A beautiful landscape and environment with a tradition, character and culture worth valuing

The West Lakeland Farmer-Led Nature Recovery community interest company and the Cumbrian farmers and communities behind it.

The West Lakeland Farmer-Led Nature Recovery CIC is a not-for-profit, community interest company (CIC). It was formed in 2021 by local farmers and is based in the western valleys of the Lake District National Park, encompassing an area of approximately 25,000 acres (100,000km² or 40 square miles).

The area includes the upland commons of Nether Wasdale, Stockdale Moor and Kinniside, the freehold fells of upper Wasdale and upper Ennerdale and the farmland of the lower valleys.

People making a difference

The CIC has been set up to be led from the roots by farmers and others involved in the stewardship of this area. Everyone shares an aim to resolve complex issues faced by the farmers, by the local communities and by the natural environment.
The Directors and others involved in the planned projects will do this by engaging with local individuals, agencies, businesses, groups and NGOs to reinforce the fabric of our local communities and farming landscape.

Directors

  • Julius Manduell, Director and local farmer
  • Andrew Race, Director and local farmer
  • Will Rawling, Director and local farmer
  • Sue Lister, Director 
  • Amanda Carson, Director and veterinary surgeon
  • Elizabeth Nichol, Director and local farmer

A special environment, a unique heritage

These three West Lakeland upland commons, areas of open fell and the local lowland environment comprise “upland, ice carved scenery at its best” with fells and tarns of extraordinary beauty. This landscape and the weather have shaped the Lake District’s distinctive agro-pastoral traditions over hundreds, if not thousands, of years.

Cumbrian fell farming is based on the ancient rights of common grazing, local sheep breeds in hefted flocks, including the unique Herdwick sheep, and mixed farming in the valleys nearing the coast.

These farming systems and traditions have created a unique character of stone-walled fields and rugged fell farm buildings, shepherds’ meets and local shows. They have given the communities of the area the unique character and culture that were fundamental in the success of the Lake District National Park becoming a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Why now?

A network of farmers, landowners and other experts has recognised the need to assess the current situation on our land, map the findings and then use these to plan, defend and develop for the future.

“We know things are going to change. We need to stick together to work our way through it.” Andrew Race, Wasdale farmer

Please get in touch with us if you have ideas, support or skills that could be useful in the months and years ahead – we are taking a long-term view of a recognised, precious and ancient landscape.