The scheme, run in partnership with Natural England, is enabling organisations, schools and groups to run innovative events and activities across Cumbria that enable people and communities to get outside, discover and enjoy something new about the natural environment.

Jan Darrall, our Policy Officer said,

We’ve been delighted with the diversity and ingenuity of events and activities that we’ve been able to support and look forward to receiving more inspirational applications like ‘Swim the Eden’.

We awarded a grant to three brothers from Langwathby in Cumbria. It helped support Jack, Callum and Robbie Hudson in their epic 90-mile (145km) nine-day swimming challenge along the river Eden. They completed their challenge on Sunday and became the first siblings to swim the entire river course from the source at Mallerstang to the Solway Firth.

There is still a small amount of money left to allocate and I’d urge people to apply for these grants quickly. It’s been a very popular scheme and we don’t expect the remaining funds to last for long.

To qualify for a ‘Discover Cumbria’ grant, activities must be free to attend and need to be completed by the end of October 2015.

For more details and information on how to apply, visit https://www.friendsofthelakedistrict.org.uk/how-to-apply-for-a-grant or phone Jan Darrall on 01539 720788.