Connect for Nature

Connect for Nature Cumbria Connect
Nature's big comeback

Landowners, farmers, conservationists and communities.

Together, we’re bringing nature back to eastern Cumbria, one wildflower meadow, hedgerow & re-wiggled river at a time.

Help us make the Lakes Deer Fest procession!This October, music, rhythm and colour will fill Rheged as part of a communi...
21/08/2026

Help us make the Lakes Deer Fest procession!

This October, music, rhythm and colour will fill Rheged as part of a community processions created by BlueJam Arts - and we want you to be part of it. Swipe along to see their workshops!

Over the coming weeks, you can help write the Song of the Deer, create rhythms inspired by the sounds of Cumbria's wind, water, woodland and fells and make colourful headdresses and banners to bring the procession to life.

These are free workshops for young people, families and all ages, with no previous musical experience needed.

Fancy singing too? BlueJam is also creating a pop-up choir for the festival.

To book your place or to find out more, email [email protected]

Come and make some noise. Make something brilliant. Be park of Lakes Deer Fest.

20/08/2026

Make the Sound of Lakes Deer Fest

Help us create the soundtrack, rhythms and colourful visuals for the Lakes Deer Fest community procession at Rheged this October, with BlueJam Arts.
Join our FREE creative workshops:

* Songwriting Workshops
* Street Beats & Parade Music Workshops
* Headdress & Banner-making Workshops
* Join the Lakes Deer Fest pop-up choir

Come along, get creative and help bring the parade to life.
To book your place or to find out more, email [email protected]

What if we created a new Cumbrian folktale?Rachel Shore brought together a brilliant group of creative minds to begin cr...
17/08/2026

What if we created a new Cumbrian folktale?

Rachel Shore brought together a brilliant group of creative minds to begin creating a brand-new piece of folklore for Lakes Deer Fest.

The day took us from sharing local tales and exploring the landscape, to writing stories and poetry inspired by the places around us. We also explored they role of deer in the Lake District - the landscapes they shape and the relationship between deer, people and nature.

Together, the group is creating a new folktale that will inspire a large-scale art installation, which will become a centrepiece of Lakes Deer Fest at Rheged this October.

And this is only the beginning....

Rachel’s next Artistic Experiments workshop takes place this Wednesday 19 August at Appleby Public Hall. Come along, get creative and help shape the story and artwork that will become part of the festival!

No previous artistic experience needed - just bring your ideas. Suitable for all ages.

Reserve your place by emailing [email protected]

We can’t wait to see what you create! 🦌

Calling all photographers & filmmakers! 🦌We’re looking for your authentic moments in the wild for the very first Lakes D...
12/08/2026

Calling all photographers & filmmakers! 🦌

We’re looking for your authentic moments in the wild for the very first Lakes Deer Fest 2026!

Whether you’re an experienced professional or simply someone who loves capturing the beauty of deer, landscapes and rural life, we want to see your work. Your images and films could be featured as part of our Film & Photography Showcase at this year’s festival at Rheged on the 10th of October.

For our Film Showcase, we’re welcoming films of any length that explore deer and wildlife, with a particular interest in stories in Cumbria. If selected, your film will be screened in Cinema 2 at Rheged.

Photographers also have the chance to showcase their images in a public exhibition at Lakes Deer Fest in October. Shortlisted entries will be in with the chance of winning a wildlife photographic hide experience at Wild Haweswater with Wild Intrigue OR a signed copy of Forty Fells by David Felton and Tom McNally!

Get involved by visiting our website, and send us your amazing work!

06/08/2026

Cumbria Connect is proud to be bringing Lakes Deer Fest 2026 to Rheged this October!

Our Community Engagement Officer, Emma Hughes, sat down with Rheged Sales Manager, Jo Dunning-Thomas, to find out why she’s so excited to host this unique celebration and why events like Lakes Deer Fest are so important in connecting people with nature, local heritage, food and community.

With visitors expected from across the region and beyond, Lakes Deer Fest promises a day full of discovery and creativity.

From free venison burgers and an inspiring artwork by , to a programme of fascinating talks and films, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Save the date: 10th October 2026

Join us for a memorable day of learning, creativity and celebration at Lakes Deer Fest!

Help create the festival!Join Rachel Shore for a series of creative workshops inspired by folklore, nature and the Cumbr...
04/08/2026

Help create the festival!

Join Rachel Shore for a series of creative workshops inspired by folklore, nature and the Cumbrian landscape.

From writing folk stories to experimenting with sustainable materials and building art installations, there are plenty of ways get involved and help bring the festival to life!

Take a look through Rachel’s workshops to see what sparks your imagination and reserve your place by emailing [email protected]

We can’t wait to see what you create! 🦌

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Cumbria Connect, Lowther Old College
Penrith
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