A new campaign has been launched to try to protect Cumbrian juniper trees.
Cumbria Wildlife Trust has teamed up with a slightly more unusual partner, in the form of the Lakes Distillery, near Bassenthwaite.
The county’s new distillery has joined forces with the charity to help preserve and protect the tree and its berries – which are set to become the vital ingredient in the soon-to-be launched Lakes Gin.
To celebrate the partnership, Paul Currie, the distillery’s founder and managing director, and his business development manager Katie Read, went foraging with John Dunbavin, nature reserves officer for Cumbria Wildlife Trust.
Paul said:“We are keen to help protect Cumbria’s juniper and preserve its longevity, and decided to formalise this intent by making Cumbria Wildlife Trust – which stands up for wildlife, creates wildlife havens and seeks to raise environmental awareness in Cumbria – our formal charity partner for The Lakes Gin.”
Michelle Waller, development officer for the trust, said: “The wonderfully twisted forms of juniper trees in the Lake District will be familiar to the many people who enjoy walking in the hills.
“Unfortunately many of these trees are not regenerating and some colonies could disappear.
“Support for the conservation of this tree by The Lakes Distillery is invaluable to us and we are very pleased to have been selected as their charity partner.”
