The Friends of Coniston Mountain Rescue support the work of the Coniston MR Team. By joining them you help to ensure the future of the Team who are totally dependent on the generous gifts and donations from people like you.
Founded in 1947 Coniston Mountain Rescue was the first team of its kind in the UK and currently has over 30 highly trained volunteers funded solely by donations. The Team turns out in all weathers 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Emergency 999 call outs are on the increase, currently 50 to 60 a year. Advances in technology mean costs will continue to rise if the team is to provide the best search and rescue techniques available. The Team covers a wide section of South Lakeland. Members are also called upon to assist neighbouring teams when a larger search area is involved.
Coniston, a small working Lakeland village of some 1000 people, has a range of attractive mountains as a backdrop. These include Coniston Old Man and Wetherlam.
There is also Dow Crag, one of the largest rock massifs in the Lake District and a honeycomb of old slate and copper mines, all of which can prove dangerous to the unwary. Grizedale Forest, also within the Team’s area, has its share of injuries, many to those on bikes.
The Team’s Headquarters, built in 1982 by private subscription and commercial donations, has a control centre, garages and equipment store.
There is a pressing need to maintain a sound financial basis for the Coniston Mountain Rescue.
As a friend of Coniston Mountain Rescue Team, you will:
- Receive email updates about the team from time to time.
- Have the possibility to arrange a visit to the Mountain Rescue Base if you visit Coniston.
- Play an important part in equipping and training team members for their important work.