Rusland Woods

Our Land>

In 2017 David Archibald, a long standing member and supporter, contacted us with the offer of a gift of two woods, Bull Coppice and Resp Haw Wood, running down the eastern side of the Rusland Valley. Further talks and visits to the woodlands with David since the initial offer have now culminated in the transfer of ownership to Friends of the Lake District.

The two woods form a sizeable block of ancient semi natural woodland, and they are a significant part of the character of the valley. The woods are a delightful mix of oak, birch, ash, small leaved lime, holly and other native species. The ground flora includes bluebells, dog’s mercury, primroses and wood sorrel.

A survey measuring the girth of tree trunks in 2023 (left) revealed some of the coppiced holly trees here are over 1000 years old.

We were delighted to add such magnificent woodland to our portfolio. We are proud that David saw Friends of the Lake District as an appropriate organisation in which to place his trust and privileged to be afforded the opportunity to care for and enhance these spectacular spaces.

The woods include the presence of nationally important natural heritage features, geological and geomorphological features, wildlife and habitats. They are designated as being of outstanding scenic, historic and scientific interest and enjoy “open access”.

We own and manage woodlands in Eskdale, Ambleside, Grasmere and Staveley and our experience and sympathetic management of woodland properties will ensure a healthy future for the Rusland woods and that they remain in common ownership.

Directions

Rusland

Our Rusland Woods sit in the eastern side of the Rusland valley. The woodland is open access and can be entered along the public footpath off the Rusland Cross road or by the roadside gate (What3words: https://w3w.co/abstracts.flamenco.flap ). Unfortunately there is no public transport to this site.

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.
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.
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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?