The Lake District Foundation is taking part in an exciting match funding campaign to raise funds for the Lake District.

The charity are seeking to raise £4,000 by the 31st August 2021!

If the Lake District Foundation are one of the first 50 charities to raise at least £4,000 (excluding Gift Aid) from 50 donors through Giving Checkout between July 1 and August 31, the charity will receive a £2,000 unrestricted gift from JustGiving.

The initiative is to celebrate the launch of our new fee-free direct donation tool, Giving Checkout and are giving away £130,000 in unrestricted funding!

Plus, every charity that raises £4,000 will be placed in a draw to win one of three additional £10,000donations! 

Can you help? Donate today, visit: justgiving.com/donation

The Lake District Foundation, the local sustainability and conservation charity caring for the Lake District, welcomes a new trustee to the board, Dan Visser, to the board.  

Dan moved to the Lake District in 1999 to further his career in hospitality and for lifestyle reasons. Dan has been an active member of the tourism and hospitality sector in the Lake District and Cumbria over the last two decades.  

Dan joined Langdale Leisure in 2008 as Director of Sales and Marketing, returning the business to profitability and part of the team which delivers sustainable solutions and supports local communities. 

Dan Visser, Director of Sales and Marketing at Langdale Leisure, said “I am delighted to join the board at the Lake District Foundation. I have been working hard to develop and support a sustainable visitor economy here in the Lake District and Cumbria through my position at Langdale and as non-executive director and vice chair of Cumbria Tourism. The opportunity to support the team at the Lake District Foundation care for our special landscape is one I am very much looking forward to”. 

The Lake District Foundation works with businesses, visitors and other donors to support conservation, environmental and cultural heritage projects and programmes of work to help look after the Lake District National Park.  

Gill Houston, Lake District Foundation’s Chair, said: “We are delighted to welcome Dan as a new trustee to the Lake District Foundation. Dan brings a wealth of experience and knowledge in the tourism and hospitality sector which will strengthen the work the Lake District Foundation is aiming to achieve. We are looking forward to working with Dan to drive our environmental goals forward”. 

The Lake District Foundation is a registered charity and is governed by a board of volunteer trustees including prominent representatives from the environment, business and tourisms sectors in the Lake District and Cumbria.  

The Lake District Foundation are always keen to hear from individuals interested in joining the board, if you are interested send an email to [email protected] or visit lakedistrictfoundation.org.   

A couple from the Lake District are championing the region’s artisan producers with the launch of a new luxury food box delivery service.  £1 from each box sold is shared equally between the Lake District Foundation and Growing Well charity.

Imogen Royall and Matt Kenyon, of Bowness in Windermere, have launched Dine in the Lakes, which offers people the chance to sample the best Cumbrian produce.

More than 20 local artisan producers and farmers, including Hawkshead Relish, Lovingly Artisan, Peter Gott, and Carvetii Coffee, have their products featured in the six boxes available online.

All boxes are accompanied by a selection of additional treats handpicked from Cumbria’s most talented producers; many of whom are the preferred suppliers of the region’s Michelin-star chefs.

The couple decided to launch the boxes when they returned from Croatia at the beginning of the first lockdown.

Imogen said: “When we returned to Windermere last November it was a real bittersweet moment – we were thrilled to be home and reunited with our family but devastated to see the extent of the pandemic’s impact on local businesses.

“We’ve always been passionate about food and in particular the incredible producers here in Cumbria and decided to combine our love of both with our desire to do something to support local businesses to create a gourmet food delivery service.

“It’s been an incredible seven months in the making, and not without its challenges, but we’re so excited to have made our vision a reality and to launch Dine in the Lakes.” 

Matt added: “The support and generosity we’ve received from local artisans and farmers has been incredible.  At a time when many didn’t know what their futures held, they provided us with their time, knowledge and expertise to help make Dine in the Lakes a viable business. 

“It’s really brought what is already a close community closer together.  We’re incredibly proud to work together to collectively champion Cumbria and to start sharing the region’s finest produce with the rest of the country as we spread the word about our fantastic local producers.”

Prices range from £35 to £65 and nationwide delivery is available every Friday with £1 from every box donated to Cumbrian charities The Lake District Foundation and Growing Well, an organisation dedicated to helping adults experiencing poor mental health.

Is the Lake District somewhere you dream of visiting, somewhere you live and work, or somewhere that matters to you?

We want to share our new five year plan for the Lake District National Park from the words of 25 organisations. Here’s what it’s all about: National Park Partnership Plan

We would like to hear your views on our proposals and how the Plan can be delivered. You can also give us views on other aspects like the strategies, research and monitoring.

We would like to know about who has responded to the consultation so the final section of this survey asks a bit more about you.

We really appreciate your time and interest in the Lake District. 

To take the survey, click here and have your say. Thank you!

The Lake District Foundation, the local organisation helping look after nature and culture in the Lake District and Cumbria, have awarded grants to 13 projects across Cumbria, part of their latest grant funding initiative. 

The successful projects have each been awarded between £250 – £500 from the small grants fund which was launched earlier this year. The funding call attracted a lot of interest, but the Lake District Foundation focused on projects that shared the charity’s goal; that the Lake District and Cumbria will be an inspirational example of sustainable development in action, to support a prosperous local economy, world-class visitor experiences and in a place where vibrant communities come together to sustain its spectacular landscape, wildlife and cultural heritage. 

Sarah Swindley, Lake District Foundation’s CEO said, “Thank-you to everyone who applied and congratulations to all those who were successful. We were thrilled with the amount of interest in the fund and delighted we can support community and volunteer-led groups who are delivering practical conservation and some with a youth focus. I would also like to extend a thank-you to all the Cumbrian businesses and visitors who help to make this funding available. We look forward to sharing the stories and impact the funding will have”. 

The 13 projects selected all have a different focus from butterfly gardens, Celtic shelter rebuilds, red squirrel conservation, orchards to wildflowers. A brief summary of each can be found below but you can find further information and keep in touch with the projects’ impacts at lakedistrictfoundation.org: 

• Phoenix Park Butterfly Garden – TWIG (Trees for Wigton). The project has been designed by local volunteers to creating a butterfly and bee garden. The garden will provide protective habitats for all lifecycle stages, and will include elements of a sensory garden which can be used by local organisations for people with special needs and will provide a park focal point. 
• Celtic Shelter rebuild – Friends of Dubwath Silver Meadows. This volunteer led project will see repair of a Celtic shelter in the heart of Dubwath Silver Meadows Nature reserve. The shelter is an important resource, enabling more people to access the reserves and take shelter whilst watching the wildlife. 
• Thermal Imaging Camera Conservation Campaign  – Binsey Red Squirrel Group. The grant will allow the group to purchase a thermal imaging camera so that they can increase the efficiency of their conservation efforts and improve monitoring and reporting.  
• Rewilding the Roadside – Rusland Rewilding. The Blooming Hedgerow Project will disperse indigenous wildflower seed along the edge of country lanes in an area of Rusland from Tottlebank to Oxen Park (roughly 4km).  The aim is to repopulate the roadside hedgerow and verge with a range of indigenous wildflowers, which will make up for the loss of biodiversity in the valley created by the long-term use of weedkiller and fertiliser.  
• Education For Conservation – Keswick Red Squirrel Group (KRSG). The grant will allow KSRGs project to develop a partnership with Borrowdale Primary School, which has around 40 pupils, to involve & educate children in red squirrel conservation efforts, working with the school to make red squirrels a part of the children’s outdoor activities as much as possible.  
• Rothay Park Wildflower Meadow – Ambleside Action for a Future (Growing Group). This project, led by volunteers, will create a small wildflower meadow in Rothay Park, containing native grasses, wildflowers, and bog plants, bounded by a small stream, approximate size 100 square metres. 
• The Rusland Valley Trust Outreach Project – The Rusland Horizons Trust Ltd. The aim of this project is to work with Furness College students to offer disadvantaged young people a chance to learn about and to restore a native woodland landscape.  
• Charles Gough Path Interpretation Boards – Sockbridge & Tirril Parish Council, Community Led Plan Team. The grant has supported installation of 2 interpretation boards to inform walkers on the route, which was created in 2020 thanks to access permission from Lowther Estate, about the different species of trees which were planted, and the benefits of planting trees, and the view from the highest point of the route: the mountains of the Lake District and the Pennines.  
• St Matthew’s Forest School Group – St Matthew’s C of E primary School. This project will allow school children to be able to grow their own fruit and vegetable produce, building planters and a coldframe. This project is needed to help to teach and develop children’s understanding of where and how the food they eat and enjoy is produced.  
• The Bee Team Community Orchard – The Bee Team. The aim of The Bee Team is to inspire a love, respect and understanding of all things to do with nature and the environment – not just bees. Their mission this year is to involve the children and the community in ‘growing their own’ – herbs, fruit and vegetables.  
• Saving our native reds – Sedbergh red squirrels. The volunteer rangers will use funding to set up and maintain any feeders for anyone within the community and aim to encourage people to get involved in this very important conservation project, and provide squirrel food to help conservation efforts. 
• Helping pollinators in Glenridding – Ullswater Catchment Management CIC.  The local parish council and community have recently taken control of Jenkins Field in Glenridding to provide a source of sustainable funds towards the community by hosting events, and a large area is to be left as a wildlife area. The funds will support the creation of a wildflower meadow, re-instating plants to help benefit pollinator species.  
• Ullswater ‘Then and Now’ – Friends of Ullswater Way. FOUW undertook a survey in January/February 2020 to determine the Ullswater communities’ interest in promoting cultural heritage. There was overwhelming support and the community decided to create an Ullswater Heritage Knowledge Bank and Website. Support from LDF will further the community engagement and involvement in the project including creation of materials for a roadshow illustrating Ullswater ‘Then and Now’ cultural and landscape changes over time on various themes such as Farming, Tourism, Wordsworth, Industrial Heritage, Education, and Woodlands selected from the Heritage Knowledge Bank. 

If you wish to donate to the Lake District Foundation to help support future local community project you can do so online via their website  lakedistrictfoundation.org or text LOVELAKES to 70085 and donate £5*. A small donation makes a big impact.  

Local sustainability and conservation charity the Lake Distinction Foundation (LDF) has been selected by the Big Give to take part in the Green Match Fund Campaign, helping the charity to achieve it’s target of raising £10,000 by matching a proportion of donations. 

The Big Give brings charities, philanthropists and the public together to multiply their impact. The Green Match Fund is a match funding campaign for charities which are working on environmental issues as part of their core mission. All public donations made to the Lake District Foundation via theBigGive.org.uk website during the week of the campaign (22-29 April) will be matched up to a specific amount. You can increase your donation by 25% plus add gift to donate further!

The campaign is being launched on World Earth Day, an annual event, on 22^nd April to demonstrate support for environmental protection. 

Sarah Swindley, CEO Lake District Foundation, said, “It’s superb we’ve been selected to be one of the participating charities in this year’s Green Match Fund. It allows for an opportunity to raise new funds, reach new audiences and be part of the World Earth Day movement. We are aiming to raise £10,000 during the week and unlock match funding support. Covid-19 has highlighted just how much we value our natural world and the important benefits to wellbeing that our natural spaces provide to our communities. Funding will enable us to explore this changing relationship with our natural environment, and the benefits that this can bring to all. So please dig deep and donate what you can, a small donation can make a big difference. Thank-you.” 

The Green Match Campaign funding is being provided by The Big Give’s Champions which include The Reed Foundation, Garfield Weston Foundation and a number of other philanthropists and funders.  

Alex Day, Director, The Big Give said, “The inaugural Green Match Fund campaign has been organised by the Big Give, the UK’s biggest online match funding platform in partnership with the Environmental Funders Network (EFN). Both the Big Give and EFN’s belief is that bringing charities together in a larger campaign tied into World Earth Day will help draw attention to environmental issues as well as help raise vital funds ahead of the important milestones which will occur this year. We wish the Lake District Foundation the best of luck for the campaign and hope the fundraising target is achieved!”.  

All donations must be made via the Lake District Foundation’s campaign page on the theBigGive.org.uk, and made using a debit or credit card between midday on Thursday 22^nd April and Thursday 29th April (by midday). 

For further information, visit the charity’s landing page:  
https://donate.thebiggive.org.uk/campaign/a056900001nbvoSAAQ  

Local sustainability and conservation charity the Lake Distinction Foundation (LDF) launched a “Greener Boating” campaign this week which aims to give boaters clear and practical advice on how they can play their part in keeping our lakes and rivers clean and safe.  As the Lake District welcomes visitors back this week, LDF want to make sure people have the information needed to help keep this place special. 

As well as information on their website, the LDF has produced an informative poster that covers the three simple things that boaters can do to make a difference and join the fight against pollution to help keep our rivers and lakes fit for people and for wildlife: 

1 – STOP SPILLS AND MANAGE ACCIDENTS. Boaters should take care to prevent spills and manage any accidents by using a spill kit to absorb oil or fuel and dispose of them in hazardous waste bins at a marina, harbour or recycling centre. 

2 – SEWAGE DISCHARGE is prohibited by law on inland waterways in the UK and raw sewage discharge is a serious public health risk. Instead, boaters should use a designated pump out station such as Low Wood Watersports Centre, Ferry Nab, or Tower Wood Outdoor Centre. 

3 – CHECK, CLEAN & DRY to prevent the spread of Invasive Non Native Species(INNS). Invasive species can quickly invade an area and are then very hard to remove, disrupting the ecosystem and causing chaos for native and local wildlife. CHECK your equipment and clothing for live organisms – particularly in areas that are damp or hard to inspect. CLEAN and wash all equipment, footwear and clothing thoroughly. If you do come across any organisms, leave them at the water body where you found them. DRY all equipment and clothing – some species can live for many days in moist conditions. Make sure you don’t transfer water elsewhere. And it’s not just boats that can carry invasive species, anyone using the water such as stand up paddleboarders and wild swimmers all need to check, clean and dry their kit.  

As well as posters and information at boat hire, sale and registration locations, the LDF will be using social media to share the Greener Boating messages and hopes that community groups and businesses across the county will get involved and help to share the campaign messages. 

With the lifting of lockdown restrictions now easing and the predicted increase in visitors to the Lake District, it is hoped that this campaign will help to remind both visitors and residents of the importance of the precious natural resources that we need to look after, and the practical action that we can all take today to ensure our lakes and rivers stay clean and safe for everyone to enjoy.  

Sarah Swindley, CEO Lake District Foundation, said, “We know that visitors and residents love the Lakes and want to help to keep this place special. Water quality is important for wildlife, our health and the tourist economy too. And of course the countryside code applies too, such as taking your rubbish home, respecting local communities and following advice and local signs. We are delighted that so many local business and community groups are already helping us to spread these messages far and wide”. 

For further information, please visit LDF’s Greener Boating website:  
lakedistrictfoundation.org/current–campaigns/cleaner-lakes/. 

What is it?

The Green Match Fund is a match funding campaign for charities which are working on environmental issues as part of their core mission.

All public donations made to participating charities via theBigGive.org.uk during the week of the campaign (22-29 April) will be matched up to a specific amount.

Match funding is being provided by The Big Give’s Champions which include The Reed Foundation, Garfield Weston Foundation and a number of other philanthropists and funders.

How can you help Lake District Foundation take part?

We’ve been selected by the Big Give to take part in the Green Match Fund Campaign, enabling us to unlock £10,000 of additional funding! We’re asking our supporters to donate to the Lake District Foundation’s online campaign when it goes live on theBigGive.org.uk.

All donations must be made via our campaign page on the theBigGive.org.uk donations must be made using a debit or credit card.

How does the matching work?

During the week of the Green Match Fund, donations made to participating charities are doubled. Each charity has a matching pot made up of Champion funds to double online donations made via theBigGive.org.uk.

When does it take place?

The live campaign kicks off at midday on World Earth Day (Thursday 22nd April) and ends a week later on Thursday 29th April (at midday).

Donations will be doubled by the charity’s Champion funds, until the match funds have been exhausted or the campaign has closed, whichever comes first.

Key information

• For donations to be doubled, they must be made to LDF’s campaign page
  on theBigGive.org.uk with a debit/credit card by the cardholder during the live campaign.
• Donations are doubled by Champion funds until these have been used up or the campaign ends.
• Whilst there are no fees for charities to participate in the campaign, some fees are charged on online donations, calculated via the Big Give. We strongly encourage you to check how these are calculated and factor this into your donation. As a charity itself, you also have the option to donate an additional amount to contribute to the running costs of the Big Give platform, you can however choose to opt out of this. Please refer to our fees page for further info – or speak to a member of the LDF team if you have any concerns or questions.

In September 2019, the Lake District Foundation launched a campaign to raise funds to support Red Squirrel Conservation in Cumbria which has now raised over £14,000, in spite of the fundraising challenges the global Covid-19 pandemic presented. 

Cumbria is one of the best places to see Red Squirrels but research shows that the most serious threat to the survival of the red squirrel is the larger non-native grey squirrel, which not only outcompetes the reds for food, but also carries squirrel pox disease, which is deadly to the reds. 

Heinz Traut, Project Manager, Red Squirrels Northern England, said: “A recent study found that red squirrels were present in 64% of surveys within Cumbria, proving once again that the county is one of the best places to see this delightful species. However, reds are only thriving here due to the relentless commitment of hundreds of volunteers, who work tirelessly to preserve them. We are so grateful to the donors who have supported this campaign and enabled us to continue this great work.” 

The funds raised have now been distributed to 7 local squirrel groups for much needed monitoring equipment and other materials vital in the conservation of this iconic Cumbrian species. The grants will be used by local volunteer groups to buy squirrel feeders, squirrel food, cleaning apparatus and monitoring equipment to increase the efficiency of their conservation efforts. Some groups are also using their grant to produce information signs and leaflets to raise awareness in their communities and encourage people to report sightings of red and grey squirrels and to donate to the Red Squirrel Fund. 

Grants have also been made to Red Squirrels Northern England who coordinate and analyse the conservations efforts across the county, and the Lake District National Park Authority to restore woodland along the Keswick to Threlkeld Railway Trail, increasing both the availability of habitat suitable for the red squirrels and the opportunities for residents and visitors to engage with nature along the trail. 

Sarah Swindley, CEO Lake District Foundation, said “Teams of volunteers work really hard across the county to protect this amazing creature. Our role at the LDF is to connect people who love the landscape, wildlife and culture of the Lake District with effective conservation projects. We are delighted to be able to support these volunteers to continue their vital work, enabling red squirrels to thrive in Cumbria.” 

There is a continued need for squirrel food and conservation equipment to support the volunteers in their hard work, and you can support their efforts by donating now: 

Text “savereds” to 70085 to donate £5. This costs £5 plus a standard message rate, or visit https://www.lakedistrictfoundation.org/red-squirrel-campaign-2019-savereds/  

To report a red squirrel sighting please visit: www.northernredsquirrels.org.uk/report-sightings 

A new fund is being launched by the Lake District Foundation in April for the protection and creation of native hedgerows in Cumbria. 

The Real Hedge Fund is made up of donations from businesses, visitors and residents who love the Lake District and want to help the cause of protecting native hedgerows and the wildlife that depends on them.  

The Lake District Foundation launched the fundraising initiative in June 2020 in partnership with Ullswater Catchment Management CIC, The Food, Farming and Countryside Commission, Cumbria Wildlife Trust, Woodland Trust and Eden Rivers Trust and now have £10,000 to award.   

The Fund will have two rounds with £5,000 available in each call. The first call will open 9am on Thursday 1^st April 2021 and close 5pm on Friday 30^th April 2021 and second call will be in September 2021. 

The Lake District Foundation and partners are looking for those who will use the Fund to purchase and plant native hedgerows between 50-100 metres, either double or singled fenced or those looking to restore native hedgerows using techniques such as “gapping up”. This is therefore aimed at individuals, SMEs businesses, small charities and community groups operating in Cumbria. 

Sarah Swindley, CEO, Lake District Foundation said: “We are delighted to be able to open up this round following a successful campaign. The Real Hedge Fund aims to highlight the importance of hedgerows in the environment and the role within the cultural and natural heritage of the Lake District. The Fund has an ambitious target to plant 4,000 metres of native hedgerows across the Lake District and the money available is a fantastic first step to making this happen”.  

Applications will only be accepted if environmental value can be evidenced. Activity cannot be “doubled funded” and applicants will need to show that their proposal is not covered by an existing stewardship or grant funding scheme.

The application form and guidance can be found on the Lake District Foundation website, lakedistrictfoundation.org/apply-for-a-grant/.  Applications that meet the criteria will be reviewed by the grants panel, and shortlisted applicants may be invited to meet the panel virtually and discuss their project further. 

The campaign is still live, and you can still donate. To find out more about the Real Hedge Fund and to donate visit lakedistrictfoundation.org/the-real-hedge-fund/ 

The Lake District Foundation, the local charity caring for the Lake District, welcomes a new Ambassador, Lee Paton.  

Lee Paton is a bespoke couturier who has his own fashion house in London and is currently creating the first Couture fashion house in Cumbria. Lee is passionate about championing environmental sustainability in the fashion industry and through his new role as Ambassador at the Lake District Foundation.  

Lee grew up in Cumbria, trained at London College of Fashion, interned at Alexander McQueen and then worked on the famous London’s Savile Row.  

Lee launched his own fashion house in 2010. The brand’s work has been featured in many British and overseas publications such as Vogue Tatler Harper’s Bazaar InStyle Elle Robb Report and The Financial Times. Lee’s clients are generally high-profile individuals from elite sportsmen and sportswomen, well known musicians and actors to the members of several international royal families. 

Lee is currently moving his business to Cumbria and has aspirations to develop the first Cumbria couture fashion house. Lee hopes this will not only provide a wonderful opportunity to showcase what the area has to offer but also provide an opportunity to introduce visitors to other local crafts, businesses and industries. 

Lee Paton, Couture Designer and Lake District Foundation Business Ambassador, said: “It is my honour to represent the Lake District Foundation as Business Ambassador, allowing me to showcase the skills of the wonderful people, places and communities of England’s largest national park. With my background in an industry not usually associated with the region, I hope to offer a new perspective of what the Lake District has to offer and promote the Foundation through my work to new international audiences. Growing up close to the rugged fells and peaceful tarns I have always been passionate about the romance, history and heritage of the Lake District, fascinated by the stories from its past, many of which have inspired my work”. 

Lee currently works with several local Cumbrian farmers who exclusively provide Herdwick wool for him and he is planning his Spring 2022 collection to be made of Cumbrian fabrics only. Lee is a passionate advocate for traditional British craftsmanship and techniques and is keen to share local Cumbrian skills in his fashion house. 

Sarah Swindley, CEO, Lake District Foundation, said: “We are pleased to welcome Lee Paton as our new Business Ambassador alongside Dr Kate Rawles as our Environmental Ambassador, and Sean Conway as our Adventure Ambassador. Our Ambassadors help us spread the word about our cause and we are excited to work with Lee to reach a new audience and offer a new voice on the work we deliver and achieve. We are particularly keen to explore the connection between Lee’s work, the Lake District’s craft heritage and environmental sustainability. Welcome to the team Lee!” 

The Lake District Foundation works with businesses, visitors and other donors to support conservation, environmental and cultural heritage projects and programmes of work to help look after the Lake District National Park. 

Lee Paton, added: “The national park has been a place of creative motivation to historic artists of many forms and remains a region of immense inspiration through its remarkable beauty. The important work of the Lake District Foundation helps secure the future of a natural beauty that will continue to inspire generations for years to come and I am humbled to be able to play my part as a new addition to such a noble cause”. 

The Lake District Foundation is a registered charity and is governed by a board of volunteer trustees including prominent representatives from the environment, business and tourism sectors in the Lake District and Cumbria. 

You can find further information about Lee on his website leepaton.co.uk and further information about the Lake District Foundation at lakedistrictfoundation.org .  

A number of schemes are currently being developed in the county as part of bold plans for Cumbria to achieve a net zero carbon economy, including a potential new grants scheme which will match-fund carbon reduction schemes with up to £20,000. 

That means businesses and constituted community groups could get financial support to help build a more sustainable, eco-friendly future post-COVID.  

The money could be used to introduce a wide variety of new green measures or equipment, with LED lighting, small hydro power and electric vehicle charging points just three brief examples. Cumbria-based businesses with some activity in the Lake District National Park will be eligible, with applications expected to open this March. 

To find out more about accessing these potential new funds, you can sign up to a free webinar here at 1pm on Thursday 4 March. This bitesize session will include practical information from the Low Carbon Lake District team, alongside inspiration from businesses who have already successfully introduced new measures to help reduce their carbon footprint.  

Interested businesses can also be notified when funds are open for applications by registering for the Lake District’s grant newsletter here. 

The Lake District Foundation, the local charity caring for the Lake District, welcomes a new trustee to the board, Alice Forrester.  

Alice is a qualified ACA Chartered Accountant with the ICAEW and currently works as the Financial Accountant at Manchester Metropolitan University. Alice’s role at the University has provided her with the experience of preparing accounts for a large charitable organisation, as well as an insight into the different challenges affecting the higher education sector. 

Alice grew up in Cumbria and loves to spend time outdoors, in particular running and cycling. Although based in Manchester now, Alice continues to travel up to the Lake District and Cumbria for days and weekends away, when Covid rules allow.  

Alice Forrester, Lake District Foundation Trustee and Financial Accountant at Manchester Metropolitan University, said: “I am passionate about the environment and I am excited to have the opportunity to be part of an organisation which is committed to sustainable development and maintaining our natural environment. I look forward to bringing my accounting skills and knowledge of the local area to the Board of Trustees”. 

The Lake District Foundation works with businesses, visitors and other donors to support conservation, environmental and cultural heritage projects and programmes of work to help look after the Lake District National Park.  

Gill Houston, Lake District Foundation’s Chair, said: “We are delighted to welcome Alice as a new trustee to the Lake District Foundation. Alice’s enthusiasm for protecting and caring for our natural world and her background of managing accounts for a large charity is a perfect fit for us. We are looking forward to working with Alice to drive our environmental goals forward”. 

The Lake District Foundation is a registered charity and is governed by a board of volunteer trustees including prominent representatives from the environment, business and tourisms sectors in the Lake District and Cumbria.  

The Lake District Foundation are always keen to hear from individuals interested in joining the board, if you are interested send an email to [email protected].   

The Lake District Foundation, the local charity caring for the Lake District, extends an extra thank-you to businesses for their continued support during the pandemic.  

The charity works with businesses, visitors and other donors to support conservation, environmental and cultural heritage projects and programmes of work that help us work together to look after our amazing National Park. 

The Lake District Foundation currently works with over 150 businesses who fundraise with and support the charity. There are many ways businesses can do this from branded products, visitor donations at booking and lots of events that connect with businesses and customers. Most businesses supporting the charity are in the tourism industry and have been hit hard with the impact of covid. However, despite the challenges presented, the businesses have continued to find ways to fundraise  and are helping us to look after the natural world.  

Sarah Swindley, Lake District Foundation’s CEO said, “The full impact of the Covid 19 is evident to all of us However, we have also seen how nature is providing real solace to people in these difficult times, and the positive benefits that people are reporting helps to underline just how important it is that, as we come out of this pandemic, we see our natural heritage as key to a sustainable, green and inclusive recovery. Even though people can’t visit now we know that the love of the Lake District will endure. A massive thank you to all our business supporters and donors who have stuck by us and want to be part of this future. We would like to extend a special thank you to Langdale Estates, TreeTop Treks, Lakes Distillery, Lake District Estates and Heart of the Lakes, to name but a few!” 

The Langdale Estate, a luxury hotel and five-star self-catering, in the Langdale Valley have continued to donate during the pandemic.  

Dan Viser, Marketing Director, Langdale Estate, explains: “We provide an annual donation and raise money via an opt out fundraising approach here at the Langdale Estate. We are proud to have raised over £260,000 for the Lake District Foundation since 2008. Our efforts over the years have allowed for local footpaths to be repaired, we’ve supported various environmental projects and our efforts have contributed to making the Lake District more accessible, safer and even more beautiful for those to explore. Even though we haven’t welcomed as many guests over the last year, we still feel it’s incredibly important to continue our annual donation to protect and care for the national park for today and the future”. 

Another fundraising approach the Lake District Foundation uses is the ‘Opt In’ scheme where a voluntary donation can be added when booking online or in person. A mechanism proven popular with TreeTop Trek customers. However, despite restricted visitor numbers and business closures due to lockdowns they have continued to support the charity.  

Mike Turner, Owner, TreeTop Trek, explains: “In an increasingly online and cashless society we decided to add an integrated donation function added to our online booking system which would encourage and enable visitor to support the Lake District Foundation. Sadly, the huge drop in visitor numbers this year has resulted in a drop in revenues for both business and charities alike.  We were particularly inspired by the LDF latest local small grant fund campaign and were therefore delighted to be able to top up this years visitor giving as our own way of trying to give a little back to local communities which have been so badly affected by the pandemic”. 

In normal times the charity works with a number of businesses who hold events throughout the year to raise funds from gala dinners to coffee mornings, and any proceeds raised would go to the Lake District Foundation. Public gatherings have been paused due to the pandemic but that hasn’t stopped one of the charity’s business supporters from getting creative to continue their fundraising efforts. This resulted in The Lakes Distillery, based in Bassenthwaite, holding a virtual event in December and raising £525.  

The Lake District Foundation are continuing to find new ways of working during the pandemic and liaising closely with all business supporters, partners and donors to continue their fundraising efforts.  

To find out more information about becoming a business supporter, click here.

The Lake District Foundation will be delivering a project to raise awareness about Carbon Monoxide (CO) poisoning and safe visits to the countryside. The project is funded by Northern Gas who deliver gas to 2.7 million homes and businesses in the North East, Northern Cumbria and much of Yorkshire, and are committed to supporting the environment and local community.

Northern Gas are working hard to become a cleaner, greener business – reducing waste in their daily operations, and gearing up for a low carbon, sustainable future – targeting their daily operations to be net-zero by 2031. Before working with any business or organization we always follow our Working with Businesses Policy

Given that we are seeing a significant increase in the number of first-time visitors to the Lake District National Park and visitors who are new to camping and cooking in confined spaces it is likely that they are not aware of the risks of CO, which could have devastating effects on individuals but also local communities and businesses.

This project will provide important and potentially life-saving information to visitors and residents of the Lake District and Cumbria, and we anticipate that the lessons learned in this pilot project in the Lake District and Cumbria will be transferrable to other destinations.

The first stage of the project is to find out more about the current levels of awareness of the sources and risks of Carbon Monoxide poisoning amongst residents and visitors. If you would like to help to shape the campaign, and be in with a chance of winning a Hydroflask water bottle please take part in our short survey here.

In addition to the campaign, the LDF will be supporting Northern Gas to raise awareness of the priority Service Register. The Priority Services Register is a free service provided by suppliers and network operators, which enables vulnerable customers to receive extra support such as free gas safety checks and priority services in case of an incident.

The Lake District Foundation is excited to deliver this campaign that will enable more people to enjoy the Lake District and experience the health benefits that accessing nature and wild spaces brings.

The Lake District Foundation, the local conservation charity, is launching their latest grant funding initiative in February.  

The Lake District Foundation is looking to support effective projects that share the charity’s goal; that the Lake District and Cumbria will be an inspirational example of sustainable development in action, to support a prosperous local economy, world-class visitor experiences and in a place where vibrant communities come together to sustain its spectacular landscape, wildlife and cultural heritage. 

The next call for applications will open 9am on Monday 1^st February 2021. The charity is offering grants of up to £500 to projects being delivered in Cumbria, and in this round the charity is particularly interested in supporting community and volunteer-led groups delivering practical conservation, ideally with a youth focus. 

Sarah Swindley, Lake District Foundation’s CEO said, “It’s great to be sharing good news! We are thrilled to open up this round of funding, especially during this unusual time. We hope that this funding will amplify the amazing community work that takes place in our county. Thank-you to all the Cumbrian businesses and visitors who help to make this funding available. The full application criteria can be found on our website but I would like to say we are open to creative and innovative ideas that have a measurable and sustainable impact. Good luck everyone!”. 

The grant funding is available to charitable organisations such as village halls, youth groups or playgroups (your group does not have to be a registered charity), social enterprises and conservation agencies.  

The application form and guidance can be found on the Lake District Foundation’s website. Applications that meet the criteria will be reviewed by the grants panel, and shortlisted applicants may be invited to meet the panel virtually and discuss their project further. 

The Lake District Foundation’s last round of funding gave support to nine projects including the `Bee Hide’ Project at Heron Hill School, and `Farming with Nature’ from Ullswater Catchment CIC, and these projects have delivered impressive outcomes for the wildlife, landscapes and cultural heritage of Cumbria and the Lake District. 

The deadline for applications for this round is extended to Monday 1st March 2021 5pm and all details can be found at lakedistrictfoundation.org/apply-for-a-grant/. 

  

The Lake District Foundation, the local conservation charity, is spearheading a fundraising campaign, The Real Hedge Fund, to conserve and reinstate native hedgerows.  

The charity participated in the UK’s biggest match funding challenge in December, The Big Give Christmas Challenge and successfully raised £14,000 for the campaign. 

Sarah Swindley, Lake District Foundation’s CEO said, “Thank you to everyone who donated during The Big Give week in December. A special thanks to The Cedar Manor Hotel, The Wild Hart, Restore Our Planet, Tern Trust, Lake District Estates, Victrix and the Hedge and Woodland Conservationists who pledged their support to help kick start the campaign.  I am delighted to share with you that the funds raised will enable 560 metres of native hedgerows to be planted across the Lake District. Thank you.” 

The Lake District Foundation received a pledge from a conservation group based in East Berkshire who had recently completed planting hedgerows on the Crown Estate and donated some of their funds to the Big Give Christmas Challenge for the Real Hedge Fund campaign. 

Christopher Kersley, Hedge and Woodland Conservationists (HAWCS) said: “HAWCs is a small group of local enthusiasts affiliated to the British Trust for Conservation Volunteers and to the British Hedgelaying Society. We aim to keep the ancient crafts of hedgelaying and coppicing alive, to conserve and maintain hedgerows, woodlands, and rights of way for the benefit of the public and the wildlife and educate the public in the principles and practice of nature conservation. We were delighted to support the Real Hedge Fund campaign as it’s such a wonderful cause and in line with our aims as a conservation group.”   

You can view further information about HAWCS on their website: www.hawc.org.uk

The Real Hedge Fund campaign aims to highlight the importance of hedgerows in the environment and the role within the cultural and natural heritage of the Lake District. The campaign has an ambitious target to plant 4,000 metres of native hedgerows across the Lake District and aims to raise £100,000 to make this happen. 

The Lake District Foundation launched the campaign in June 2020 in partnership with Ullswater Catchment Management CIC, The Food, Farming and Countryside Commission, Cumbria Wildlife Trust, Woodland Trust and Eden Rivers Trust.  

The campaign is still live, and you can still donate. To find out more about the Real Hedge Fund and to donate visit lakedistrictfoundation.org/the-real-hedge-fund/