Fix the Fells Volunteers

The Fix the Fells project undertakes maintenance and repair work across the network of upland paths, monitoring and improving the condition of popular routes in the Lake District National Park. A huge proportion of this work is undertaken by a highly committed and passionate group of volunteers, previously known by the traditional title of Lengthsmen. Fix the Fells is an enormously successful partnership project between the National Trust , the Lake District National Park Authority, Natural England, Friends of the Lake District and The Lake District Foundation (LDF).

What will I be doing?

Volunteering with Fix the Fells is a physically demanding outdoors-based role, and often requires a lengthy walk to and from the upland paths. The role is varied but the main tasks include:

• Carrying out routine maintenance on specified upland paths including clearing drainage features and culverts, clearing loose stones from sections of stone pitching and removing unwanted cairns
• Attending ranger-led practical work parties on upland paths to undertake minor repairs and landscaping
• Monitoring previous repair work, surveying routes for deterioration and reporting findings
• Promoting the work of Fix the Fells by talking to the public on the fells and providing information
• Maintaining good relationships with landowners, tenants, farmers, local communities and partner organisations
• Adhering to the Lake District National Park Authority and National Trust Vision, Values and Behaviours
  (LDNPA Vision and Values // NT Values and Behaviours [PDF])

What skills do I need?

• A good level of physical fitness
• An interest in practical conservation and upland path repairs
• Knowledge of, and passion for, the Lake District National Park
• Experience of walking in the Lake District fells
• Great team-working skills

How often will I need to volunteer?

We ask our Fix the Fells volunteers to commit to a minimum of 12 days of volunteering a year as this encourages our volunteers to build and retain their practical skills and knowledge. Fix the Fells is a year-round project and volunteering takes place throughout the week and all across the National Park.

What training will I receive?

We offer a comprehensive training and induction package. All LDNPA Volunteers will receive a National Park induction, as well as a role-specific induction. Volunteers will need to undertake mandatory training in Outdoor First Aid, Navigation and Practical Path Maintenance. Further training is available throughout your time as a volunteer.

In addition, all new Fix the Fells volunteers are allocated a volunteer mentor to help them learn the ropes and get settled into the project.

What's in it for me?

Our Fix the Fells volunteers tell us that the satisfaction of seeing their work used and enjoyed is a huge factor in their continued support! There is more, though, to make sure your efforts are recognised:

• Opportunity to get out into one of Britain's most spectacular landscapes and often in ways that you might not have experienced before
• Initial and ongoing training
• Encouragement to develop your existing skills and learn new ones
• Support from a motivated and enthusiastic team of staff and experienced volunteers
• A calendar of social and celebration events
• Access to discounts from both the Lake District National Park Authority and the National Trust
• Reimbursement of out of pocket expenses

How to apply

Applications for our 2024 Fix the Fells volunteer intake is now closed (16/2/24).

We will respond to all those who applied within the next 2-3 weeks, by email.

Please read the Pre-Application Checklist before applying for the FTF role in future.

Download the full Fix the Fells volunteer role profile (PDF)

You could also head over to the Fix the Fells website for more information on the project, links to social media and how you can support the project financially.

Any more questions?

If you have questions that aren't answered here please contact our Volunteer Recruitment and Training Coordinator, Cath Elliott by email.