The Lake District National Park Authority was created to help look after this unique corner of England, encouraging people to enjoy and understand its beauty and helping those who live and work here. Home to flourishing wildlife, thriving communities and spectacular landscapes, loved by millions and cared for by many, the Lake District was designated a National Park on 9 May 1951, 70 years ago! To mark 70 years of caring for the National Park, the Lake District 10 achievements over the years.
To mark 70 years of caring for the National Park, the Lake District National Park have shared some of their top 10 achievements over the years.
Activities for all – 48 Miles without Stiles routes across the National Park that are suitable for people with limited mobility, including wheelchair users, families with pushchairs, and those who want a simple route to see some beautiful scenery without too much effort.
Low Carbon for all – Low Carbon Lake District was launched in 2008 by the Lake District National Park to reduce greenhouse gases and prepare for the impacts of climate change.
Working together – The Partnership was established in 2006 to bring together 25 organisations to collectively manage the Lake District.
International recognition – The Lake District National Park was inscribedWorld Heritage Site status for its cultural heritage and landscape in 2017.
Heritage project success – The 400 year old Coniston Coppermines was taken off the At Risk Register in 2018 after we worked with local landowners, volunteers and businesses to preserve the site and install new creative storytelling within the valley. Similarly, the Duddon Iron Furnace was recently saved from the At Risk Register due to the continued good work of our archeologists and partners.
Landscape restoration – Between 2016 and 2019 the Lake District National Park worked with the community and partners to celebrate the heritage and restore the landscape in the Rusland valley.This major project created apprenticeships and connected people with the traditional skills that protected the wildlife and wooded landscape of the area.
A resilient National Park – Following the destruction of Storm Desmond in December 2015, Lake District National Park delivered Routes to Resilience, a £3 million programme to restore the Public Rights of Way network.
More than 400 hands – more than 400 volunteers who help look after the Park in various ways from research to maintenance work out on the fells. Our dedicated Fix the Fells volunteers help repair paths from erosion on the high fells and protect the ecology and archaeological heritage of our beautiful landscape.
Housing – Lack of affordable housing is a national issue, but the need is even more acute in the Lake District. Lake District National Park are responsible for planning, we try to make sure new buildings or conversions are of a type needed by people who live and work locally.
A warm welcome – The National Park welcomes over 19 million visitors each year.
Let us know what you love most about the Lake District using #LakeDistrict70 on social media! For more information visit the Lake District National Park’s website here.