A vital week-long fundraiser is underway to maintain much-loved Lake District footpaths as part of the Fix the Fells partnership. The Lake District Foundation is participating in the Big Give Christmas Challenge, when every donation made over seven days will be matched, doubling its impact. This annual campaign offers a unique opportunity to support the maintenance and restoration of the Lake District’s stunning, yet fragile, fell landscapes.

The Fix the Fells initiative focuses on caring for the Lake District National Park’s upland paths which are under increasing strain. Highly skilled rangers and dedicated volunteers work hard to repair and rebuild eroded footpaths, helping to minimise damage from heavy foot traffic and increasingly severe weather.

Their work includes re-pitching stone paths, promoting vegetation growth and restoring damaged terrain. These efforts play a critical role in maintaining access for visitors. Between the 3^rd-10^th December every pound donated will be matched, doubling the impact of contributions.

Chief Executive of the Lake District Foundation, Sarah Swindley, emphasised the significance of this campaign, “Walking in the fells is a great experience for many, but the combined effects of foot traffic, extreme weather and climate change are creating serious challenges for the uplands. The Fix the Fells partnership works to address these issues by maintaining and repairing more than 300 upland paths. This week, with every donation doubled during the Big Give Christmas Challenge, we have an incredible opportunity to maximise our collective effort.”

The Lake District Foundation is a member of the Fix the Fells Partnership which also includes the National Trust, the Lake District National Park Authority, Natural England and Friends of the Lake District. Together these organisations work to ensure that the Lake District’s fell paths can continue to be enjoyed.