Frogs & Flapjacks – Racy Ghyll

Nestled in the Lakeland valley of Matterdale, James Rebanks, his family, and their Racy Ghyll Farm have gained admiration and respect for their Herdwick Sheep, but most recently James’ strong advocation of nature-friendly farming, and his acclaimed book The Shepherd’s Life: A Tale of the Lake District, and recently published English Pastoral | An Inheritance.

This Mini Exped explores life emerging below and above the surface of newly created wetlands at Racy Ghyll Farm. At each stage of life within a wetland, drama unfolds! From minute dragonfly larve and water beetles prowling for prey, to grey herons and badgers searching for abundant amphibians.

Embark upon an underwater safari with a difference with Wild Intrigue, but leave those wetsuits at home! There’ll be no need to jump in, as specialist equipment designed to spy on creatures beneath the surface will be available, including pond survey nets, to humanely capture freshwater invertebrates and discover their brilliant and bizarre ecology.

You will not only have the opportunity to see life beneath the surface, but also to listen to underwater creatures too! Using hydrophone technology, and a touch of magic, Wild Intrigue will introduce you to the unexpected sounds of wetland life emerging at Racy Ghyll Farm, bringing to life a whole new hidden world of animal acoustics.

No Wild Intrigue Mini Exped is complete without a delicious treat, so locally sourced flapjacks* and drinks will be available to enjoy throughout. Why flapjacks? Well Frogs & Flapjacks was actually coined by American actor Nick Offerman when he visited Racy Ghyll in 2019… you know what, it’s a long story, come and join us and we’ll tell you all about it!

The purchase of each ticket contributes to the support of nature-friendly farming at Racy Ghyll Farm, and in turn the wildlife this benefits in this corner of the Lake District National Park.

*Please note that James and Helen Rebanks are understandably very busy people, so they may not be available during this event. If we are very lucky, Helen may be available to prepare the home-baked goodies for us.

Why not take a look at our other Mini Expeds taking place at Racy Ghyll Farm? Many share the same date, so you could make a weekend of it!

Racy Ghyll Farm is located only a short drive from Keswick or Penrith, in the beautiful Matterdale Valley in the Lake District north of Ullswater. The exact address and tailored directions will be provided upon booking.