National Trust to Host ‘Farming with Nature’ Guided Walk in Stonethwaite Valley on November 4

The National Trust is set to host a special guided walk titled “Farming with Nature” on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, offering visitors an immersive experience in the heart of the Stonethwaite Valley, one of the most scenic corners of the Lake District National Park. The event will highlight how farming and nature conservation can work hand in hand to sustain the region’s landscapes, wildlife, and heritage for generations to come.

Exploring the Harmony Between Farming and Nature

The guided walk forms part of the National Trust’s ongoing commitment to sustainable land management and its Farming with Nature initiative. Participants will explore how local farmers in the Borrowdale and Stonethwaite areas are adopting nature-friendly practices that enhance biodiversity, restore natural habitats, and promote soil health — while continuing to produce quality food and support rural livelihoods.

The theme of the walk focuses on the delicate balance between traditional hill farming and modern conservation methods. Visitors will learn how these farms are evolving to meet the challenges of climate change and environmental degradation without losing the cultural identity that defines the Lake District.

A Walk Through Stonethwaite’s Living Landscape

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Located near Keswick, the Stonethwaite Valley is celebrated for its ancient woodlands, stone farm buildings, and crystal-clear rivers — a living example of the Lake District’s unique blend of human and natural beauty. It sits within the Borrowdale Valley, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, where centuries of upland farming have shaped both the scenery and the community.

During the walk, participants will have the chance to see first-hand how the National Trust and local farmers collaborate to protect this landscape. The route will take in parts of the Borrowdale Rainforest National Nature Reserve, one of England’s few surviving temperate rainforests, and showcase recent Stonethwaite river restoration projects that are bringing new life to the valley’s ecosystems.

Rangers will discuss the reintroduction of native plants, the creation of wildlife corridors, and sustainable grazing practices that help preserve rare species such as red squirrels, curlews, and native wildflowers.

Educational Experience for All Ages

The Farming with Nature guided walk isn’t just a stroll through the countryside — it’s a learning opportunity designed for those who are curious about how traditional farming can evolve in harmony with environmental stewardship.

Participants will learn about:

• Sustainable grazing techniques and their impact on soil and biodiversity.

• Watercourse restoration projects improving river health and flood resilience.

• Native woodland regeneration and the importance of tree planting.

• Cultural heritage of local farms and how generations of farmers have adapted to new environmental goals.

The guided walk will be around two hours long, making it suitable for most abilities. The route is described as gentle but uneven, so participants are advised to wear sturdy footwear and weather-appropriate clothing. The event is open to anyone aged 12 and above, offering a family-friendly way to connect with nature and understand the stories behind the Lake District’s rural traditions.

Practical Information

• Date: Tuesday, 4 November 2025

• Duration: Approximately 2 hours

• Meeting Point: Stonethwaite Farm, near Keswick

• Time: Exact start time to be confirmed (check the National Trust’s events page)

• Cost: Free or donation-based (advance booking required)

• Age suitability: 12+

• Difficulty: Gentle to moderate terrain

• Essentials to bring: Waterproofs, good walking boots, snacks, and water

Advance booking is recommended due to limited group sizes, ensuring a more personal experience and better interaction with the National Trust rangers leading the walk.

Part of a Bigger Picture: Farming in Protected Landscapes

The Farming with Nature event is aligned with the Lake District National Park’s “Farming in Protected Landscapes Programme”, which supports local farmers in managing land in ways that benefit both people and wildlife. Funded by Defra, this programme helps farms deliver environmental improvements, boost biodiversity, and enhance the visitor experience in protected areas like Borrowdale.

By joining this guided walk, participants are not only gaining insight into local conservation efforts but also contributing to a wider conversation about how sustainable farming can secure the future of the UK’s most treasured landscapes.

A Collaboration Rooted in Community

Stonethwaite Valley has long been a place where community, heritage, and environment intersect. Many of the farms here have been managed by the same families for generations, maintaining traditions while adapting to environmental change.

The National Trust works closely with these farmers to encourage low-intensity grazing, protect riverbanks and peatlands, and reduce carbon emissions through soil management and tree planting. These partnerships demonstrate how farming can remain viable while actively restoring the natural world.

Local farmer involvement is central to the event’s authenticity. As one National Trust ranger explained,

“Farming with nature isn’t about giving something up — it’s about finding new ways to work that help both people and wildlife thrive. Here in Stonethwaite, every field tells a story of balance and respect for the land.”

Linking Heritage and Future Sustainability

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The Lake District’s heritage is deeply tied to its farming traditions. Dry-stone walls, grazing sheep, and small family farms define the area’s identity as much as its fells and lakes. Yet, in recent years, changing weather patterns and economic pressures have challenged the viability of traditional upland farming.

Events like the Farming with Nature Guided Walk help bridge the gap between heritage and modern sustainability, showing how new practices can preserve both the environment and the livelihoods that depend on it.

Visitors will learn how local farmers are adopting:

• Regenerative agriculture methods that rebuild soil health and reduce chemical use.

• Carbon-friendly grazing systems to cut methane emissions.

• Habitat restoration projects that attract pollinators and support native birds.

This evolving approach reflects a shared vision — that farming and nature conservation are not opposing forces, but partners in protecting the Lake District’s future.

Why This Matters Now

As climate change accelerates and biodiversity declines, the need for nature-positive farming has never been greater. The Lake District, with its fragile upland ecosystems, plays a crucial role in demonstrating how rural economies can adapt sustainably.

By participating in the National Trust’s guided walk, visitors will gain a tangible understanding of what regenerative land management looks like — not through lectures or presentations, but through direct observation and dialogue in the field.

The National Trust hopes that experiences like these will inspire more people to support local farming initiatives, volunteer for conservation projects, or simply make more informed choices about the food they buy and the landscapes they love.

An Invitation to Connect

The guided walk offers a rare opportunity to experience Stonethwaite Valley in a meaningful way — not just as a visitor, but as a participant in its ongoing story of coexistence between people and nature. It’s an invitation to slow down, listen to the land, and understand how small changes in farming can make a big difference to the planet.

Whether you’re a local resident, a visitor to the Lake District, or someone with a passion for conservation, the Farming with Nature walk promises a refreshing blend of education, community spirit, and natural beauty.

Looking Ahead

The National Trust’s initiative forms part of a broader mission to make the Lake District a model for sustainable living — where heritage, biodiversity, and human wellbeing are all interconnected. The lessons shared during this event go far beyond the valley’s boundaries, offering insight into how communities across the UK can farm and live more harmoniously with the natural world.

As the Trust continues to develop projects across Cumbria, events like these remind us that meaningful environmental change often begins at the local level — in conversations between farmers, conservationists, and visitors who care deeply about the landscapes they share.

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FAQs 

1. What is the National Trust ‘Farming with Nature’ guided walk?

The National Trust’s Farming with Nature guided walk is a two-hour outdoor experience in the Stonethwaite Valley, Lake District, where visitors can learn how farmers and conservationists work together to protect wildlife, restore rivers, and practice sustainable land management.

2. When and where will the guided walk take place?

The event takes place on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, in the Stonethwaite Valley, near Keswick, Cumbria. Participants will meet at Stonethwaite Farm, which serves as the starting point for the walk.

3. Who can join the guided walk?

The walk is suitable for ages 12 and above. It’s designed for anyone interested in nature, farming, or conservation. While the route is described as gentle, some uneven terrain means sturdy footwear and weatherproof clothing are recommended.

4. How long is the ‘Farming with Nature’ guided walk?

The walk lasts approximately two hours, covering a gentle-to-moderate route through farmland, woodlands, and riverside paths in the Borrowdale and Stonethwaite valleys.

5. What will participants learn during the event?

Attendees will discover how local farmers are working with the National Trust to:

• Restore river ecosystems in Stonethwaite Valley

• Rewild sections of the Borrowdale Rainforest National Nature Reserve

• Support biodiversity through sustainable grazing and regenerative farming

• Preserve the cultural heritage of this UNESCO World Heritage Site

6. Do I need to book a place in advance?

Yes. Advance booking is required because places are limited. Booking information is available on the National Trust’s official events page. Some walks may be free or donation-based.

7. What should I bring for the guided walk?

Participants are advised to bring:

• Waterproof clothing and sturdy boots

• Water and snacks

• A camera or binoculars for wildlife viewing

• Enthusiasm for learning about farming and conservation in the Lake District

8. What conservation projects will be featured during the walk?

The guided walk will showcase ongoing conservation efforts in the Borrowdale and Stonethwaite valleys, including:

• Stonethwaite River Restoration Project

• Borrowdale Rainforest regeneration

• Nature-friendly farming practices supported by the Lake District’s Farming in Protected Landscapes Programme

9. How does this event support the local community and environment?

This event supports the Lake District National Park’s sustainable farming goals by encouraging eco-tourism, supporting local farmers, and raising awareness about regenerative agriculture. It’s part of the National Trust’s broader mission to protect Cumbria’s landscapes and wildlife while sustaining local livelihoods.

10. Why should visitors join the Farming with Nature walk?

Joining the guided walk offers a rare opportunity to see how farming and nature coexist in one of the UK’s most picturesque landscapes. Visitors gain practical insights into sustainability, biodiversity, and heritage preservation — all while enjoying the beauty of Stonethwaite Valley.