From 2021 – 2023, we delivered the pioneering Low Carbon Lake District programme, supporting projects across the Lake District and Cumbria.

58 local businesses, received a share of nearly £1 million from the fund which helped them to adopt more environmentally friendly systems and practices.

Small to medium-sized businesses benefiting from the fund included village shops, hotels, community-owned pubs, cinemas, breweries and arts venues.

The businesses received funding for electric vehicle charging points, LED lighting, air source heat pumps, solar panels, and more environmentally friendly appliances.

While the fund is now closed, this project has a huge legacy, with annual carbon savings equal to the average yearly carbon footprint of nearly 40 people.

Lake District Foundation is working for a thriving regional economy and flourishing local communities, based around future-proof, sustainable practices and processes.

Case Studies

Fornside Farm Cottages near Keswick has installed solar panels to support existing ground source heat pumps.

Levens Village Shop has benefited from energy efficient fridges and has installed a cleaning product refill centre.

Delivered by The Lake District Foundation, the Low Carbon Lake District Fund was led by the Lake District National Park Authority. Other key partners include the National Trust, South Lakeland District Council (now Westmorland and Furness Council) and Cumbria Tourism. The Fund was supported by the European Structural Investment Fund.

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