A volunteer survey of traditional farm buildings, mainly but not exclusively barns, an important part of the area’s rich built heritage; and the conservation of two typical barns, one at Pendragon, the other at Raisbeck.

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Project lead: Hannah Kingsbury, Westmorland Dales Landscape Partnership, Friends of the Lake District.

Traditional farm buildings are an important feature in the Westmorland Dales landscape but, as elsewhere, are falling into disrepair and ruin as they become increasingly redundant. The project had two main elements.

As it wasn’t realistic or sustainable to conserve more than a handful of buildings, the main focus was on undertaking a survey so that there is a record of what existed. This was undertaken by volunteers, 18 in total, on a parish-by-parish basis. Simple surveys were completed where barns and other buildings were visible from roads or public footpaths; more detailed surveys were undertaken where permission from landowners was secured. In total, 223 buildings were surveyed as part of the project, and records have been added to the Historic Environment Record.

Two reports (detailed and summary) were produced and can be downloaded here:

Traditional Farm Buildings Summary Report (pdf)

Traditional Farm Buildings Detailed Report (pdf)

The grant scheme was promoted widely throughout the area, and almost 20 applications were received, of which 6 were short-listed for more detailed feasibility work. Due to increased costs, a limited budget and some practical issues, it was only feasible to restore two barns, one adjacent to the Coast-to-Coast footpath at Raisbeck and one at Pendragon Castle.