Friends of the Lake District’s mass volunteering event took place on Friday, November 17, bringing together 60 volunteers, task leaders and Friends staff at sites around Buttermere valley to carry out a wide range of conservation tasks.

Teamwork and cake to fuel the workforce proved a winning combination once again with volunteers from across the county delivering some remarkable results.

Seven metres of drystone wall was rebuilt at High Nook, Loweswater, led by the National Trust. The drystone wall repair makes the field stock proof again. 7.5 metres of hedge was also laid at Watergate Farm, Loweswater.

Hemlock trees were removed from Lanthwaite Wood 12 years ago but some regeneration had come through. Hemlock is a non-native species and can dominate woodlands stopping other species from growing. By removing the Hemlock it will allow native tree species in the woodland to develop.

Kay Andrews, landscape engagement officer with Friends of the Lake District said:

"The enthusiasm and hard work volunteers put into helping to care for our landscape is always inspiring to see. Our Fell Care Days bring together both local communities and visitors from across the country to have fun whilst carrying out incredibly important conservation work. We had a fantastic day, the sun shone and there were smiles all round.”

400 tree shelters and stakes were extended and redundant shelters were removed from trees planted in the Hobcarton Valley, led by Forestry England.

Scrub was cleared across a 2-acre area of wetland with West Cumbria Rivers Trust. The removal of scrub creates space for a wider variety of plant species to grow and will improve the health of the wetland.

In total, the team completed 300 working hours and ate 80 pieces of cake.

Kay Andrews said: "Thank you to everyone who took part and supported the event. Partnership working is key to the success of these days, and we are very grateful for the support of everyone involved in the day this year; National Trust, West Cumbria Rivers Trust, Fix the Fells, Forestry England, Loweswater Village Hall and our lovely cake supplier David Willan Quality Fresh Foods."