Cleaning Up The Lake District

The Lake District’s biggest annual 'spring clean' event – tidying up around the shores of Windermere and filling hundreds of bags of rubbish – is about to get even bigger this year taking in other lakes and rivers that feed into England’s longest lake. National Park Management Ranger Steve Tatlock is appealing for groups to get involved and help improve and care for the landscape and ensure the area looks its best for the onset of the peak holiday season. The main day-long event takes place along Windermere on Saturday 21 May, but for a week  after that date Steve wants volunteers to help him widen the clean-up as far as Ambleside, Grasmere, Rydal and the Langdales. “We’ll supply all the equipment, paperwork and logistical support for any group that wants to commit a little time and a lot of enthusiasm. It really is a fun opportunity to get out in the fresh air and feel that you’re putting something back into this special community. It is amazing and sad just how much rubbish and litter gets accidentally left behind in such a wonderfully stunning landscape. I’m already receiving great help and support but there’s always room for more volunteers, especially now we have the extra areas to look after,” Steve said. Anyone wanting to find out more should get in touch with the national park contact centre (if you know of any parties who might be able to help, please pass it on) - 01539 724555; www.lakedistrict.gov.uk.