In July 2018, an intrepid bunch of young people aged 16-24 signed up to our very first #iwill activity week. Over the course of five days they climbed fells, canoed, explored, gained their John Muir Award, showed some serious photography and film-making skills, undertook social action and generally made a social storm for rivers! This was all made possible through funding from #iwill 2018 (awarded via Cumbria Community Foundation). #iwill is a UK-wide campaign aiming to get as many young people as possible involved in social action by 2020.

The adventure started with some firsts: climbing hills, a trip on the Ullswater steamer, and some serious walking discovering Ullswater’s spectacular fells and shoreline. Next it was time for another spell both on and in the water, with some exhilarating cliff jumping and an epic exploration of Ullswater by canoe before heading off to Aira Force to meet some remarkable trees and help with conservation work at Patterdale Hall. This was followed by a search for the lost village of Mardale in the receding waters of Haweswater, with time enough to cram in some plastic-use surveys and a litter pick around Glenriddding.

The first adventure week went so well, we did it all again in October, this time with a focus on learning bushcraft skills and giving the participants the chance to sleep out under the stars in a shelter made from natural materials as well as undertaking conservation work on the fells.

‘Everyone’s loved it and enjoyed it’ – one of the participants

“#iwill has given these young people a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to live and work by the lake – sleeping outside, fending for themselves and getting muddy while undertaking conservation work. Each one of them went away with a truly memorable experience and having made a difference.”

Julie Lawrence, Head of Engagement, Eden Rivers Trust