27 June 2019
This summer we’ve teamed up with the John Muir Trust to offer a selection of very special joint guided walks in the Lake District led by rangers from John Muir Trust and National Park volunteers.
The next one is taking place on Saturday 29 June at Red Tarn and Catstycam and it’s the ideal opportunity to find out about the important work we’re jointly doing in this unique area.
We have a guest blog from one of the expert John Muir Trust walk guides, 21 year old Isaac Johnston.
“Having lived in and explored the Lake District all my life I have a profound appreciation and fascination for the landscape and all things within it.
“As my peers left the Lake District for university and travelling abroad, I stayed to conserve and enhance the natural landscape I’ve grown to love.
"My journey started as far back as I can remember. Lifting rocks and logs looking for toads, bugs and other creepy crawlies was my favourite thing to do. As I got older my enthusiasm and intrigue only grew and I was sure I wanted to spend my life conserving wildlife, enhancing the natural landscape and sharing my enthusiasm with others.
"Joining the Lake District National Park Young Rangers was my first real experience of working in conservation. We were involved in a wide variety of tasks on a monthly basis. Jobs such as Balsam bashing, making a boardwalk and working on fell footpaths all gave me great experience in what it meant to work outdoors.
"Following this I managed to get an apprenticeship with Cumbria Wildlife Trust. This brilliant two year scheme enabled me to gain the professional skills, training and contacts I needed to begin my career in conservation. This training included acquiring my chainsaw , brushcutter, quadbike and pesticide application certificates as well as lots of courses on plant or bird identification and many more.
"In May of 2018 I started work with the John Muir Trust as they took up management of Glenridding Common. My role here is extremely varied which keeps my work fresh and interesting. From bird or butterfly surveys in spring and summer to tree planting and footpath work during the autumn and winter months, working for the John Muir Trust has been a dream come true.
"I find working in conservation immensely enjoyable. Seeing landscapes, flora and fauna flourishing and thriving is what brings me the most satisfaction. I am sure I will always have the same passion and enthusiasm as I do now and I look forward to leading the guided walk to try and inspire others too."
If Isaac’s passion has inspired you find out more about the area or the work of the John Muir Trust. Or find more info on Lake District volunteer-led guided walks
Guest Blogger
Working to defend wild land, enhance habitats and encourage people of all ages and backgrounds to connect with wild places.
