Whiteless breast

Buttermere is one of the few places left in the North Lakes with some grassy untouched paths. pre-emptive work can help keep the paths natural.

"Pidgeon holes" a line of circular bare patches can occur on grassy slopes when a large numbers of walkers follow the same line up a hill. 

Although these foot holes make the hill easier to climb, they quickly join together into a groove that water runs down creating a gully.

The holes can be easily repaired using seed, turf and cloche netting  (a willow frame covered with chicken wire) that is used to protect the area while it regenerates.

                 
   The willow is locally sourced from a basket weaver, Phil Bradley.
   All the work was done by Fix The Fells volunteers supervised by a National Trust ranger.

                   How it looked with the cloche removed and after the local sheep had grazed it.                   

                      When we removed the netting the local herdwicks had a field day.