The Trust is exploring the changes to our landscape through the High Fell – The Cumbria Landscape Story project by recording the memories of those of you who have lived and worked in the area since World War Two.

Funded by Heritage Lottery Fund, the project is looking for people to interview from all walks of life – from hill farmers, landowners, game keepers and graziers to former rangers, foresters, dry-stone wallers, naturalists, fell walkers, runners, local artists or simply people who have lived in the area for the last 50 to 60 years.

High Fell project officer Sarah Johnson says, “Everyone has a unique story and experiences to share. People’s memories of everyday events are just as important as historical documents and books in telling us about how the landscape and its wildlife has changed.”

The recordings will be used to create a series of podcasts to complement walks in the high fells area. The podcasts will also be available on an interactive website alongside excerpts from other recorded interviews and imagery reflecting the landscape changes. A countywide exhibition of the project’s findings is planned for next year.

Sarah continues, “The history of the high fells is all around us, in local people’s living memories and experiences. The first-hand accounts of people who’ve lived and worked in the Lake District are vital to understanding how the changes have influenced the landscape, wildlife and people’s way of life.”

“I think the oral history project is a great way to preserve the memories of people who live in this area, engage the public, and to bring alive the history of this iconic landscape for current and future generations.”

The high fells of the Lake District are the defining image of Cumbria, but the landscapes we see today are very different to those of decades past. Changes in agricultural practices, tourism and land use have dramatically transformed the high fells landscape.

Would you like to participate, or know someone with a good story to tell? Then please contact Sarah Johnson, on: 01539 816 305 or This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .