Upstream

The project 'Upstream - A Cultural Journey Through the Catchment' has been developed from a 'Youth' meeting entitled 'Common Interests Join Our Youth' (CIJOY). For 2007, it involves a twinning of the Bassenthwaite Lake catchment with the Ipel' River catchment in southern Slovakia. For 2008 the Ondava River and Lake Tisza catchment in Slovakia and Hungary is the twin. The twin for 2009 is as yet undetermined but it may be part of the River Elbe catchment in Germany.

In the summer of 2007, a group of young Cumbrians will travel to Slovakia to complete a cultural journey through the Ipel' River catchment. Their travel and stay in Slovakia is not funded by HLF but by 'Leonardo da Vinci'. The preparation for them to travel will be undertaken in the Bassenthwaite catchment, as will the dissemination and valorisation of their experiences, for the benefit of the Bassenthwaite catchment's cultural landscape. During the autumn of 2007, a reciprocal group of Slovakians will join the Cumbrian group for a seven-day cultural journey through the Bassenthwaite catchment. These Cumbrian elements of the project are supported by HLF.

The journey in Cumbria will be from Honnister Slate mine over into Seathwaite, down Borrowdale to Grange, over Catbells into the Newlands valley to Swinside, to Whinlatter and across to Thornthwaite, into the Wythop valley and to Dubwath and Bassenthwaite Lake, where they sail and visit Armathwaite Hall. Along this route, they will use different forms of transport….

1. Pack horse - Fell pony (Honnister to Seatoller via Seathwaite)
2. Canoe / kayak. (Seatoller to Grange-in-Borrowdale)
3. On foot (Grange to Newlands valley).
4. By mountain bike (Newlands to Whinlatter)
5. On foot (Whinlatter - Thornthwaite - Wythop)
6. Tractor and trailer (Wythop to Dubwath)
7. On foot (Dubwath to Bassenthwaite Lake)

Along the journey, the combined Cumbrian and Slovakian group will become immersed in the cultural landscape of the Bassenthwaite catchment and experience slate mining, hill farming, discover the world's first graphite mine, learn about Atlantic oak forest, investigate the 'Grange' farm and monastic history of the region, learn about the locally extinct wild cats, see where Norse settlers kept pigs in the forest, see where German miners dug for rare metals, see the osprey project, work in the Wythop woods to make a crook beam for a barn repair, work on a wetland nature reserve and sail on Bassenthwaite lake to Armathwaite hall for a reception. During the seven days they will meet experts, be mentored and assisted and make a video diary.

All journeys have common elements…..

- Half those journeying are from other European states, this introduces new ideas, skills and interpretative methods. The involvement of EU Member States also releases European Union funding from 'Leonardo da Vinci, 'Youth' and 'Culture 2000'. The other half of those journeying are Cumbrians and UK visitors to the catchment.

- Each journey will plan to take in another 'Reflections' project in order to link the Landscape Partnership Scheme and cultural landscape together.

- Each journey involves the travellers becoming immersed in culture and nature along the route and their video diary and other productions are archived and used for dissemination.

- Where materials are gathered and used and training is given, the principles of Local Agenda 21 will be adhered to and sustainability will be the keyword.

- Each journey will consider the opportunities presented in showcasing local materials and products, branding of Cumbrian cultural products and development of cultural tourism, in order to secure the legacy.

- The project will offer out of school and family learning opportunities through Cumbria County Council.

Grampus Heritage and Training Ltd, Ashgill, Threapland, Wigton, Cumbria, CA7 2EL, United Kingdom Telephone: +44 (0) 16973 21516 Fax: +44 (0) 16973 23040 E.Mail: enquiries@grampusheritage.co.uk