People repairing a path on the side of a mountain

case Study

Fix the Fells

Friends of the Lake District is part of the Fix the Fells partnership that helps protect the Lake District landscape from erosion.

Patrick Fix the Fells ranger 2026

What is Fix the Fells?

Fix the Fells is a partnership programme between the National Trust, the Lake District National Park, Natural England, Friends of the Lake District and the Lake District Foundation. The aim of the partnership is to protect the spectacular Lake District landscape from erosion damage by repairing and maintaining upland paths. 

Fix the Fells has been operating since 2001 and needs over £500,000 each year to fix and maintain over 400 miles of paths across the UNESCO World Heritage Site. The programme of work relies on funding from grants and donations. In 2025, Friends of the Lake District announced that we would sponsor a ranger post to further support the work of this partnership.

An eroded path on Catbells

How does Fix the Fells operate?

Professional rangers carry out the core work on the fells. Rangers repair paths, build or repair drains and stone pitched steps, and landscape the area to help guide people and prevent further erosion.

Volunteers work with the rangers all the year round doing maintenance work and smaller repair projects, including keeping drains clear to divert water off the paths. 

Meet Patrick – the ranger we sponsor