Lyth Valley

The Lyth Valley is on the edge of the Lake District National Park in Cumbria, England.[1] It gives its name to an electoral ward (one of 45 in South Lakeland).[2]

The valley is sheltered by limestone hills and enjoys a relatively mild micro-climate for northern England. It is noted for its damson orchards.[3]

Lyth Valley from Helsington Barrows

Drainage

The flat bottom of the valley was originally bog, but it has been drained for the benefit of farmers. In recent years there has been controversy about the cost of the pumps which keep the valley drained. For some years the pumping was funded by the Environment Agency, but after reviewing its priorities in the region the Agency decided it did not wish to continue.[4] The creation of an Internal drainage board has been discussed.[5][4] As at January 2016, the pumps are still working pending a decision on how water level management is to be organised. There have been objections from environmentalists to a solution which does not take account of the valley's contribution to biodiversity. It is argued that a less intensive drainage scheme would benefit wildlife.[6]

References

  1. ↑ "Yorkshire Dales and Lake District national parks to be extended". BBC. October 2015. Retrieved 6 August 2016.
  2. ↑ "Lyth Valley". North-West Evening Mail. 2013. Retrieved 25 March 2015.
  3. ↑ Westmorland Damson Association
  4. 1 2 "Farmers and conservationists row...". www.itv.com. Retrieved 13 October 2015.
  5. ↑ Tunningley (July 2015). "Bid launched to save valley". Westmorland Gazette. Retrieved 9 July 2015.
  6. ↑ "The Lyth Valley". RSPB. Retrieved 9 July 2015.

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