Our members are representatives of the nation and the voice of the public, but what do they do? Well, apart from attending Committee meetings, voting on key issues and visiting proposed building sites, they also take part in 'Seeing is Believing' days in the National Park to improve their understanding and see how their decisions have made a positive impact in the National Park.
Here's just one example.
The Seeing is Believing event, held on June 15 2023, marked the success of the Eskdale Trail project. Nestled in the west of the National Park, the 8.5km Eskdale Trail runs from Dalegarth to Ravenglass. Our rangers worked with the community and businesses to improve this beautiful route and its connections to sustainable travel in the area. Members were invited to find out how this project was delivered, the benefits to local communities and visitors and join in the celebrations to officially open the route.
Members gathered at the Ratty Arms in Ravenglass at 9:15 am, where Steve and Hanna extended a warm welcome to the attendees and outlined the day's objectives.
The morning commenced with a leisurely walk, led by our Historic and Built Environment Advisors Rose Lord and Eleanor Kingston, to the Roman Bath House, where an engaging talk on the Romans in Ravenglass took place. The group then retraced their steps back to Ravenglass.
Following this, at 11:25 am, members travelled from Ravenglass Station aboard the La'al Ratty railway. Upon arriving at Dalegarth Station at 12:05 pm, a room had been arranged for lunch and refreshments, during which Head of Strategy and Rangers Hanna Latty spoke about National Park’s sustainable transport initiatives and how projects like the Eskdale Trail support better connectivity for cycling and walking.
At 12:40 pm, a walk to the Eskdale Trail finished in a ribbon-cutting ceremony and photographs with a local school group. Area Ranger Adam and Ranger Team Leader Steve elaborated on the enhancements made to the Right of Way and the Eskdale Trail.
For those who wished, a choice between two scenic routes back to Dalegarth Station was presented: one through Trough House Bridge, and the other through Stanley Ghyll via Anne's Walk. The group reconvened on the La'al Ratty at 2:10 pm, heading back to Ravenglass, where they arrived at 2:50 pm.
(Header image shows when members joined staff and rangers at Eskdale Trail opening event.)
