Borrowdale Story

Discover the Rich History of Seatoller

Fri, 17 Oct 2025 13:27:00 -0700

Introduction to Seatoller's Past

Steve Uglow's remarkable two-volume series, 'Seatoller: History of Hamlet,' published by Bookcase Publishing in 2024 and available at Bookends in Keswick, offers a deep dive into the history of Seatoller, a quaint hamlet beloved by many who visit the Lakes and Borrowdale Valley.

Listen to an hour-long "Countryside" podcast here.

Memorable Locations and Historical Ties

Seatoller has captured the hearts of many, from those who have stayed at the historic Seatoller House, a guesthouse with a 150-year legacy linked to Trinity College manhunts and the Tricouni mountaineering club, to diners who remember the famed Yew Tree restaurant. Not to be overlooked is the daunting B5289 road, with its steep 1 in 4 gradient, which holds a memorable place in the experience of both cyclists and motorists.

A Journey Through Time

The series begins with Seatoller's early days under the stewardship of the Cistercian monks from Furness Abbey, who orginally developed the area by draining the land and enclosing the fields. Following the Reformation under Henry VIII, the narrative follows the land as it passed through various ownerships, eventually becoming known for the fiercely independent 'Lakes statesmen' and the prominent Fisher Family.

Seatoller's Industrial and Social Evolution

Steve Uglow vividly details the transformation of Seatoller during the industrial era, focusing on the late 19th and early 20th centures. He highlights the construction of miners' cottages by the Honister slate company and personal stories such as that of William James Birkett Jackson, whose life journey symbolises the broader historical shifts of the community.

Spotlight on Local Heros and Heritage

The narrative is...Read More

Valley Voices: Stan Edmondson

Sun, 23 Jun 2024 00:08:05 -0700

Nestled in the stunning landscape of the Lake District, the Borrowdale Valley is rich with stories that echo through the hills and dales of this picturesque region. Our podcast, Valley Voices, seeks to unearth and celebrate these stories, bringing to life the personal experiences and historical narratives that define this beautiful area. In our latest episode, we are priviledged to share the intriguing life story of Stan Edmondson, a man whose roots are deeply embedded in the soil of Borrowdale.

A True Son of Borrowdale

Stan Edmondson's family history in the valley spans over two centuries, making him a living repository of local history and tradition. Born and raised in the valley, Stan's life reflects the agricultural heritage that has characterised the region for generations. From tales of sheep farming passed down through his family to personal ventures into trout farming and beekeeping, Stan embodies the spirit of rural ingenuity and resilience.

More than just Farming

But Stan's story is not just about farming. It is a vivid tapestry that includes folklore, such as the local legend of the Borrowdale cuckoo, believed to bring eternal spring if it could be kept within the valley. This tale, and many others that Stan shares, offers a glimpse into the cultural richness and mythical landscape that inform the community's identity and daily life.

Stan's Modern Ventures

In addition to traditional sheep farming, Stan talks about his transition to trout farming and his passion for beekeeping, illustrating his innovative approach to harnessing the natural resources of Borrowdale. His recount of starting the second trout farm in the Lake District and his detailed engagement with beekeeping provide fascinating insights in to the adaptability and forward-thinking of the valley's residents.

An Invitation to Explore

Valley Voices Podcast Launches

Tue, 18 Jun 2024 04:57:03 -0700

Nestled amidst the captivating landscapes of the Lake District, Borrowdale Valley is not only a place of breathtaking beauty but also a reservoir of rich, unfolding stories. Our new podcast, Valley Voices, brings these stories to life, directly from the hearts of the valley's own residents. If you're a lover of deep, locally-rooted narratives or someone who cherishes the intimate connection between place and community, then this is a podcast you won't want to miss.

Why "Valley Voices"?

Valley Voices aims to preserve and celebrate the oral history of Borrowdale Valley through the personal experiences of its inhabitants. Each episode features a different local voice, from farmers to schoolteachers, each sharing tales that paint a vivid picture of both past and present life in the valley. The podcast not only entertains but educates, providing listeners with a deeper understanding of the community and its historical significance.

Meet Emmie Mounsey

In our inaugural episode, we introduce listeners to Emmie Mounsey, whose stories of life during wartime and her descriptions of community cohesion provide a moving and powerful portrayal of her lifelong home. Emmie's narrative is just the beginning—each episode explores different facets of life in Borrowdale, ensuring that every listener finds something that resonates.

How Can You Support "Valley Voices"?

"Valley Voices" is a passion project aimed at capturing and preserving the unique cultural tapestry of Borrowdale Valley. By subscribing to our podcast, you help us reach more listeners and ensure the ongoing production of this valuable content. Here’s how you can help:

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Reflections from Borrowdale:

Fri, 14 Jun 2024 06:27:45 -0700

Nestled in the pictursque landscape of the Lake District, Borrowdale Valley holds not just breathtaking views but also stories that are deeply woven into the fabric of its community. One such story belongs to Emmie Mounsey, a resident whose life reflects the rich history and vibrant culture of his beautiful region.

A Life Framed by History

Emmie was born in 1931 in Keswick, just a stone's throw from Borrowdale, into a family deeply entrenched in the antique business. Her childhood, marked by the echoes of World War II, was a tapestry of both hardship and vibrant community life centered around the Methodist church. This church was not just a place of workship but a cornerstone of social life where Emmie and her family found solace and camaraderie.

The War Years and Beyond

Despite the relative peace in the region during the war, its impact on daily life was significant. Emmie recalls blackouts, shortages, and the simple yet profound losses of everyday comforts like bananas. Yet, it was the strength of community bonds and the resilience of her family that painted her early years with strokes of joy and togetherness.

Emmie's Journey into Adulthood

Growing into adulthood, Emmie's narrative weaves through various roles - from helping at a local cafe to experiencing the broader world during a significant stint in the south of France. Each episode of her life adds layers to her character, showcasing a woman shaped by her experiences, steadfast in her roots yets adaptable and spirited.

The backdrop of Emmie's story is often her family's antique shop - a place of both creative expression and personal trial due to her faither's struggle with alcoholism. These challenges did not...Read More

Borrowdale Parish May 2023 Election Results

Thu, 01 Jun 2023 07:52:20 -0700

The Cumberland Council has officially declared the results of the uncontested election for Parish councillors in Borrowdale Parish. As the only candidates nominated, the following individuals will be duly elected as Parish Councillors:

Peter Barron
Fraser Dillingham
Trevor Dowson
David Hindmarch
Andrew Webb

The next meeting of the Borrowdale Parish Council will take place on the 26 July at 19:00 in the Herdwick Suite at the Borrowdale Institute.

The latest edition of the Borrowdale News is out 1 June 2023. You can read the online edition by clicking the image below.

Cumbria Rivers win 2022 European River Prize

Sat, 21 Jan 2023 13:27:21 -0800

The Cumbria Rivers in the Lake District National Park has recently been recognized for its excellence in management, conservation and development by winning the prestigious 2022 European River Prize. This is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the Cumbria River Restoration partnerships programme, which has been working tirelessly to improve the quality of the rivers in the Lake District.

As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Lake District is known for its outstanding universal value, including its beautiful rivers. The rivers of the Lake District form an integral component of the area's beauty, but for many centuries, these rivers have been shaped by upland farming and intensive dairy agriculture. This human intervention has had a negative impact on the rivers, with many of them now suffering from poor water quality.

Recent severe flood events have also been exacerbated by the mismanagement of the watercourses, resulting in damage to designated protected areas and a decline in biodiversity.

The Cumbria River Restoration partnerships programme has been working hard to address these issues by undertaking over 100 projects to improve the rivers and their associated floodplains. Statistics from 31 of the largest restoration projects show that nearly 100 km of river length have been improved and almost 150 ha of floodplain have been restored. The programme has also focused on rejuvenatiing the natural system's dynamics and re-naturalizing tributaries that flow into the main rivers.

The European River Prize, first awarded in 2013, celebrates excellence in management, conservation, and development of Europe's rivers, wetlands, and surrounding communities. The prize is awarded in conjunction with the European River Symposium, which attracts an audience of Europe's leading advocates for environment and river protection. This year, the European River Prize was awarded during the Gala Dinner of the 25th International Rivers symposium...Read More

Exploring Sustainable Farming at Seatoller Farm

Fri, 20 Jan 2023 04:02:49 -0800

Seatoller farm, located in the picturesque valley of Borrowdale, is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in sustainable farming practices. The farm is run by the dynamic duo of Daniel and Ruby, who have been working hard to create a balance between tradition and modernity.

As visitors arrive at the farm, they are greeted by the sight of a clean and well-maintained yard and buildings. The farm is one of the older ones in the valley, with rich history and tradition.

Challenges

Daniel and Ruby raise a flock of Herdwick and Swaledale sheep, with many producing twins. However, this poses a challenge when it comes to the ancient Hefting Arrangements, a system where sheep respect the boundaries of their traditional grazing areas.

Despite this challenge, the farm has managed to maintain a strong and healthy flock of sheep, and has also diversified its income streams by catering to visitors. The farm offers a camp site, shop, and pizza facility for vistors to enjoy. The farm has a strong commitment to working with environmentallists in maintaining walls and tree planting, and this is evident in the well-maintained landscape.

Climate Change Impact

In addition to the environmental efforts, the farm also has to deal with the impact of climate change, specifically the floods that have affected the area in recent years. After the devastating floods of last September, which resulted in the loss of fifty hoggs, the farm has been working on ways to mitigate the effects of such natural disasters in the future.

Looking Toward the Future

Depsite these challenges, Seatoller farm has managed to maintain a balance between tradition and modernity, and it's no wonder that it's a popular destination for visitors. The farm is a great example...Read More

Saving the Borrowdale Wild Apple

Fri, 20 Jan 2023 03:42:19 -0800

Author: Pete Barron, Rosthwaite

The Borrowdale Wild Apple is a rare and precious native tree that has been overlooked and underappreciated for far too long. This tree, often referred to as the crab apple, has a special place in the history and ecology of the Borrowdale valley. But, as I discovered while mapping and measuring these ancient trees, the future of the Borrowdale wild apple is uncertain.

In 2019, a study by Ric Worrell et al revealed that some of the finest wild apple woods, with the highest densities of apple trees, were found in Thorneythwaite, near Seatoller in the Lake District, an area known for its high rainfall. The study also found that the wild apples in the upper valley were pure, without having hybridized with wild-grown domestic apples or imported Chinese or Siberian crab apples, as seen in other areas. This is important because it can be difficult to determine the level of hybridization by looking at a particular tree.

However, despite their genetic purity, the wild apple trees in Borrowdale are not regenerating naturally. This is due to browsing pressure and the fact that these trees are often found on open, grazed wood pasture, where they appear to prefer a more open, light situation. In my own searches, I have found only one naturally regenerated apple tree, and that was a sucker off an old tree. The remaining stock of wild apple trees in Borrowdale is very old, and although they are long-lived and can re-grow after storm damage, new trees are needed to secure the future.

Travelling to the beautiful Borrowdale Valley in Cumbria just got more affordable! Thanks to Stagecoach's new maximum fare of £2 for single bus rides, those living in or visiting the area can now explore the stunning landscape without worrying about the cost.

With the government's Help for Households scheme, you can make the most out of your journey and stretch your money a little further.

Single journeys capped at £2* - Starts 1st January 2023 until 31st December 2024

So don't wait any longer, take advantage of this amazing offer and start planning your next trip to Borrowdale Valley now!

Rob Jones, managing director for Stagecoach Cumbria & North Lancashire, said: “We are pleased to be involved in this new initiative by the Department for Transport, which will help so many people at a time where money needs to stretch further, while at the same time aims to reduce car use and encourage people onto more sustainable public transport.

“We hope the scheme will encourage even more people to leave the car at home and use the bus, making it easier to get around the county and further afield.”

It is hoped that not only will it help people to save money on public transport, but it will also help reduce air pollution in towns and cities across the county.

So, if you’re looking to get out and about in Cumbria, the new £2 fare could be just the ticket.