Mazonwath

Our Land

In 2009, one of the commoners who use Little Asby Common offered to sell us three fields at Mazonwath. As the fields are adjacent to the common, and the sale included common rights, we felt that by buying the land we could protect the common and help the commoners with stock management. This in turn, could enable them to enter an agri-environment scheme whereby the common is managed in a more environmentally friendly way.

Our achievements to date include:

Rebuilding of the majority of the external walls, including through hosting two Friends of the Lake District walling competitions.
A monthly programme of dry stone wall training for volunteers rebuilding the whole length of internal wall.
Land managed in an environmentally friendly way as part of a Higher Level Stewardship Scheme, including one field managed for breeding waders such as curlew and lapwing.
Individual tree planters erected to provide more tree cover and diversity as trees are sparse in this landscape.
Re-creation of 6.5ha of species-rich hay meadow.
All three fields designated as open-access land.

Virtual Tour

Pay a virtual visit to Mazonwath with an aerial 360 degree panorama which you can move around the property. Explore this limestone landscape, discover more about its history, our work on the site since its purchase in 2009, our achievements and our plans for the future to explore opportunities to enhance habitats within this farmed landscape.

Directions

Mazonwath adjoins Little Asby Common which enjoys Open Access at all times. It is situated about five miles east of Orton. It can be reached via the the C3070 from Raisebeck to Little Asby, or the C3074 from Newbiggin-on-Lune. The grid ref of the joining of these two roads is 090686 (OL19 Explorer map Howgill Fells). There are no direct bus services across the Common, but buses from Appleby and Kirkby Stephen may pass nearby.

Themed Guide

Download a printable guide to Upland Hay Meadows here.

Latest

New Government Bills proposed in the King's Speech

We welcome the new Government’s proposals which focus on decarbonisation of the energy sector, better buses, and curbing water pollution by making water bosses accountable. But new infrastructure and housing must not come at the expense of the landscape, environment, local people and higher carbon emissions.
Friends of The Lake District launches legal challenge over Elterwater Zip World approval

We are seeking a Judicial Review over the Lake District National Park Authority’s decision to grant planning permission for a major new adventure attraction at Elterwater Quarry.
15 July 24: Going on a bumblebee hunt at High Borrowdale

Some welcome sunshine for a fascinating day learning about bees at our spectacular High Borrowdale upland hay meadow.
Our Fundraising Promise

Land Management

We own and manage land across Cumbria and the Lake District. This work is coordinated by our property manager Jan Darrall. Read more about our work in her Land Manager's Diary detailing the amazing work carried out by our volunteers and providing updates on site visits, events and our plans for the future.
Location Map

Our land includes valleys, native woodlands, moorlands, uplands and commons. We encourage you to get out and visit some of these hidden Cumbrian treasures!
Little Asby Common

Friends of the Lake District is working with the commoners to enhance the character of this limestone landscape. The area is Open Access Land, so you are free to explore the site. Why not come and see some of the work we are doing?
High Borrowdale

High Borrowdale is situated 8.5 miles north of Kendal, where we've planted trees, hedges and created new upland hay meadows. The best way to access it is from the A6, south of Shap. There is open access at all times and if you can't physically visit it, why not take a virtual tour?
The Helm

Situated near Oxenholme, just south east of Kendal, and although not a very high hill at 185m, it gives beautiful views of Morecambe Bay and over Kendal to the Lake District fells. Fell ponies and cattle help us with conservation grazing at the Helm.
Rusland Woods

In 2017 we were given Bull Coppice and Resp Haw Wood, on the eastern side of the Rusland valley. The two woods form a block of ancient semi natural woodland, and are a mix of oak, birch, ash, small leaved lime, holly and other native species. A survey in 2023 revealed that some of the coppiced trees here are over 1000 years old.
Middle Bleansley

In March 2022 we were given 16 hectares of land, split between woodland and grazing land, at Middle Bleansley near Broughton in Furness in the Duddon estuary; now our most southerly piece of land.
Gillside Wood

Through the generosity of Friends members and the landowners, we planted 6,000 trees in 2014/15, creating a new 7 hectare native wood along Tongue Gill beck, Grasmere. The new woodland provides a haven for red squirrels, and food supplies for many declining woodland birds. It is also an important wildlife corridor, connecting habitats together.
Dam Mire Wood

A two hectare piece of land in Threlkeld gifted by member Prof Mike Hambrey. We've built a bridge across Kilnhow Beck and created a new path to the access the land, and worked with West Cumbria Rivers Trust and Threlkeld School children to plant over 1000 trees and install 'leaky dams' to slow the flow of water.
Greenbank Wood

A small one-and-a-half hectare woodland opposite the University of Cumbria's campus library on Nook Lane in Ambleside containing some large veteran beech and Scots pine trees dating back to the nineteenth century.

Volunteering

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

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

Play your part in protecting the Lake District by becoming a member today.
Elterwater Quarry Adventure Attraction plans resubmitted

Just before Christmas, revised proposals were submitted for a visitor attraction at Elterwater Quarry. We have reviewed the plans, we remain opposed to the scheme, and you can read our formal response here.
The Helm

Situated near Oxenholme, just south east of Kendal, and although not a very high hill at 185m, it gives beautiful views of Morecambe Bay and over Kendal to the Lake District fells. Fell ponies and cattle help us with conservation grazing at the Helm.
It's Time To Save Roanhead - Response Guidance

A NEW planning application has been submitted for the major resort development proposed at Roanhead. It will still have a huge impact on this sensitive coastline, even with a reduced number of lodges. Please join us again to challenge the proposal. Previous responses won't count and new responses need to reflect latest plans.
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.
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.
What are the disadvantages of being in a National Park?
High Borrowdale

High Borrowdale is situated 8.5 miles north of Kendal, where we've planted trees, hedges and created new upland hay meadows. The best way to access it is from the A6, south of Shap. There is open access at all times and if you can't physically visit it, why not take a virtual tour?