Blog - 2020
31st December 2020
Please read a Review of AAFAF's Year 2020 in this PDF document. The Coronavirus pandemic did not deter us from working to mitigate climate change or compromise our ability to function as a team.
Please read a Review of AAFAF's Year 2020 in this PDF document. The Coronavirus pandemic did not deter us from working to mitigate climate change or compromise our ability to function as a team.

12th August 2020
The transport group's
Open Letter was published in the The Westmorland Gazette
The transport group's
Open Letter was published in the The Westmorland Gazette
30th July 2020
Communication or Alienation
An online workshop to explore how we engage people in conversations about the global climate emergency.
Our founder member Gillian Kelly facilitated this workshop. The first part of the workshop was co-created by those present reflecting on their own experience and sharing uncertainties, anxieties and successes.
Gillian then offered practical guidelines and strategies to help participants to have effective and enjoyable conversations around the subject of the climate crisis.
The event was supported by:-
Communication or Alienation
An online workshop to explore how we engage people in conversations about the global climate emergency.
Our founder member Gillian Kelly facilitated this workshop. The first part of the workshop was co-created by those present reflecting on their own experience and sharing uncertainties, anxieties and successes.
Gillian then offered practical guidelines and strategies to help participants to have effective and enjoyable conversations around the subject of the climate crisis.
The event was supported by:-
22nd July 2020
AAFAF Transport group hosted a Zoom meeting with Tim Farron MP to discuss their vision for sustainable transport both in the Lake Distrist National Park and the wider County of Cumbria.
AAFAF Transport group hosted a Zoom meeting with Tim Farron MP to discuss their vision for sustainable transport both in the Lake Distrist National Park and the wider County of Cumbria.
9th July 2020
AAFAF Transport group made the front and second page of The Westmorland Gazette.
AAFAF Transport group made the front and second page of The Westmorland Gazette.
24th June 2020
Pedestrianisation The Slack in Ambleside
More than 30 local businesses were received an information pack delivered by either email or hand.
AAFAF transport group are also endeavouring to kick start the pedestrianisation element of their vision by making The Slack, a pedestrian only zone during the day.
They visualise greening the environment by the use of planters and window boxes, thus creating a pleasing atmosphere for the restaurants and cafés to consider ‘al fresco’ dining in the future.
Pedestrianisation The Slack in Ambleside
More than 30 local businesses were received an information pack delivered by either email or hand.
AAFAF transport group are also endeavouring to kick start the pedestrianisation element of their vision by making The Slack, a pedestrian only zone during the day.
They visualise greening the environment by the use of planters and window boxes, thus creating a pleasing atmosphere for the restaurants and cafés to consider ‘al fresco’ dining in the future.
16th June 2020
Rothay Park Chat bench and Community Orchard
Maintained and watered throughout lock down.
Rothay Park Chat bench and Community Orchard
Maintained and watered throughout lock down.
11th May 2020 onwards
The Window Boxes Gallery
The Window Boxes Gallery

6th April 2020
AAFAF
officially becomes a
Charitable Incorporated Organisation
Registered Charity Number 1188921
AAFAF
officially becomes a
Charitable Incorporated Organisation
Registered Charity Number 1188921

21st March 2020
Despite the Corona virus pandemic plans went ahead to plant the fruit trees in the Community Orchard and install the chat bench planter by a few menbers of the group.
More photographs here
Despite the Corona virus pandemic plans went ahead to plant the fruit trees in the Community Orchard and install the chat bench planter by a few menbers of the group.
More photographs here

14th March 2020
Members of AAFAF held a successful day of workshops with 40 fellow Ambleside residents Saturday in the Kelsick Centre. The morning’s workshop gave away free hand-made window boxes which attendees were helped to fill with herbs and pollinating plants.
In the afternoon a demonstration by Luke Evans from The Samling, showed us how to sow micro-salads, which are a tasty and speedy way to enhance our cooking! Then master composter Pete Martin explained how to make compost which is an important part of plant growing. This was followed by practical demonstrations of how to grow edible plants, with expert growers answering attendees’ questions.
Fueled by delicious cakes from Rattle Ghyll the day provided enjoyable learning for everyone who took part. Learning how to grow plants that will attract bees and other pollinators, and grow edible plants such as herbs, lettuces and potatoes is going to be one way in which many of us can mitigate the impact of the climate changes we're all experiencing.
Members of AAFAF held a successful day of workshops with 40 fellow Ambleside residents Saturday in the Kelsick Centre. The morning’s workshop gave away free hand-made window boxes which attendees were helped to fill with herbs and pollinating plants.
In the afternoon a demonstration by Luke Evans from The Samling, showed us how to sow micro-salads, which are a tasty and speedy way to enhance our cooking! Then master composter Pete Martin explained how to make compost which is an important part of plant growing. This was followed by practical demonstrations of how to grow edible plants, with expert growers answering attendees’ questions.
Fueled by delicious cakes from Rattle Ghyll the day provided enjoyable learning for everyone who took part. Learning how to grow plants that will attract bees and other pollinators, and grow edible plants such as herbs, lettuces and potatoes is going to be one way in which many of us can mitigate the impact of the climate changes we're all experiencing.
Events on 14th March & 21st March were kindly supported by:

7th February 2020
Several members of the group accompanied Simon Stainer from Natural England and Peter Leeson of The Woodland Trust up the valley above Rydal to maintain the young trees already planted. Some young saplings needed to be put upright again, and protection from voles and red deer reinstated.
Several members of the group accompanied Simon Stainer from Natural England and Peter Leeson of The Woodland Trust up the valley above Rydal to maintain the young trees already planted. Some young saplings needed to be put upright again, and protection from voles and red deer reinstated.
6th January 2020
Alex Boyd presented the results of the feasibility study commissioned by AAFAF ' A to Z' group to look at the potential for generating electricity using solar photovoltaic panels on roof spaces in Ambleside.
He calculated a total potential energy output for Ambleside of 3.5 GWh.
Full report here
On the same evening Charlie Thompson presented his research or project:
A feasibility study on renewable energy generation in Ambleside.
Alex Boyd presented the results of the feasibility study commissioned by AAFAF ' A to Z' group to look at the potential for generating electricity using solar photovoltaic panels on roof spaces in Ambleside.
He calculated a total potential energy output for Ambleside of 3.5 GWh.
Full report here
On the same evening Charlie Thompson presented his research or project:
A feasibility study on renewable energy generation in Ambleside.
Registered Charity Number 1188921