Understanding Ullswater Talks
For the past ten years, “Understanding Ullswater” has brought people together through talks, field visits and shared local knowledge exploring the nature, heritage, landscape and communities of the Ullswater Valley.
From wildlife and farming to transport, art, history and conservation, the programme helps us understand what makes this place special — and how we can support its future.
About the talks
Most talks take place on the first Thursday of the month at 7.30pm, in village halls around Ullswater and online via Zoom. We also run occasional field visits and practical sessions. Everyone is welcome.
To receive Zoom links and reminders for future talks, please sign up to our newsletter or contact us.
Free entry, donations welcome
Entry is free. Donations help keep the programme running and are shared equally between Friends of the Ullswater Way and a charity chosen by the speaker.
We are always looking for new speakers. If you are interested in giving a talk, get in touch with us.
Upcoming talks and events
Hedgerow Heroes
Naomi Walker, Nature Recovery Officer at Friends of the Lake District.
Hedgerows may look modest, but they are vital corridors for wildlife, shelter and landscape character. Naomi Walker reveals why these living boundaries matter and how they can be restored.
The Penrith2Kendal Arc
Lee Schofield, Lead (North), Lowther Farming Partnership
Lee introduces one of the Lake District’s most ambitious landscape recovery projects — a bold, long-term vision for nature, farming, access and connected habitats from Penrith to Kendal.
Hedgerow Laying
Naomi Walker
A practical outdoor session exploring the traditional skill of hedgerow laying — why it matters, how it works, and how good hedge management supports wildlife and landscape resilience.
Forty Fells - Behind the Scenes
Dave Felton & Tom McNally, Inspired By Lakeland
Go behind the scenes of Forty Fells with Dave Felton and Tom McNally, exploring the stories, images and creative process behind a new portrait of Lakeland’s iconic fells.
Transport in the Ullswater Valley: back to the future?
Michael Firth
How can rural transport work better for residents, visitors and the valley itself? Michael Firth shares the story behind SITU and the drive for more sustainable travel around Ullswater.
Osprey field visit
Mike Thornley
A special field visit to Esthwaite with wildlife specialist Mike Thornley, exploring the remarkable return of ospreys and the conservation work helping them thrive.
Inspirational Ullswater
Tim Farron MP
Join Tim Farron MP for an uplifting evening celebrating Ullswater — its landscape, communities, stories and enduring power to inspire those who live, work and walk here.
Putting wildlife back into Cumbria
Steve Trotter and Councillor John Murray
A talk about the Cumbria Local Nature Recovery Strategy and what it could mean for wildlife, habitats and communities across Cumbria.
Military low-level flying in the Lake District
Air Commodore Nigel Wharmby RAF
Nigel draws on more than 47 years of RAF experience to explain the skills, risks and purpose of military low-level flying.
Into the water barrier: Donald Campbell & Bluebird K7
Dr Keith Mitchell
Dr Mitchell explores Donald Campbell’s record-breaking Bluebird K7 runs on Ullswater, the engineering behind the hydroplane, and new insights into the final fatal crash at Coniston.
Wildlife recording and what it reveals about Ullswater
Rebecca Slack, Manager of the Cumbria Biodiversity Data Centre
Rebecca explores how wildlife recording helps us understand biodiversity across Cumbria and the Ullswater Valley. The talk introduces recording tools, local wildlife observations, and ways individuals can contribute to monitoring and protecting nature.
Catch up on previous talks
Missed a talk? All previous Understanding Ullswater talks are available to watch on our YouTube channel. Below is a selection from this year.