Landscape charity Friends of the Lake District has put out a call for volunteers to join the second of its mass plug planting days taking place on its upland hay meadows at High Borrowdale on Tuesday 24th May. 

97% of our upland hay meadows have been lost due to changing farming practices in recent years but the charity has bucked that trend by re-creating them on its own land and taking a long term view about the diversity of upland landscapes in Cumbria. 

The charity is calling on nimble fingered volunteers to help it complete planting on its upland hay meadows to add extra colour in the summer months. 

Jan Darrall, Friends of the Lake District land manager said, 

“Upland hay meadows provide a habitat for wildlife, especially pollinators, invertebrates and birds. The plant roots are good for moisture retention and soil health, and their rougher texture means they can also play a part in slowing the flow of overland water. 

“They have also provide thousands of people with the pleasure of seeing glorious hay meadows in full bloom in the summer months. We think it’s well past time we added a bit more diversity to the mix and an extra splash of colour! 

“We need lots of hands on deck to help plant wood cranesbill, melancholy thistle, meadow vetchling and pignut. There are no skills needed to help us plant, just enthusiasm and a trowel! 

“This work has been generously part funded by the Lake District National Park Authority via a ‘Farming in Protected Landscapes Grant.” 

The charity has a busy schedule of volunteer events in 2022 providing a range of activities to take part in at High Borrowdale and other properties across the county. All of its workparty dates for 2022 and booking facilities for the plug planting day on Tuesday are available here>