Rare slate fences restored in areas of the Lake District

Rare slate fences restored in areas of the Lake District
Rare slate fences restored in areas of the Lake DistrictLDNPA Tall shards of slate covered in lichen and moss interlock on farmland, marking a boundary. The front part of an excavator is tied to a shard after it has just been placed in the ground. LDNPA

Interlocking shard slate fences are unique to the Lake District and are a centuries-old practice

Rare slate fences unique to the Lake District have been restored.

More than 980 feet (300 m) of interlocking shard fencing has been restored in the upper Lickle Valley and on footpaths in Hawkshead.

The Lake District National Park Authority (LDNPA) said while shard fences have been found in other parts of the UK, interlocking fences are only found in the park.

Farmer Celia Caulcott said the structures served as “vital field boundaries” and “green corridors providing habitats for wildlife”.

Rare slate fences restored in areas of the Lake DistrictLDNPA farmer Celia Caulcott stands next to an interlocking fence made of broken glass on farmland. The fence is roughly shaped and overgrown with lichens. Celia has short, great hair and wears a purple t-shirt with pink pants.LDNPA

Farmer Celia Caulcott said the fences were “testament to the Lake District’s long tradition of pastoral farming”.

The project received funding of £116,707 from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) Agriculture Fund through the LDNPA.

At Jackson Ground in upper Lickle Valley, 853 feet (260 m) of fencing was restored, with some of the shards measuring 5 feet (1.5 m) high.

Ms Caulcott, who owns a farm in the area, said the fences were “testament to the Lake District's long-standing pastoral farming tradition, which has helped secure its UNESCO World Heritage status”.

LDNPA said the process could take several months and, when completed, would result in a “stable, unbroken border reinforced by safeguards that support local biodiversity”.

Rare slate fences restored in areas of the Lake DistrictLDNPA Two people work to measure the slate shards and place them in the ground, which is then dug up. The site is located in an agricultural area in Jackson Ground, Lake District.LDNPA

LDNPA said the process could take several months

At Hawkshead, six sections were restored, including 209 feet (64 m) of new sherds on a footpath between Hawkshead and Roger Ground, and the border with Dolly's Orchard.

LDNPA area ranger Sara Spicer said shard fences were an “incredible mix of practicality, heritage and environmental value”.

“For farmers, it provides a permanent boundary for livestock. For wildlife, the accompanying hedgerows act as vital corridors and promote biodiversity.”

“And for visitors, these fences provide a glimpse into the traditional way this land has been farmed for centuries.”

Rare slate fences restored in areas of the Lake DistrictLDNPA Tall shards of slate covered in lichen and moss interlock across farmland, marking a boundary. The front part of an excavator is tied to a shard after it has just been placed in the ground. LDNPA

LDNPA area ranger Sara Spicer said shard fences were an “incredible mix of practicality, heritage and environmental value”.

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