Green Initiatives in the Lakes
Prominent on the front page of the YHA web site at the moment is a link to their Ennerdale and Black Sail Appeal, a £250,000 project to upgrade these two hostels in the light of future changes to the Ennerdale valley.
The Wild Ennerdale plan that is coming into play as Forestry Commission plantations are cleared calls for the valley to be returned to nature, with native broad leaf woodland replacing conifers. The forest track that currently allows supplies to be driven to Black Sail hostel will disappear, and the hostel will need to become more self-sufficient. Improvements will include solar and wind powered generators, and composting toilets. Supplies may be brought in by pony!
The campaign was given a boost this morning when Sir Chris Bonnington was interviewed about it on BBC Radio 4’s Today Programme. A report later appeared on the BBC News web site.
A day’s walk away at Derwentwater YH they are also doing their bit for the environment. According to this BBC report they’ve just installed a turbine that will generate 40% of their electricity. Perhaps wisely, the system relies on rain, rather than on sunshine or wind, being powered by a beck which runs through the hostel grounds. As well as saving the planet, the scheme will save YHA £4000 a year in electricity bills.
If you wish, you can donate to the Black Sail appeal online.
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