Community invited to discover Dam Mire Wood

Community invited to discover Dam Mire Wood

Friends of the Lake District are inviting local residents, families and visitors to a Community Day at Dam Mire Wood in Threlkeld on Friday 18 September 2026, from 3.30pm onwards.

The event, funded by the National Lottery Community Fund, will give people the chance to explore this beautiful green space on the edge of the village. Visitors will be able to find out about recent improvements to the site and how they can get involved in caring for a place that is becoming a tranquil haven for nature and people.

Dam Mire Wood

Dam Mire Wood sits at the foot of Blencathra, just off Blease Road in Threlkeld. Since taking ownership of the original land in 2021, we have worked with volunteers and the local community to establish trees and wetland plants there. We’ve also improved access to the site, installed bird boxes and created a willow den with the help of local school children. Last year, we purchased an adjacent field and doubled the size of the Dam Mire site. We have since put in a new bridge across Kilnhow Beck to improve access and begun work to enhance the extended land to help wildlife thrive.

Walks, talks and free food

At the open day there will be outdoor, family-friendly activities on offer that include nature trails, treasure hunts, and craft activities. We’re also running three free walk-and-talk sessions as part of the day, each around 1.5–2km and suitable for people of moderate ability. These include walks exploring Dam Mire Wood, a geology walk and an exciting evening bat walk.

All walks are free to attend, but booking is essential. Everyone who books onto one of the walks will receive free food vouchers for themselves and their family to use at the on-site Bear’s Street Food van.

Kelley Sproston-Heath, engagement lead for Friends of the Lake District, said: “Dam Mire Wood is a special place for Threlkeld and the wider community. This Community Day is a chance for people to come together, enjoy the woodland, learn more about the work taking place here and discover simple ways to help look after it for the future.”

How to get to Dam Mire Wood

Visitors are encouraged to walk to the site if they live locally or to use public transport where possible. A regular free shuttle bus will pick people up from Threlkeld Village Hall or the Horse & Farrier Pub and take them up the hill to the site. These will be timed to tie in with the half hourly bus arrivals from Keswick and Penrith. There is a small car park at Dam Mire Wood, but parking is limited.

Visit www.friendsofthelakedistrict.org.uk/dam-mire-open-day to find out more and to book on a walk.