We're putting out the call for volunteers for a mass plug planting day on our land at High Borrowdale this Monday, 14th March. We need lots of nimble fingered volunteers to help us plant an additional 6000 plants on our upland hay meadows to add more diversity and colour in the summer months. 

BOOK your place and join us on our plug planting day this Monday>

It’s been 20 years since we created the meadows at High Borrowdale. 97% of these upland hay meadows had been lost due to changing farming practices, so we bucked the trend in re-creating them and taking a long term view about the diversity of our upland landscapes. 

They provide a fantastic habitats 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. 

Jan Darrall, land manager said, 

“Thousands of people have had the pleasure of seeing our hay meadows, totalling 6ha and 20 years on, we think it’s well past time to add a bit more diversity and colour to the mix." 

“We need lots of hands on deck to help plant wood cranesbill, melancholy thistle, greater burnet, meadow vetchling, common knapweed and pignut. There are no skills needed to help us plant, just enthusiasm and a trowel!  It should be great fun and we can guarantee every volunteer a warm welcome, fresh air and the opportunity to help us add an extra splash of colour to our uplands this summer. We will be having another big planting session in May if you can’t make this one…or join us for both!” 

This work is generously part funded by the Lake District National Park Authority via a ‘Farming in Protected Landscapes Grant'. 

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We have 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. Book your place and join us on our plug planting day this Monday>