Trust opens ‘Helvellyn Basecamp’ at Glenridding Common

New space will increase engagement with local community, volunteers and visitors.

The Trust has opened a small office and visitor space next to the Lake District National Park’s Ullswater tourist information centre as it looks to ramp up awareness of its activities in Glenridding Common, including on the mountain Helvellyn, this year. 

Called the ‘Helvellyn Basecamp’ it’s been funded with support from the Esme Fairbairn Foundation and will be used by staff, volunteers and visitors to the Trust managed Glenridding Common.

Isaac Johnston, Glenridding Common conservation ranger, says, “It’s important to now have a physical presence in Glenridding Common as we continue to establish ourselves in the community. It will help to further raise awareness of the Trust and the work we are doing in partnership with others in the area.”

The space will be used as an office, a hub for local volunteering activities while also enabling locals and visitors to drop-in to meet with the Trust’s staff.

“It’s an open door for people to come in and find out about the Trust’s work and how they can get involved”, continues Isaac.  “We’re hoping that locals and visitors alike will feel they can let us know what they are noticing and seeing up on the common itself – the sort of feedback and information that will help us manage this place for the benefit of everyone.   

The Trust will be holding an initial formal drop-in session on the 12 March 2019 where people can find out about the latest activities on the common and the management plan for the land. All are welcome to attend from 3pm to 7pm.

Photo credit: Kevin Lelland. Image shows Glenridding Common conservation ranger Isaac Johnston at the Helvellyn Basecamp