Westmorland Dales Landscape Partnership

The Westmorland Dales Landscape Partnership Scheme aims to unlock and reveal the hidden heritage of the Westmorland Dales, enabling more people to connect with, enjoy and benefit from this inspirational landscape. Thanks to National Lottery players it has been supported by a grant from the Heritage Fund.

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Fell Ponies and the Commons

Come and talk to us about your experiences with Fell Ponies and the Commons, as part of a commons heritage project.

One of the Westmorland Dales projects, called ‘Our Common Heritage’, is collecting and archiving oral history interviews with people from across the area who currently (or in the past) have kept animals on the common; the Fell Pony is a key component of this.

Contact [email protected] to book a slot with us between 10am – 4pm at the Old Courthouse, Shap on Friday 26th August. It would be wonderful to record your experiences.

View / Download poster (pdf)

Latest

Postcard from the Lakes 5th August 2022

We are into the holiday season and we have lots of free activities lined up both in the Lake District and the Westmorland Dales; plus a round-up of the latest news and activities at Friends of the Lake District
2022 Photography competition winners

We're delighted to announce our winners!
Leave No Trace This Summer

Nobody wants to see litter blighting our special landscape. It not only spoils our views, but it is dangerous to wildlife and pollutes our waterways. Here are our top tips to make sure you leave no trace...
4th August 2022: Drystone Wall Survey in Asby Parish

A slight departure today as we thought we'd share some fascinating survey work being carried out by the Westmorland Dales Scheme team in Asby Parish to put the areas drystone walls into a historical context and demonstrate how they reflect past land management.

Farming in the Westmorland Dales

Find out more about farming in the Westmorland Dales at this farm walk hosted by The Dunning Family. Learn about dairy farming, watch the cows being milked, what’s involved with silage making and how mixed farming benefits the environment
Dry Stone Walls Study Day

We have an exciting programme of talks organised giving an introduction to the history of dry stone walls, a personal perspective of the craft of dry stone walling, and results from the survey in Asby parish. There's also an opportunity to join a circular walk from Great Asby
Guided Walk – Potts Valley and Little Asby Common

A walk to look at the cultural and natural heritage of this landscape. Including walking through the tranquil Potts Valley and then over the common, where we will talk about the upcoming excavation project
Open Day – Little Asby Through the Keyhole

On the 10th of September Oxford Archaeology North will be hosting an open day to give people a chance to come and see the archaeological excavation of a medieval Long House taking place at Grange Scar, Little Asby
Cultural Heritage in the Westmorland Dales - Talk

The Westmorland Dales Scheme is delivering 22 projects across the area, ten of which explore the cultural heritage of Westmorland Dales. This talk focuses on a number of the cultural heritage projects, including archaeological surveys and excavations.
Eco Dyeing and Printing Workshop

Eco dyeing and printing with Lily Horsman and the Stomping Ground Team in the grounds of Morland House. Collect plants to utilise natural plant pigments to make dyes over an open fire. Dye fabric, wool and make prints! Brews and snacks provided.
Brass, Drums and Trains in the Westmorland Dales

Please come along to a workshop celebrating our railway heritage with Blue Jam Arts. Get involved in making music with brass and drums at the old Eden Valley Railway line and join our celebration picnic on the platform. No experience necessary. Instruments provided or bring your own instrument
Plug Planting Wildflowers at Bowber Head

Help us restore the upland hay meadows of Bowber Head Farm. We'll be plug planting every Wednesday from 3rd August to 28th September if you'd like to join us.
Asby History Group guided walk - Wed August 24th

Keith Cooper, Secretary of Asby History Group, leads a guided tour of Great Asby Village - a gentle, stile-free stroll around the village on minor roads, picking out villagescape features from many different periods of history.
'A Way Through' Exhibition

A small exhibition highlighting our 'A Way Through' project will be on display at the Old Courthouse, Shap from 3rd Sept – 2nd October. It is free to attend and will give you a taste of the project and its progress.