we near the end of several years of work rebuilding Mazonwath's drystone walls Read more
The results are in for the first season of excavations on Little Asby Common held in 2021, consisted of 16 keyhole trenches. These evaluation trenches enabled us to investigate the heritage of a wide area of the common and unearth a fascinating history Read more
Sit back, close your eyes, slow down and experience a sound tour of the Westmorland Dales through a mosaic of sounds recorded at various locations by sound artist, Dan Fox. A mysterious and evocative medley of traditional music, local voices and sounds of the countryside. Read more
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Little Asby is common land situated on one of the most important limestone landscapes in England. The land has been designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and a Special Area of Conservation. Mazonwath, adjoins this land and is a rough grassland habitat being managed to support ground nesting birds such as curlews and lapwings.
Our volunteers have rebuilt a number of dry stone wall sheepfolds and shelters (bields), and spread native tree berries to encourage a more varied habitat. We support our common rights holders in managing the common sustainably, for example, by reducing sheep numbers and introducing cattle grazing. We are the Secretary of the Little Asby Commoners Association. We have recorded nearly 200 archaeological sites on the common and regularly monitor the ecology on the common. We welcome open access for walkers on the common.
See below for more information and directions for visiting the common, activities and enhancement work we are carrying out plus upcoming events and volunteering opportunities on the common.
Friends of the Lake District is working with the commoners to enhance the character of this limestone landscape. The area is Open Access Land, so you are free to explore the site. Why not come and see some of the work we are doing? Read more
We have recently completed the second season of excavation on Little Asby Common. Previously, surveys have been carried out across this upland landscape, along with our first season of excavation last year. Read more
Working with our Westmorland Dales Scheme team and partner Cumbria Wildlife Trust, we are delighted to have the opportunity to increase biodiveristy on our Mazonwath land and excited to announce that we will be restoring an area of the site to upland hay meadow over the next few weeks. Read more
There are some really hard decisions to be made by all of us. Can we help nature and yet also retain the traditional characteristics of common land? Read more
It was a blustery day up at Friend’s of the Lake District’s Mazonwath land. Great to have such a big age range along, all keen to get to grips with the challenges of dry stone walling where the challenges were indeed huge! Read more