Mike's Wood

Our Land

Mike’s Wood was created in appreciation of a former Friends of the Lake District Secretary, Mike Houston, in 1993. At the same time as we bought the field to create the wood, local member Anne Beddard bought the field to the south. She worked in conjunction with us to create a new woodland, and later generously donated this to Friends of the Lake District.

Under the overall name of Mike’s Wood this has given us a stunning native woodland which includes oak, alder, ash, birch, rowan, scots pine, hawthorn and juniper. We have created a footpath through the wood, linking into other routes and to Cumbria Wildlife Trust’s woodland nearby. The whole woodland is dedicated as open access land.

Download a Staveley Woodlands Walk Leaflet (pdf) here.

Reasons to visit:

36 different bird species have been recorded in the wood, including the goldcrest, the UK’s smallest bird
You might also see red squirrels, pipistrelle and noctule bats, and tawny owls.
Lovely views out of the wood south towards Morecambe Bay
See conservation in action with the “dead hedging” around young hazel to keep the deer off!
Bluebells in the spring
Visit any time of the year, for a great walk and maybe enjoy a coffee at WILFS cafe, Staveley, afterwards.

Virtual Tour

Pay a virtual visit to Mike's Wood with an aerial 360 degree panorama. Click on the pins to find out about its history, our work in the woodland, our achievements and our plans for the future of this wonderful little wood.

Directions

Mike’s Wood

Mike’s Wood is 1 mile from Staveley Village (What3words: https://w3w.co/egging.each.aced) There are several access points, see our virtual tour for more detail. The 555 bus stops at Staveley and the Kendal to Windermere train also stops in Staveley.

Litchen guide

Our woods are home to various litchens. Download a printable guide to what you might find 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?
Mazonwath

Mazonwath is a small site lying next to to Little Asby Common. It enjoys common rights and our purchase of the property in 2009 has allowed us to help protect the common and help the commoners with stock management to manage the common in a more environmentally friendly way.
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.
Landscape Flood Fund helps restore Rights of Way

It’s more than eight months since Cumbria was hit by devastating fl oods. Whilst the county is gradually getting back on its feet, the physical scars on the landscape are still visible.
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.

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?