Crag Pond is a Teesdale oasis where visitors can get closer to the outdoors. Run by a family business, the location has opportunities to be at one with nature, as Nicky Carter reports
It’s going to be like a forest school for adults. That is the message from the new owners of Crag Pond, a 50-acre oasis complete with lake, nestled among the rolling hills of Teesdale, just outside Lartington.
The wildlife haven, which served as a fishing and duck shooting lake for decades, was bought by Boldron-based couple Rob and Abi Atkinson, as an extension of their Wilderness Company that runs outdoor activities and education sessions in the upper dale and in schools.
Rob said: “The reason we bought it was twofold, really. The first because we had the opportunity and it’s a stunning place for time to spend with our own family, but we also want to extend the opportunities for others to experience the benefits of spending time in nature – something we’ve been doing locally for more than 15 years.”
The couple hope to help people rewild themselves and have organised a select offering of activities to develop stronger connections with nature.
Abi said: “It’s 50 acres and five acres of ancient woodland. We want to be healthy again. We do have a plan over the next couple of years to improve it and encourage more wildlife there.”
Rob added: “It is how we use it and how we can enhance it without ruining it. We are trying to use it, being considerate to neighbouring landowners and at the moment the plan is to open it in a very controlled way with three different activities.”
Crag Pond will only be open during these different events, but the couple are hoping to collaborate with different community groups to find like-minded people.
Weekly wild swimming sessions, suitable for all abilities, are taking place on Thursday evenings from 6pm, when there is a lifeguard on duty.
He said: “There is no other flat lake in Teesdale where you can go and so we think it will be popular, but people will have to pre-book for this, and we are encouraging people to car-share to reduce the number of vehicles.
“We have also organised a paddle and pizza event where you can hire a board or bring your own and paddle on the lake then sit around the campfire and have a pizza.”
In addition to this the couple have arranged an immersive woodland workshop in June that will include learning to carve wooden utensils and then cook with them, before a swim in the lake.
Abi said: “The idea is you come, and we will bring people back to nature. It’s rather like a forest school for adults. It’s these events we want to build a community of people who enjoy the outdoors and to be able to bring together like minded people.”
The final event for their first Crag Pond summer season will be a family wild adventure day on June 22 when there will be lots of outdoor activities on offer as well as the opportunity to soak up the surroundings.
Abi said: “We are building some relationships with wildlife photographers to photograph the different species that are at Crag Pond because there are many and we want to encourage more wildlife to thrive there as well.”
To get in touch with The Wilderness Company, call 01913 235115 or email [email protected]
