THE National Trust is holding an event ahead of four farms coming up to let later this year.

They are Wasdale Head Hall, High Thistleton and Troutal farms, in the western Lake District, and Robinson Place in the Langdale Valley near Ambleside.

Robin Witchell, Estate Manager for the Trust explains: “This is an early ‘heads up’ on four farms that will be up for let later this year. At a drop-in session we’ll explain our letting process and share key information on each farm. It’s an opportunity to discuss the long term ambition for each and how prospective tenants’ plans could be developed to meet them. We hope it will help people decide which farm is best for them, and give people time and insight so they can submit a great application.”

Marian Silvester, General Manager for the West Lakes says that listening to what communities want has been an important element in developing this initiative. “Last December, we held an event at the Lakeland Livestock Centre to listen to potential farm tenants in order to better understand their needs and aspirations. Top of that list was earlier announcements of farms that may be coming to let, in order to give people more time to prepare tender applications.”

“We are really looking forward to meeting potential new tenants at an earlier opportunity in the letting process with this new way of working. It is a great opportunity to share our strategy for nature friendly farming, and provide potential tenants with more information on the farms.”

The event will be held at the Lakeland Livestock Centre, Cockermouth between 3pm and 8pm. Registration is essential. Contact Jane Collins on 019467 26064 or jane.collins@nationaltrust.org.uk