West Lakeland Farmer-Led Nature Recovery CIC
Making a difference for the landscape, the environment, farmers and the communities of West Lakeland
Farmers working with land managers and West Lakeland communities, funded by Defra and Lake District National Park, to map, assess, sustain and celebrate Cumbrian landscapes and farming heritage
“If we wait for government it will be too late, if we act as individuals it will be too little, if we act as communities it might just be enough.”
Rob Hopkins, From What Is to What If
A Vision Looking Forward
“To ensure the long-term stability of traditional, nature-friendly farming and land management in the upper Wasdale and Ennerdale fells, commons and farmland.”
The West Lakeland Farmer-Led Nature Recovery CIC is a group of farmers and the many others who are interested in current farming practices and who share not only an appreciation of our farming culture and heritage, but also a vision for what can be achieved in our landscape and in our communities.
Our approach is to bring together a wealth of information and local wisdom so that those living and working in the communities and landscapes of West Lakeland can make informed decisions for the future of farming and the landscape.
This will benefit the environment and economy across the Lake District and we also hope that it will provide a model that can be shared far beyond. We want to lay the foundations for future generations to stay in this area and to continue working in these precious landscapes. For this to happen, we need to hand on viable and sustainable farming businesses.
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A Mission for the future
Our mission is to future-proof traditional farming practices. We want to record and share the value of current approaches, assess the potential for improvements and work as a farming community to provide secure opportunities for skilled workers, keeping people on the farms.
In doing so, we want to create a diverse, healthy and thriving human economy and biodiverse nature in western Lakeland.
An ambition for future generations
Our ambition is:
- to support viable, diverse, thriving farming communities to continue traditional hill farming practices,
- to contribute to climate change mitigation and adaptation by reducing faming’s carbon footprint and increasing capacity to store and sequester carbon,
- to increase biodiversity and provide havens and species-rich corridors for wildlife to thrive.
A need for support and involvement
We are keen to build networks, make connections, attract additional funding and deliver on our vision, mission and ambition.
You can help.
Please read on to find out more, get in touch if you have farming experience or landscape skills to contribute and watch for news as The West Lakeland Farmer-Led Nature Recovery CIC and its work gathers momentum.
A focal point for gathering, sharing and acting
Our aim is to create an innovative, farmer-led approach. We want to encourage collaboration among farmers and local communities to support and promote traditional farming, conservation and nature recovery practices. Our firm belief is that this will enhance iconic Lake District landscapes and ensure greater opportunities for skills retention in farming and traditional heritage crafts.
“Knowledge is power. The people of the area need to be at the heart of that knowledge.” Sue Lister, CIC Director
We will provide a focal point, gathering and sharing good practices for farming, environmental land management and conservation through understanding the ecology, biodiversity and potential for carbon storage and sequestration of this precious area.