The Lake District Foundation extends a warm welcome to visitors returning to the Lake District National Park as COVID restrictions ease and tourism businesses re-open.
The Lake District Foundation, the charity raising funds to look after the Lake District National Park and Cumbria, have worked alongside partners and businesses to look after our natural world whilst visitors have been away. They have carried out research to understand the impact during this time and are proud of their business supporters’ opening their doors safely for visitors again.
A small local survey conducted by the Foundation before the easing of restrictions in June revealed one third of people now feel that the green and natural spaces are more important than before and 75% reported the outdoors have a positive impact on their mental health. Nearly everyone reported seeing positive and visible changes in the environment and nature around them, recording increases in birdsong, wildlife and insects.
Sarah Swindley, Lake District Foundation’s CEO, said: “It is more important than ever to look after the open spaces and spectacular landscape not only for the environment but also for people’s health and well-being.
We are excited to welcome visitors back and hope you enjoy your favourite places in the Lake District but we do rely on your help to care for the wildlife, landscape and cultural heritage. There are many ways you can support: look out for our contactless donation boxes at Ullswater Steamers in Glenridding and Wainwrights Inn in the Langdales, or visit our website lakedistrictfoundation.org, and via our amazing business supporters across the Lake District. Thank-you for your continued support.”
The Foundation works with over 150 business supporters who either fundraise for the charity or make a donation. The businesses have been busy preparing to re-open safely at the start of July following Visit Britain guidelines.
The Cedar Manor Hotel in Windermere has been a business supporter since 2007 raising over £17,000 for the Foundation during that period. They re-opened their doors at the start of July after receiving their ‘Good to Go’ accreditation from Visit Britain.
Jonathan Kaye, Owner of The Cedar Manor Hotel, explains, “To get this we have completed 3 key risk assessments that are all focussed on Covid-19. First a customer journey, second, the staff journey, third, the building. Above all we are reassuring guests that although it sounds like a “new world”, we want them to come and relax knowing that it’s safe and they are going to be well looked after. We are delighted we can continue to fundraise for the Lake District Foundation and know our guests really love the fact that they can contribute to the well-being of the park through staying with us at Cedar Manor.”
The money raised by the Lake District Foundation is distributed to effective projects that share the charity’s goals within the UNESCO World Heritage Site.