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Friends of the Lake District
The only membership organisation dedicated to protecting
and enhancing Lake District and Cumbrian landscapes
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Office Staff

Jack Ellerby

Dark Skies Officer - 3 days a week

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My role is to raise awareness of the value of Dark Skies across Cumbria, and to inspire communities, businesses and organisations to reduce light pollution. The benefits are a win-win; healthier lives, reduced energy use and carbon emissions, saving nocturnal wildlife (eg bats and insects) and to allow local people and visitors to enjoy seeing the stars at night. (declining opportunities at the present time!)

Previously I worked in planning and managed community projects at Exmoor, the Lake District and North York Moors National Parks; was a Policy Officer for Friends of the Lake District (2002-2014); and since then have been a self-employed landscape contractor.

Interests/hobbies – allotment, birdwatching, cycling, fishing, valuing nature/the environment, shooting and walking with my dog.

Working days Monday to Wednesday,

Published: 6th April, 2016

Updated: 9th March, 2021

Author: Dawn Groundsell

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Marianne Kitchen

Finance Administrator

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Outside work I love spending time with my family and dogs.  We are always busy walking the Fells, tending our allotment, and relaxing in the garden in summer.  In winter I go skiing as much as possible.

I work part time, usually Monday and Thursday.

Published: 3rd February, 2017

Updated: 24th February, 2021

Author: Chris James

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Cat James

Finance & Office Manager

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A keen artist and fell walker since childhood I share a love of the outdoors with my husband which led us to the decision to move to the Lake District in 2000.

I love to walk the fells along with my dog and sketch pad.

I work 4.5 days a week.

Published: 2nd February, 2017

Updated: 24th February, 2021

Author: Sophie Hodge

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Amanda McCleery

Overhead Wires Officer - 2 days a month

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As the Overhead Wires Officer, my main role is liaising with Electricity North West, National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty over their allowance (from Ofgem) to underground electricity poles and wires.

Away from work I love trail running by myself and fell walking and cycling with my family.

I work part time - just one day a month but I can look at emails in between.

Published: 3rd February, 2017

Updated: 6th April, 2020

Author: Sophie Hodge

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Jan Darrall

Policy Officer - 4 days a week

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Specialist areas:

Agriculture, common land, uplands, land management, research, water, environmental improvement grants and management of High Borrowdale, Little Asby and Mazonwath.

Favourite things: chocolate, cake, open fells, swimming in lakes, dogs, gin and tonic and being outdoors in our fantastic Cumbrian landscape.

Working days Monday to Thursday.

Published: 30th January, 2016

Updated: 6th April, 2020

Author: Sophie Hodge

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Dawn Groundsell

Communications Officer - 2.5 days a week

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Specialist areas:

Publications, public relations, website management, enewsletters and social media.

I enjoy cycling, walking up hills, dancing, and being outdoors as much as possible all year round, although I much prefer it in sunshine.

I work part time, usually Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.

Published: 1st February, 2017

Updated: 6th April, 2020

Author: Sophie Hodge

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Kate Willshaw

Policy Officer - 4 days a week

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My specialist areas include energy and nuclear government policy and major infrastructure projects, the impacts of climate change on Cumbria’s landscape, sustainability, natural capital/ecosystem services and biodiversity.  I also manage Friends of the Lake District's digital mapping system.

Favourite things: playing the ukulele, weekends away in my campervan and outdoor swimming in rivers and lakes in Cumbria and France. In between I look after an allotment and an overenthusiastic border collie called Luba who really appreciates living near so many great dog walks. He and I can often be found up The Helm at lunchtime.  

Published: 1st January, 2018

Updated: 12th February, 2020

Author: Sophie Hodge

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Claire Wickham

Office Administrator

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I joined in October 2017 after a family sailing sabbatical in the Mediterranean. My role as Office Administrator is to help the organisation function smoothly on a day to day basis. Welcoming visitors, responding to general enquiries, supporting staff with general admin, processing merchandise orders and ensuring we never run out of anything are just some of my responsibilities.

I like logistics and operational planning, and latterly have enjoyed roles as Festival Organiser at Kendal Mountain Festival and General Assistant at Howbarrow Organic Veg Box Scheme. I am passionate about the environment and am an active member of South Lakes Action on Climate Change and Westmorland and Lonsdale Green Party.

Published: 12th February, 2017

Updated: 12th February, 2020

Author: Dawn Groundsell

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Lorayne Woodend Wall

Planning officer

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As Planning Officer, my main role is to consider and respond to planning applications, Local Plan consultations and consultations on national planning policy changes, although I‘ll get involved in other areas of work too. I’m very proud of being Cumbrian with strong local ancestry. Outside work, I enjoy exploring the less-frequented parts of Cumbria and love bagging a trig point or milk churn stand, discovering local history and finding hidden or quirky local facts and features. I can also be found enjoying classic car events, snooker tournaments or Jo Nesbo novels or planning an overseas adventure – Japan is a firm favourite!

Published: 5th February, 2017

Updated: 12th February, 2020

Author: Dawn Groundsell

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Andrew Tait

Policy Officer - 4 days a week

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My specialist areas include access, recreation, woodlands/forestry and protected landscapes policy.  I am also responsible for managing our woodland properties and land at the Helm (with lots of help from volunteers!).

Outside of work I do as much fell-walking as my knees will allow as well as the odd winter climb and a bit of cross country skiing if and when the white stuff arrives. 

Normally I work Tuesday to Friday.

Published: 5th February, 2017

Updated: 12th February, 2020

Author: Dawn Groundsell

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Ruth Kirk

Landscape Engagement Officer - 4 days a week

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Specialist Areas: My role focuses on reconnecting people with the landscape through, among other things: our mass-volunteer Fell Care Days which highlight the value of our upland landscapes and inspire people to take part in practical conservation work to protect them; our Leader’s Landscape Training programme which educates outdoor practitioners about Cumbria’s upland ecology and the pressures on it; our annual rural skills competitions in Hedge Laying and Dry Stone Walling; leading conservation work parties with volunteers at the Helm and in the woodlands we own and many other events and opportunities to get people out and about immersing themselves in our spectacular countryside.

Favourite things: I always, always prefer to be outside rather than in (whatever the weather), and can often be found road cycling through the stunning Eden valley or traipsing across the fells with my daft boxer dog, Zebedee.

I work part time, 3 or 4 days a week if there is a work party. Days vary each week.

Published: 2nd February, 2017

Updated: 12th February, 2020

Author: Sophie Hodge

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Christopher James

Communications Officer

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Communications Officer for Friends of the Lake District. 

Communications, marketing and promotion of the charities campaigns, events, land management, volunteers and policy work. Editor of our members' magazine 'Conserving Lakeland'.

Published: 2nd February, 2017

Updated: 12th February, 2020

Author: Dawn Groundsell

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Clare Hucknall

Company Secretary - 2 days a week

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I am responsible for supporting the Board of Trustees and governance.

I’m a keen hill-walker and love nothing more than being on top of a Lakeland mountain and spending time with my family enjoying the Lakes – whether on a bike, in a kayak, in the water, or tramping up a track.

I work part time.

Published: 1st February, 2017

Updated: 12th February, 2020

Author: Sophie Hodge

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Janine Bickerstaff

Membership Officer

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Specialist areas: My main aims are to recruit members for Friends of the Lake District and make sure all our members are made to feel welcome and valued. I love talking with members and am always impressed by their passion and commitment to this beautiful place.

I love nothing better than tramping about the Lakes and Dales with my husband, two young boys and our dog Patch. Sledging in Winter and open water swimming in Summer are particular family favourites.

I work part time, Monday-Friday 9am-3pm

Published: 28th April, 2015

Updated: 12th February, 2020

Author: Dawn Groundsell

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Vanessa Rhoden

Fundraising & Marketing Manager

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My specialist areas include fundraising, marketing, corporate partnerships, brand management, copywriting and communications.

I’m passionate about using my professional skills to protect nature and the environment.

Published: 24th February, 2021

Author: Dawn Groundsell

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Back to top

Showing 10 of 15

Latest

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  • Douglas Chalmers

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    Andy Jones remembers a childhood in Caldbeck and the Eden valley and younger days in Mungrisdale.

Most read

  • Join Today

    Join Today

    Play your part in protecting the Lake District by becoming a member today.

  • Volunteering

    Volunteering

    Learn new skills and join our army of volunteers helping us to make a practical difference to the Lake District all year round.

  • Aerial Flight at Honister Slate Mine

    Aerial Flight at Honister Slate Mine

    We received the disappointing news that the Secretary of State will not ‘call in’ the proposed zip-wires at Honister and so the Authority’s approval stands. The Secretary of State is no longer required to give reasons for his decision.

  • Thirlmere Activity Hub

  • Thirlmere Activity Hub

    Thirlmere Activity Hub

    We consider this to be a wholly inappropriate development in this location. We urge you to take immediate action, write to the Planning Authority and share your concerns about this threat to Thirlmere

  • Shop

    Shop

    Welcome to our shop. View all the latest products from our charity.

  • Chief Executive - Douglas Chalmers

    Chief Executive - Douglas Chalmers

    Douglas Chalmers joined us in April 2015. He grew up on his family’s farm on the North East coast of Aberdeenshire, and studied agriculture at the University of Aberdeen.

  • Our Purpose

    Our Purpose

    We are an independent charity and the only membership organisation dedicated to protecting and enhancing Cumbria's landscapes for future generations

  • Why become a member?

    Why become a member?

    Love the Lake District? Become a member of Friends of the Lake District and join thousands of people enjoying and protecting it.

  • 2017 Photography Competition

    2017 Photography Competition

    We're looking for images from around Cumbria to use on our 2017 Friends of the Lake District Christmas Card collection and 2018 Calendar. Closing Date 16th June 2017

Latest tweet

  • @andrewswalks Oh wow.

    13thApril, 2021 @Friendsoflakes
  • @andrewswalks 😊🥳 welcome back Andrew!

    13thApril, 2021 @Friendsoflakes
  • Good luck to all Cumbria's small businesses opening today. And thanks for the wise words @AnotherWay_tw https://t.co/V9kAdEUmey

    12thApril, 2021 @Friendsoflakes


Our aim is to:
Care for the scenic beauty, rich wildlife and historic heritage of our county’s landscapes;
 Ensure Cumbria's landscapes are passed on to future generations in as good or better condition than they are now;
Encourage people to appreciate our special county – everyone has a right to enjoy Cumbria’s magnificent landscapes

Our Charter

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Keep up to date with our work, campaigns, fundraising, events and other ways you can support our aims.
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Get in touch

Our office is now closed to protect staff and in line with Government advice. Staff will be working from home and we will have access to our incoming post. You can contact us on the office phone 01539 720788 which is being diverted but please leave a message if we do not answer straight away. Email [email protected] as usual.

Friends of the Lake District
Murley Moss
Oxenholme Road
Kendal
Cumbria LA9 7SS

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Registered charity number 1100759