National Trust Summer Events at Sandscale Haws

Thought for the Week

"Gross national product measures everything except that which makes life worthwhile." Robert Kennedy
www.actionforhappiness.org

LOSING THE PLOT - A Tale of Love, Life and Allotments at the Dock Museum

'Losing the Plot' is a story of love - love between people and the land, love between people and people, and love between people and their giant vegetables.

One of two new shows which Mikron will tour in 2012, Losing the Plot will be on at The Dock Museum, North Road, Barrow-In-Furness, Cumbria, LA14 2PW on Sunday 30^th September at 2pm.

The show, written by Deborah McAndrew tells the stories of the gardeners of Thistledale Allotments, a rag-bag bunch of diggers and dreamers. Strong personalities frequently clash over the best treatment for mealy bugs, and the annual ‘Heaviest and Longest’ competition is always a time when old feuds and new flirtations threaten to undermine the fragile peace.

Then Harvey from the Council pays a visit and the gardeners realise that they must pull together, or forfeit their precious plot forever. But can they agree on a strategy? How will they convince Harvey of the vital role allotments have played in the life of the nation for centuries? What will they do when things inevitably get out of hand?

 

Mikron’s Artistic Director, Marianne McNamara commissioned Losing the Plot last summer, she explains why she was drawn to the theme of allotments, “Mikron have always told the story of events, innovations and movements through the eyes of ordinary people and communities. Losing the Plot explores the history of allotments, and how they are thriving these days in a time when self-sufficiency is making a resurgence.”  Marianne continues, “as a company who tour by narrowboat, I have been struck by the similarities of the two communities, in which people from all different walks of life cross each others’ paths”.

Told in true Mikron style, with a rollicking mix of old music hall tunes and brand new songs, big characters, inventive storytelling, and the odd scarecrow thrown in for good measure, Losing the Plot is a tale of earthy pleasures and pitchforks at dawn.

Tickets are priced at £10 (£8 concs) and are available from www.mikron.org.uk or 01484 843701.

Summer campaign highlights people continue to drink and drive

Cumbria Constabulary’s recent drink and drug drive campaign has highlighted how people are still putting their lives at risk and the lives of others in danger by getting behind the wheel of a car when under the influence.

Police officers target drink and drug drivers throughout the year; however in June there is a national campaign to target those who drive under the influence. This also provides officers with an insight into trends and attitudes toward drink driving.

Cumbria Constabulary kicked off their campaign on 1 June 2012 which focused on a designated driver, with all of the events happening across the County, having pre-arrangements to get home was the message to save people’s lives.

This year, 1,322 breath tests were conducted during the campaign which ran until 30 June 2012 and 99 people were arrested, meaning seven percent of those tested were either over the limit or failed to provide a test.

Of the 1,322 that were tested, 320 of these were following traffic collisions and 23 were found to have been over the legal limit.

The number who were tested and under 25 were 319, with 18 of these either being over the limit of failing to provide,  the remainder (1,003) where over 25 and 81 of those either tested positive or failed to provide.

In 2011, 67 people were arrested after officers conducted 880 breath tests during the campaign, 14 followed road traffic collisions. Twenty three of those who tested positive were under 25 years old and 44 were older, showing that a respect of the law does not necessarily come with age.

In 2010, 95 arrests were made after 952 breath tests, meaning less that ten percent of those tested were either over the limit or failed to provide a test, and in 2009, 88 arrests were made after 1,434 breath tests, meaning six percent of those tested were either over the limit or failed to provide a test.

Chief Inspector Kevin Greenhow who heads up the Roads Policing Unit in Cumbria said “More drivers were tested this year than in 2011 and the number which resulted in arrested was similar to previous years, at around seven percent.

“The number of people who still take a risk and drive when under the influence is not acceptable. We work with many different organisations and carry out operations throughout the year to target drink drivers in order to make the message clear that it is dangerous.

“These messages are important and could save people’s lives. Driving when under the influence of drink and drugs does impair driving and you are not able to make clear judgements, people are not fully in control and are putting lives at risk.

“We will continue to target any driver which we suspect to be under the influence and our officers are highly trained in recognising the signs of those who are driving whilst impaired.

“It is easy to make alternative arrangements if you are going out socialising. If you know you are going somewhere remote or there is a potential you will have a drink, never think you will be ok to drive, you are not. Ask someone to collect you or have a designated driver. Book a taxi, those extra few pounds to get home safely could save your life.”

Wild flowers blooming at Hartington Sqr

Health and Wellbeing workshops at CADAS

Storytots at Barrow Library

Book Signing at the Dock Museum

Finds Day at the Dock Museum

Creepy Crawlies Workshop at the Dock Museum

Love British Food

Baby Animal Handling at the Dock Museum

Did you know… criminals in Cumbria have been ordered to repay £13.5million to their victims?

Since 2003 when the Proceeds of Crime Act was introduced, criminals in Cumbria have been ordered to repay their victims an astounding £13,500,000.

This information has come to light during the fourth week of Cumbria Constabulary’s Did you know… campaign which is focusing on the unseen departments that prove that committing crime in Cumbria does not pay.

The campaign was launched at the beginning of the month to provide an insight into the work that goes on in different departments behind the scenes in Cumbria Constabulary to support frontline policing and keep people safe.

This week is the fourth week of the campaign and provides an insight into the departments that deal with those who are put in police cells, prepare to take criminals to court and scrutinise criminals’ finances to get compensation for their victims.

Did you know…

·         Between January 2011 and January 2012, specially trained detectives confiscated almost £1million from convicted criminals to return to their victims and communities affected by crime?

·         500 criminals in Cumbria have had their assets seized since POCA was introduced in 2003?

·         There are ongoing investigations that aim to seize a further £2million of criminals’ assets?

·         One Cumbrian criminal failed to pay a confiscation order & received a maximum sentence - ten years in prison added to his original sentence. His debt will stay with him for life and will accrue interest.

·         92,078 people were arrested and brought into police custody in Cumbria over the last 5 years?

·         That medical staff are available in police custody suites in Cumbria 24/7?

·         That every person brought into police custody is scanned and has their fingerprints taken?

·         Each burglary costs the public almost £5000 and every homicide costs around £1,775,000?**

·         That criminals who come face to face with their victims through a Restorative Justice Conference are more likely to change their behaviour and are less likely to reoffend?

Chief Inspector Terry Bathgate is Cumbria Constabulary’s lead for the police custody and Criminal Justice Units. He said “This week’s focus just shows that committing crime does not pay in Cumbria.

“Most criminals are driven to commit crime for money under the illusion that they will get away with it. They are wrong.

“This week we are providing an insight into what it feels like to be held in police cells.

Fortunately, the majority of our communities will not know how lonely and daunting the experience is and won’t realise the efforts that police go to to take criminals to court and get justice for their victims.

 “Risking your lifestyle, family and friends to make money through crime simply isn’t worth it. You may live lavishly for a while but you will be caught and after spending time in police cells, being taken before the courts and sent to prison, you will pay for your actions.

“Spending time behind bars doesn’t mark the end of your punishment either. We have specialist detectives who are trained to painstakingly investigate criminals’ finances to strip them of the assets they’ve gained through crime.

“Convicted criminals are then brought out of prison and taken to court again where another case will be brought against them under the Proceeds of Crime Act. Here, detectives will prove how much money criminals have made from crime and they can lose their homes, businesses and lavish lifestyles very quickly.

“Financial Investigation is a very important job but one that goes on behind the scenes which, unless you come to need, most people would know nothing about.”

Did you know…? continues to focus on the public facing side of the Constabulary next week when it will highlight the work that goes on the Communications Centre where call handlers pick up phonecalls from the public.Posters raising awareness of the work of the Constabulary will be distributed across police stations and in key places amongst communities such as libraries, doctors’ surgeries and leisure centres throughout the campaign.

The campaign will be extended onto the Constabulary’s social networking accounts with dedicated ‘tweetdays’ and webchats.

·         85% of victims who meet the perpetrators of their crimes through Restorative Justice are satisfied with the outcome?

Barrow Police have arrested two local people following two reported assaults that occurred in the town this week

Police in Barrow have arrested two local people, a 24 year old man and 23 year old woman, following two reported assaults that occurred in the town this week.

Both remain in police custody for questioning this morning.

The first assault took place around 7 pm on Wednesday 18th July 2012 on Dundonald Street in Barrow in Furness. Police were called by the ambulance service to Duke Street in Barrow-in-Furness after a man was reportedly hit with a  baseball bat. The victim, a local man aged 31, was taken to hospital via ambulance but was transferred to Preston hospital for treatment for a head injury. He remains in a serious condition.

The offender who is described as male, around 5 ft 10 who was wearing a black jacket with a hood up and dark tracksuit bottoms. It is believed he had his face covered at the time of the assault.

A second assault occurred  at around 4 am on Thursday 19th July 2012 which involved a 40 year old local man who was assaulted on Hartington Street in Barrow-in-Furness. It occurred close to the Pharmacy on Hartington Street, Barrow in Furness. The victim had heard a noise outside his property and went outside when he was assaulted, allegedly with a ‘jemmy’. He was taken to Furness General Hospital with non-life threatening injuries. He is now recovering from his ordeal at home.

The offender was described as being approximately 6 ft tall, slim build, wearing dark clothing with a hoody which was zipped up to his eyes. He left the scene by Nelson Street.

Police are investigating whether these assaults are connected at this time and are appealing for any members of the public who witnessed either incident to contact Barrow CID by dialling 101.

The police are particularly keen to speak to the driver of a white taxi who collected a bare chested male from Bath Street in Barrow in Furness between 9.30pm and 10.15pm on Wednesday 18^th July to contact them as soon as soon as possible on 101.

Information can also be passed anonymously to police via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Thought for the Week

“Genuine compassion flows towards all living beings, particularly your enemies. If I try to develop compassion towards my enemy, it may not benefit him directly, he may not even be aware of it. But it will immediately benefit me by calming my mind. On the other hand, if I dwell on how awful everything is, I immediately lose my peace of mind.” Dalai Lama

Film shows at the Dock Museum

Barrow's Wildside FREE family day at Barrow Park

Weird Science at Hindpool Children's Centre

Hindpool Children's Centre - Passport to Success

FREE Crown Green Bowling for 5-18 year olds

CASKFINDER APPS GUIDES TOURISTS AROUND THE LAKE DISTRICT’S BEST PUBS

With 13 million tourists from home and abroad visiting pubs every year, Cask Marque has invested in enhancing the iconic British pub experience with the CaskFinder app.

The Lake District boasts 60 Cask Marque pubs and visitors to the area can navigate their way to the best pint using the smartphone app as well as taking part in the ‘World’s Biggest Ale Trail’.

The newly launched feature on the app challenges ale-lovers to visit as many pubs as they can and to register their efforts by using their phone's camera to scan QR codes placed on Cask Marque certificates in accredited pubs.

The app records the number of pubs visited and rewards prizes for milestones of 25, 50 and 100 pubs. Once you have scanned 100 pub barcodes you become a Cask Marque ambassador, which includes the opportunity to spend the day with an assessor, visiting a number of pubs to see how Cask Marque ensure a quality pint.

Tourists can also use the following features of the app:

• Details of the cask beers on sale in each pub
• Description of over 1,000 beers from 250 brewers using Cyclops Beer database
• Rate beers to help other ale fans
• Find similar beers
• Beer Festivals – a complete list with contact details, admission prices and maps
• Beer Blog – from award winning writer, Pete Brown, that gives you an inside track on the beer industry
• Beer of the Week – a featured beer of interest
• New Bar code reader for bottled beers – try it on your Tiger beer to get the full Cyclops descriptors and suggested beers for you to try

Cask Marque Director, Paul Nunny, who is responsible for the quality of ale in pubs said “Cask ale is a British institution which should be celebrated by everyone up and down the country. The CaskFinder app helps customers get the most out of their pub visits and rate their favourite beers, sharing tried and tested favourites with other app users.”

Download the upgraded version of CaskFinder straightaway to start your very own World’s Biggest Ale Trail.

For any further information please contact Sam Britton or Sarah Stevenson at Seal on 0121 616 5800 or sambritton@seal.uk.com

Ford Park in the Picture - photography exhibition

Summer Fun at North Walney Nature Reserve

Did you know… that Cumbria Constabulary’s Public Protection Unit (PPU) dealt with over 6,000 incidents of domestic violence last year?

The third week of Cumbria Constabulary’s Did you know… campaign provides an inside look at the PPU which aims to protect the more vulnerable members of our community and bring the most dangerous offenders to justice.

The campaign aims to provide communities with an insight into the work that goes on behind the scenes to tackle crime across the county and keep people safe.

This week the campaign continues by offering the public an insight into the work of the PPU across Cumbria. They provide essential support to victims and help in safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults.

Did you know … that Cumbria Constabulary’s Public Protection Unit:

·         Attended in excess of 500 domestic violence incidents each month

·         In April 2012 Cumbria Constabulary dealt with 105 reports of missing people

·         In a single month PPU dealt with approximately 400 cases concerning vulnerable adults.

·         Child abuse

·         In 2011/2012 there are 6422 incidents of domestic violence reported, 44% of which involved a repeat victim.

·         There are more than 50 detectives working in the PPU across the county

·         In 2011 the PPU applied for 69 Sex Offender Prevention Orders and prosecuted 12 offenders for breaching their sex offender notification requirements.

·         Not all domestic violence incidents involve a crime being committed, some maybe verbal disputes. However, in 2011/2012 there were 2124 crimes committed which resulted in 2039 people being arrested.

·         In the year 2010/2011 PPU in Cumbria, along with partner agencies, managed 321 Registered Sex Offenders and 103 Violent Offenders in the community through Multi Agency Public Protection Arrangements.

Detective Chief Inspector Mike Forrester who leads part of the Public Protection Unit, he said “The PPU provides essential protection for vulnerable people and children works with partner agencies and the voluntary sector to ensure the safety of those people who live in our communities who are potentially more susceptible to dangerous offenders.

“The detectives who work within the PPU department are highly trained and specialised in dealing with children who are abused to adults who are subject to domestic violence. The safeguarding and support of these victims is paramount.

“A vast amount of work goes into protecting vulnerable members of our community, from multi-agency risk assessment conferences, which looks at the high risk domestic abuse victims and provides a safety plan to support the victim from serious harm, to help assisting in the management of any dangerous offenders who are in the community in order to protect the public from harm.

“Over 40% of victims of domestic violence have been subject of violence before.  This high percentage of repeat victims reports demonstrates in part the confidence victims have in contacting the police a second or third time following a previous positive experience.

“We are continuously working to reduce the seriousness of the abuse suffered by repeat victims. By working with partner agencies and the voluntary sector we can help victims find the courage to break the vicious cycle of domestic abuse and help them to realise the vast amount of support which is available to them.

“The detectives who work within the PPU are exposed to extremely harrowing and distressing accounts given by victims. They are highly trained in providing support to the victims and are focused on bring those responsible to justice.

“It takes a lot of courage to speak out against an abuser and having to talk about what happened can be painful and traumatic. The support provided by the officers within PPU, partner and voluntary agencies is vital to help the healing process for these victims.”

Thought for the Week

“Do all things with love.”  Og Mandino

An Hour with Royalty!

Multicultural Children's Club

FREE Women and Girls Sports 2012 around Barrow

FREE Summer Holiday Sports around Barrow

FREE Family Fun Day at Greengate Junior School - 5 August

Barrow Island FREE Family Fun Day - 4 August

Police in Cumbria are urging people to be wary of a telephone scam that has recently been reported to them.

Officers have had reports of a telephone scam that involves an offender making contact by telephone claiming to be from Police Headquarters. The offender claims to be taking action in relation to a fraud which has occurred abroad and states the correct name of the person telephoned, asking the person to confirm this. The offender goes on to claim that a solicitor has been appointed to proceed with the case and that the person telephoned will be billed for the full court costs unless they contact this solicitor immediately.

If you receive a telephone call  that is similar to the one  described, please treat it with caution. Police do receive complaints of dishonesty and scams where criminals operate over the internet or by telephone. Police always urge people to be cautious and to check out the person or company’s credentials.  Make sure that you use only secure sites when you are on the internet, and do not respond to unsolicited emails or phone calls that ask for financial or personal details. No reputable company or person will ask you for this private information or ask you to part with money over the phone or via email.

Remember that giving out details over the phone or online can cause real problems if they fall into the wrong hands. If you feel that there is something suspicious about any contact you receive by phone or email, contact the Police on 101 or call your local Trading Standards via Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06.

Pedestrians in Cumbria urged to take more care

Pedestrian road deaths account for a large proportion of fatalities on the roads. They are among the most vulnerable road users and have a high causality rate. 

Between January and May 2012, three pedestrians have sadly lost their lives on Cumbria roads, which is three more than the same period last year.

Sergeant Jo Lennox, from the Roads Policing Unit, said “What may be surprising to hear is that the over 60’s age group is over represented in the causality rate. In fact they account for over 50% of all pedestrians that are killed or seriously injured on Cumbria’s road.

“So far this year we have seen a massive increase in pedestrian causality rates around the county and we don’t want this to continue.”

The Highway Code gives guidance for pedestrians, including obvious advice such as using a pavement where one is available, wearing high visibility clothing when using roads at night and educate yourself and young children about the dangers of using and crossing roads. 

Sergeant Lennox continued “Knowing and applying the rules and advice contained within the Highway Code could help reduce the number of road deaths that we see.

“The guidance is common sense but we all can become complacent and sometimes take chances and risk when out and about. 

“Our advice is to have patience and don’t rush across roads. Only cross a road when it is safe to do so and don’t assume that the driver has seen you or will slow down or stop.  You may think you are within your rights to cross, but being in the right won’t do you any good when you are injured or killed. Its better not to take the risk in the first place.

“Alcohol can affect how you perceive risks and this may affect your attitude to road safety. Don’t walk home along unlit roads or on roads without pavements after a night out. Arrange your transport home before you go out so you know you can get home safe and keep back some cash in a separate pocket so you have money for a taxi if you need one or catch a bus.

“Being found drunk on a road could lead to you being arrested or receiving a fixed penalty.”

For more information about the Highway code, visit http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/TravelAndTransport/Highwaycode/DG_070108

Alternatively you can purchase a copy from local bookshops.

Did you know… that Cumbria Constabulary’s Scientific Support Unit takes around 100,000 crime scene photographs and 4,000 fingerprint exhibits each year?

The second week of Cumbria Constabulary’s Did you know… campaign provides an inside look at the specialist teams that support Cumbria Constabulary’s criminal investigations.

The campaign was launched last week with Cumbria Constabulary’s ‘Crime Command’ to provide communities with an insight into the work that goes on behind the scenes to tackle drugs across the county and keep people safe.

This week the campaign continues by offering the public a taste of the life of the specialist officers and staff within the Constabulary’s Scientific Support Unit who examine more than 9,000 crime scenes every year to provide detectives with photographic, fingerprint, footwear and forensic evidence to help convict criminals.

Did you know… that Cumbria Constabulary’s Scientific Support Unit:

·         Examines more than 9,000 crime scenes every year?

·         Includes a team of Crime Scene Investigators (CSIs) who provide 24 hour cover, seven days a week and have more than 300 years’ experience between them?

·         Has CSIs who are all trained photographers who each take an average of 5,000 photographs per year to help solve crime in the county?

·         Took between 100,000-115,000 photographs of crime scenes around the county during 2011/12?

·         Detected more than 452 crimes in 2011 by submitting forensic evidence in the form of fingerprints and DNA?

·         Handles almost 4000 fingerprint and footwear exhibits per year?

·         Submitted 5380 CCTV discs to help secure convictions in 2011?

·         Also provides identification services (fingerprinting and footwear examination) for police in the Isle of Man?

·         Forensic department deals with more than just DNA. Expert detectives and staff also examine fibres, debris, glass fragments, tyre marks, footwear, firearms, mobile phones and Computers to help catch criminals?

Richard San José is the Scientific Support Manager of Cumbria Constabulary’s Scientific Support Unit. He said “The unit is made up of several teams and specialists who work to provide detectives with the evidence they need to identify criminals and take them to court.

“The work of the Scientific Support Unit is unseen but is vitally important. We have Crime Scene Investigators who work 24/7 alongside detectives to gather evidence. They are often one of the first to arrive at a scene of a crime and work under pressure and often in difficult circumstances to find evidence at the earliest opportunity. This involves taking photographs and conducting meticulous examinations of areas for forensic evidence, fingerprints and footwear marks to take back to Headquarters for processing.

“The CSI officers are spread across all of Cumbria from Carlisle in the north, Workington in the west and as far south as Barrow. They are all qualified photographers who have also had specialist training to deal with terrorist incidents involving chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear threats as well as explosive and firearm training. Thankfully, these skills are rarely required as crimes of this nature are few and far between in our county.

“In addition to Crime Scene Investigators, we also have fingerprint experts and footwear specialists who are trained to identify the type of shoe a criminal was wearing – just from small tracks or imprints left at a scene.

“On more rare occasions we can also utilise the expertise of our external Forensic Service Providers to use unique technologies such as radio carbon dating to determine the approximate age of archaeological items like bones that may be recovered in the county. For example, in 2009 some skeletal remains were found at Hodbarrow point near Millom which was investigated as a possible crime. The bones were carefully excavated from a sandbank by CSI aided by forensic anthropologists and archaeologists, who identified that the bones were human and probably belonging to more than one individual. Thanks to radio carbon dating, we were able to reliably inform officers that this was not a crime as the remains were estimated to be from the Bronze Age. They were between 3,500 and 5,000 years old.

“Although Cumbria is a small force that is fortunate enough to have some of the lowest crime rates in the country, we have highly trained specialists who use our own laboratories and forensic units to help officers track down criminals in Cumbria.

“We attended 9000 crime scenes in 2011 and took over 100,000 images and handled 4000 fingerprint exhibits – all to ensure police officers can track down criminals and put them behind bars.”

Did you know…? continues to focus on the Crime Command next week when it will highlight the work that goes on the Constabulary’s Public Protection Departments.

Posters raising awareness of the work of the Constabulary will be distributed across police stations and in key places amongst communities such as libraries, doctors’ surgeries and leisure centres throughout the campaign.

The campaign will be extended onto the Constabulary’s social networking accounts with dedicated ‘tweetdays’ and webchats.

FREE Family Fun Days - Greengate and Barrow Island

   

Piel Island Fun Dog Show

Story Lab at Barrow Library starts 14 July

Thought for the Week

“There is no limit to what can be accomplished if it doesn't matter who gets the credit.” Ralph Waldo Emerson

The Islands of Barrow and Furness Peninsula Walking Festival gathers pace

The Sunday Times on 21 June 2009 declared this Festival one of the best 8 Walking Festivals in the UK. The 2012 Walking Festival gathers pace as its second week explores the diverse built and natural history of the peninsula.  Why not join John Murphy as he looks at the magnificent ruins of Furness Abbey, exploring the Cistercian roots of the area around Dalton, or Bill Shaw from the Herpetological Conservation Trust as he seeks out the rare Natterjack toad on North Walney Nature Reserve.

The remaining programme of Walks is as follows:

8 July Heritage of Furness Walk 1pm meet John Murphy at Furness Abbey Amphitheatre car park for a stroll towards Newton, meander up Dickie Pinks’ Lane to Dalton past Dalton Castle returning to Furness Abbey via The Haggs (5 miles circular)

Tuesday 10th July North Walney Natterjack Walk. 10am–2 pm

Meet at Bill Shaw at Earnse Bay car park. A walk through the Reserve then around the north end to look for evidence of Natterjack toads and other wildlife. Bring packed lunch.  No dogs please

11^th July 10.30am Get on Track Walk from Roose Station to Cavendish Dock and on to Dock Museum

12 July Walney Sunset Ramble 6.45pm Meet Richard Scott at Earnse Bay Car Park, Walney Island for a walk around North Walney Nature Reserve

14 July Walney Walk and Widows Crossing 11am Meet John Murphy at Dock Museum for a stroll onto Walney Island, along Biggar Bank to Earnse Bay returning via North Scale and Widows Crossing 

19 July Walney Sunset Ramble 6.45 pm Meet Richard Scott at Earnse Bay Car Park, Walney Island for a walk around North Walney Nature Reserve.

20 July Evening Walk to Piel Island 4.30pm at Dock Museum (for car convoy to Snab) or 5pm from Snab Point Stroll across the Sands of with John Murphy.  Meet the King of Piel Island in the Ship Inn where refreshments are available

21 July Wildside Bonanza in Barrow Park 12noon–4pm (meet at The Bandstand) A celebration of Barrow’s local wildlife with lots of free fun activities for all the family.  Try a spot of pond-dipping, nature trail, crafts, quizzes, story-telling and much more.

22 July South Walney Nature reserve guided walk 1.30-3.30pm

A guided walk looking at the waders, wildfowl and mammals of this fantastic Cumbria Wildlife Trust nature reserve. Bring binoculars if you have them. Contact South Walney Nature Reserve on 01229 471066 if you would like to use the electric off-road buggy

26 July 2pm Sandscale Haws Nature Reserve Beachcombing Family Event meet at National Trust Car Park on Hawthwaite Lane, Roanhead

26 July Walney Sunset Ramble 6.45pm Meet Richard Scott at Earnse Bay Car Park, Walney Island for a walk around North Walney Nature Reserve

28 July Sandscale Beach clean 10-12noon  Meet at National Trust Car Park, Hawthwaite Lane, Roanhead

28 July 2pm Wildlife Walk with Rangers from National Trust, Sandscale Haws Nature Reserve meet at National Trust Car Park on Hawthwaite Lane, Roanhead

29 July Walk to Piel Island 11.30am at Dock Museum (for car convoy to Snab) or 12 noon from Snab Point Stroll across the Sands of with John Murphy.  Meet the King of Piel Island in the Ship Inn where refreshments are available

Feet First in Furness weekly short walks are:

11am Monday – Meet Dalton Tudor Square - various routes around old Dalton

11am Tuesday - Channelside or Ormsgill reservoir walk meet at ASDA

1.30pm Wednesday – Meet Walney Mill Lane shops - Coastal walk from Earnse Bay

10.30am Thursday – Meet Greengate Childrens' Centre - Barrow Public Park Walk

Copies of the Walking Festival leaflet can be downloaded at http://www.barrowbc.gov.uk/PDF/BBC%20Walking%20Leaflet%2012%20website.pdf

Mrs. Ann Taylforth, Barrow Town Centre and Festivals Manager commented “This is the ninth Walking Festival we have organised and it has proved very successful.  Every year we try to find something a little different to add to the Festival programme as well as the well loved favourites.  This year we are joining with the Barrow Wildside Project being run by Cumbria Wildlife Trust and their Wildlife Bonanza in Barrow Park.  There is something for everyone, from Walks across to Piel island, to an evening ramble around North Walney nature reserve listening for Natterjack Toads with Bill Shaw, children’s beachcombing at Sandscale Haws and a Get on Track Walk with the Outthere project. 

All walks are being led by qualified walking guides and we are delighted to be working in collaboration with SeaChange, Feet First in Furness, Cumbria Wildlife Trust and the National Trust.  Walking Festival leaflets is available from Barrow Tourist Information Centre, outlets across South Cumbria and are featured in the What’s on in South Lakeland Guide.  Details of all walks are available on line at www.barrowtourism.co.uk”

John Murphy, commented “The Furness Peninsula is a wonderful area of the country with stunning heritage and charming, picturesque walks.  I urge everyone to come and explore with me the coastal fringes and byways of this wonderful area”

The Islands of Barrow and Peninsulas Walking Festival is a five week festival of walks against the stunning backdrop of the Furness Peninsula and featuring the islands of Barrow and is a Barrow-in-Furness Sea Change Cultural Event.  Follow ancient trails, greenways and coastal paths exploring the natural and built history of this south western corner of Cumbria.

“Walk and be happy, walk and be healthy” Charles Dickens