The Lake District is by far one of the rainiest places in England, but the gentle patter (more like a heavy downpour) or raindrops, is key to why it looks so lovely. This diverse region includes not just mountains but soggy wetlands (for frogs, dragonflies and countless birds) and plenty of woodlands for wildlife to shelter under the tree canopies.
Always follow the Countryside Code to keep dogs and livestock safe.
The uplands provide habitats for nesting birds (including majestic ospreys – fish-eating birds of prey). Alongside Rutland, the Lake District is also one of the best places to spot them. Almost extinct not so long ago, these migrating birds are now found mostly here and in the East Midlands. This is a great example of a conservation program made good.
Rain also helps local farmers to grow organic crops (although sheep farmers have a constant battle against footrot, as the grass rarely dries out).
Read our post on ending sewage pollution, something much in the news at present, due to issues on Lake Windermere.
Bring Your Brolly, Raincoat & Wellies!
If you’ve never visited the Lake District, then you don’t really know rain! Whilst say on the south coast, it can pour in the morning and the pavement is dry by mid-afternoon. In the Lake District, it rains – and rains – and rains! So bring your raincoat and natural rubber wellies!
Blunt Umbrellas are built to last for England’s seriously wild weather, and also include free repairs for 2 years. They were invented by an engineer who noticed that most umbrellas are little more than ‘rags on sticks’. His umbrellas last until you lose them, with a super-strong, fully-tensioned design that also don’t poke your eyes! They won’t even won’t (usually) turn inside out. And if they do, just flip it back without any harm.
If caught in a thunderstorm, keep a safe distance from trees and metal objects (umbrellas, golf clubs, motorbikes, wheelchairs, tent poles). Stay inside cars (fabric tops could catch fire, if struck). If exposed, squat close to the ground with hands on knees, and tuck head between them, touching as little of the ground with your body (don’t lie down). If your hand stands on end, drop to the above position immediately.
More Sheep than People!
In winter (when the tourists go home), Cumbria has six times more sheep than people – 3 million of them! These intelligent creatures can recognise up to 50 people for up to 2 years, and know when you are smiling at them!
Leave sheep be, as they easily spook and miscarry. Herdwick sheep are suited to the isolated Cumbrian Fells climate, counted by farmers using the yan-tan-tethera method, a rhyme that uses rounds of 20 (also used in ancient times to count knitting stitches!)
Always follow the Countryside Code to keep dogs and livestock safe. Learn how to right an overturned sheep or it will die (hold upright until rain has drained off, to prevent it happening again).
