Sadly over the last 70 years our hedgerows have become significantly reduced both in the length and in quality. Now seems a really excellent opportunity to engage and support farmers, landowners and communities to reinstate and improve their hedgerows.
The King Charles III England Coast Path is currently being developed and will be a 2,700-mile trail showcasing the entire English coastline. When fully open, it will be the longest coastal path in the world. Together with Natural England and Durham Heritage Coast, we are leading the consultation on the Tyne to Tees section.
The Wainwright’s Coast to Coast route passes through the Lake District, North York Moors, and Yorkshire Dales National Parks. Beloved by walkers for decades, the 197-mile route was given National Trail status in 2022.
There are 17 designated National Trails in England and Wales, which are long-distant footpaths and bridleways that pass through some of the UK’s most stunning landscapes.
The consultations are aimed at maximising benefits of the paths for local communities. The trails should be an asset to people who live and work nearby, so local perspectives are sought to help shape their development.
The consultation is hoping to hear residents, community groups, business owners, land managers and farmers.
Liv Allport, Programme Manager at the Lake District Foundation said: “We’re calling on people local to the National Trails to get involved and suggest how the development of these paths can benefit your area. You are experts on your local area, and we would love to hear from you. Other National Trails have positively impacted towns and villages around the path with increased tourism and other economic benefits. What can this National Trail do for your region?”
To take part in the consultation go to lakedistrictfoundation.org/national-trails
We were overwhelmed to receive nearly 200 articulate and detailed responses. In fact, your ideas amounted to over 11,000 words! We’re inspired by your passion and dedication for the region; thank you for sharing your ideas.
In this post, we’re going to attempt to (very) briefly summarise your key concerns and offer a sense of how our they will shape our plans.
There is huge support for the issue of clean rivers and lakes, with 76.5% of respondents suggesting it should be a priority.
Some respondents advocated for more support for farmers, whilst others expressed concern at the amount of land controlled by farmers. This feeds into a sense that there is a lack of biodiversity that risks the creation of monocultures. With this in mind, scores of people said there are too many sheep in the Lakes.
The most mentioned issue was transport. This included a lot of frustration around parking on verges and traffic jams. But mostly, respondents spoke of the need for an affordable, regular, reliable public transport system. Scores of you called for a “park and ride” scheme. Others advocated for better cycling links between villages, as well as buses that carry bikes. Whilst enthusiastic equestrians pointed out that a better bridleway network, that truly works for horses, would also benefit everyone.
There is a sense that there could be “too many” tourists. Rather than attempting to reduce overall numbers, some people suggested that more could be done to spread visitors widely across the National Park. That less famous, but equally beautiful parts of the region should be marketed as alternatives to Windermere, Ambleside and other well-known areas.
The concept of a visitor or tourist tax was mentioned numerous times. This was proposed to offset the damage done by visitors, and the money raised would be invested into looking after the National Park.
A lot of people are concerned about the lack of well-paid jobs and lack of affordable housing for people who live in the Lakes. To support the building of suitable houses and to bolster the local economy, numerous people suggested increasing council tax on second homes and holiday homes.
On a positive note, plenty of people noted that the Lake District is an incredible place to live and to visit It remains a place of peace and tranquillity, a place for outdoors adventures and a place you feel should be as accessible and welcoming as possible.
Your ideas provided rich insight for our small, dedicated team, who shares your passion for the Lake District. But we need your help to implement these ideas.
We are already working on many of the issues you raised and will prioritise these areas of work. We will also consider how we can approach issues beyond our usual remit, including greener transport.
We already know that transport is a priority, and this has been recognised by the National Park Partnership, of which we are a member. We’re working with the partners to identify funding and address this issue. We will also feed your thoughts into conversations about tourist tax emerging at a strategic level.
What we can say for sure is that over the next 5 years we’ll be working hard to fund, collaborate and inspire change on:
We will innovate new ways to fund low carbon initiatives, taking a long-term approach to protecting the region from the impacts of climate change. We will continue to invest in infrastructure that makes the National Park accessible, while protecting it from erosion.
Acknowledging the complexities around clean water, we will work with everyone who is part of the conversation. Looking at both long-term and immediate solutions, we will continue to educate on septic tanks, engage with farmers and use our role within the Love Windermere Partnership to ensure meaningful action is taken.
Woodland creation and management is vital for sustaining biodiversity. Beyond simply planting trees, we will educate land managers and work to restore our ancient woodlands, bringing them back from critical status. Hedgerow planting will also increase natural habitats for small animals and encourage bees.
Informed by the survey responses, we will ask, ‘Who is missing from the conversation, and why?’ We will help to share the Lake District, and the benefits of the natural world, with everyone. This incredible place should be inclusive and welcoming, no matter your background or access needs.
The people of Cumbria have a rich culture and history which remains visible in neolithic stone circles through to traditional arts and crafts. People make a place, so we will ensure that the region’s rich history of art and literature, industry and rebellion, and innovation in tourism and outdoor pursuits are present throughout our work.
This is just a snapshot, and we are still building our plans, using your responses as inspiration and context for our priorities.
The Lake District Foundation does not receive statutory funding, we rely on donations, and successful trust and grant applications.
Will you help to protect the Lake District by making a donation today?
Donate online at https://www.lakedistrictfoundation.org/donate-to-help-to-care-for-the-lake-district/ or sending a cheque made out to ‘Lake District Foundation’ to Wayfaring House, Murley Moss Business Park, Oxenholme Road, Kendal, Cumbria LA9 7R
A donation must be made via https://www.lakedistrictfoundation.org/donate-to-help-to-care-for-the-lake-district/ or by sending a cheque made out to ‘Lake District Foundation’ to Wayfaring House, Murley Moss Business Park, Oxenholme Road, Kendal, Cumbria LA9 7RL. Cheques must be received by the deadline to quality.One entry per person. Multiple donations made during the promotion period will count as a single entry.
By entering the competition, you agree to be bound by these terms and conditions.
In accordance with the Gambling Act 2005, Lake District Foundation holds a Small Societies Lotteries Registration, License number SL043821, issued by Westmorland & Furness Council, valid from 10/10/2023.
For the purposes of these Terms and Conditions, “The Promoter” refers to Lake District Foundation. The “First Prize” refers to one (1) voucher for a spa day for two (2) at the Langdale Hotel and Spa. The “Second Prize” refers to one (1) family ticket for Ullswater Steamers, one (1) family voucher for the Lakeland Motor Museum and one (1) family voucher for The Beatrix Potter Attraction. The “Third Prize” refers to a £30 voucher for The Wainwright, Lake Road, Keswick. The “Fourth Prize” is two cinema tickets for the Keswick Alhambra. There are no other prizes.
All entries must be received by 14:00 on Friday 3rd November 2023. One (1) first prize, one (1) second prize winner, one (1) third prize winner and one (1) fourth prize winner, in Great Britain, will be selected at random by The Promoter on or close to the deadline and the winner will be notified within 5 days of this date. Each winner receives one (1) prize as detailed above.
No purchase necessary. Winners will not be required to pay to enter the competition.
Entrants must be over 18 years old on the date of their entry.
Employees of The Promoter are not eligible to enter.
No social media companies are affiliated or involved in the competition.
Each Prize will be awarded to one (1) randomly selected winner, using a random number generator.
The Promoter will not be held liable if the named prize becomes unavailable or cannot be fulfilled.
The Promoter will not be held liable for any failure of receipt of entries. The Promoter takes no responsibility for any entries which are lost, delayed, illegible, corrupted, damaged, incomplete or otherwise invalid.
To the extent permitted by applicable law, The Promoter’s liability under or in connection with the competition or these terms and conditions shall be limited to the cost price of the Prize in question.
To the extent permitted by applicable law, The Promoter shall not be liable under or in connection with these terms and conditions, the competition or any Prize for any indirect, special or consequential cost, expense, loss or damage suffered by a participant even if such cost, expense, loss or damage was reasonably foreseeable or might reasonably have been contemplated by the participant and the promoter and whether arising from breach of contract, tort, negligence, breach of statutory duty or otherwise.
Prizes are non-negotiable, non-transferable and non-refundable. No cash alternative is available. Where a Prize becomes unavailable for any reason, the promoter reserves the right to substitute that prize for a prize of equal or higher value.
The name, address, email address and phone number of the winner must be provided to The Promoter if requested and will be shared to enable fulfilment of the Prize.
In the event of unforeseen circumstances beyond The Promoter’s reasonable control, the promoter reserves the right to cancel, terminate, modify or suspend the competition or these terms and conditions, either in whole or in part, with or without notice.
The Promoter’s decision is final. No correspondence will be entered into.
The winners’ name may be posted on the social media profiles of The Promoter after the winner has been selected.
We’ve partnered with Natural England to work towards the opening of 2 new National Trails, Wainwright’s Coast to Coast and the King Charles III Path.
The 26-year-old who grew up in Shropshire, completed the iconic 10.5-mile (16.8km) swim, from Fellfoot to Waterhead, in 3 hours, 40 minutes and 28 seconds. Pardoe’s time beat the previous record by nearly 8 minutes. Last set in 1997, the association senior men’s record was held by former Britain international Justin Palfrey at 3:48:04.
Speaking to our team ahead of his swim, Pardoe said:
“Having visited the Lake District for many years now, I’ve become increasingly passionate about preserving its beauty. The serene lakes and lush landscapes have not only provided me with a sense of tranquility but have also underscored the importance of protecting our natural resources.
Witnessing the detrimental effects of polluted water on my international races, most recently with the cancellation of the Paris Olympic test event in the river Seine, has heightened my dedication to environmental advocacy”.
Not content to hold a single record, Pardoe has already identified his next challenge; he aims to swim the English Channel.
Inspired? You can support Pardoe’s fundraising campaign here and find out more about our Cleaner Lakes campaigns here.
The Lake District Foundation was set up to inspire businesses, visitors and policymakers to support projects to improve and protect the Lake District’s environmental and cultural heritage. Since 2017, our charity has raised and invested over £1.5 million into the region. Our grant-supported projects have planted over 30,000 trees and reduced the carbon emissions of 58 local businesses by more than 500 metric tons annually.
Celebrations began on 12th September with the charity’s ambassadors gathering at the Langdale Hotel to share a giant Grasmere Gingerbread number 5, as we begin setting goals for the next 5 years. The Langdale Hotel and the Grasmere Gingerbread Company are some of the our top business supporters, raising thousands of pounds to support numerous projects.
The Foundation’s four ambassadors came together to share the charity’s special celebration. Ultimate adventure man Sean Conway is freshly recovered from a record-breaking 105 back-to-back full Iron distance triathlons, completed this summer. Dr Kate Rawles is an environmental philosopher, writer and eco-adventurer. Her most recent challenge saw her cycle from Colombia to Cape Horn on a bamboo bike, while exploring biodiversity. Business ambassador Lee Paton is a bespoke couturier who created the first Couture fashion house in Cumbria.
Sean, Kate and Lee were joined by newly appointed ambassador Harrison Ward, better known as Fell Foodie. Known for cooking spectacular recipes from simple outdoor kitchens in the Lakeland fells, Ward’s debut book Cook Out will be released in October 2023.
As he officially began his new role as Ambassador, Harrison Ward said: “The Lake District has been a hugely powerful place for me, both mentally and physically. I’m from just down the road, near Carlisle, so being part of the future of this area and how it moves forward for the people who live here is really important to me. I’m a big advocate that the Lake District is for everyone, the outdoors is so powerful. I’m looking forward to working together.”
Sarah Swindley, Chief Executive at the Lake District Foundation said: “This is a wonderful chance to reflect on and celebrate everything we’ve achieved since the charity was established. It’s also an opportunity to look ahead and ask where we need to be in five years’ time? What are the most important issues facing the Lake District and Cumbria? The Lake District Foundation will continue to innovate solutions to the challenges we encounter. We continue to find inspiration in this magnificent place and the people who care about it, who help to steer the direction of the Foundation.”
The Langdale tea party kick-starts celebrations which will continue with 5-weeks of celebrations, from 18th September – 27th October and including prize giveaways and the announcement of a new grant fund. Follow our social media and take part in online activities for the chances to win great prizes including afternoon tea for four, a glamping break, family days out, cinema vouchers and much more.
We want to hear from everyone who loves the Lake District.
Contribute your ideas at lakedistrictfoundation.org/share-your-thoughts
The Lake District Foundation is excited to partner with 13 Valleys to ensure that runners and supporters have the chance to protect the stunning landscape of the Lake District National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The race organiser is donating 5% of every entry fee to the Lake District Foundation, to help with projects like the Fix the Fells, meaning every single runner is contributing towards the sustainability of our wonderful region.
Come say hello to the Lake District Foundation team at the 13 Valleys race village, where you can find our ‘pre-loved pop-up’ outdoors clothing recycling stall. Located next to Theatre by the Lake in Keswick, the race village will be open to everyone, whether hardened ultra runner or just curious local, come along and get involved!
If you have outdoors gear that you’re no longer using, donate it to us! Your old kit will have a second life whilst raising money for the Lake District Foundation to look after this spectacular place. We’re looking for old jackets, good quality clothes, camping kit, tents, sleeping bags, outdoor swimming gear, hiking boots and any other adventure gear gathering dust in the back of your cupboard.
Are running at 13 Valleys and want to give back? Make an individual donation to the Lake District Foundation or set up a fundraising page for your big run here.
Find us at the 13 Valleys race village from Friday 29th September – Saturday 30th September.
Woodland management and creation for bio diversity, carbon capture and wildlife protection.
His latest epic challenge follows on from the fundraising efforts of 2020 when, at just five, Tony raised more than a million pounds for The Evelina Children’s Hospital. The hospital saved Tony’s life when he was brought in aged just six weeks old with severe injuries inflicted by his birth parents, which resulted in multiple fractures, dislocations and eventually led to both Tony’s legs being amputated.
Tony’s latest adventure will raise funds for the Fix the Fells project, through the Lake District Foundation. As well as for the Bendrigg Trust, Crohn’s & Colitis UK and the Tony Hudgell Foundation.
Fix the Fells is a partnership programme that aims to prevent loss of grass and soil on Lakeland hills, by designing and creating paths that are resilient to wear and tear, reducing the impact on the surrounding landscape.
As the first fell summited by Alfred Wainwright in his first visit to the Lake District in 1930, Orrest Head provides an appropriate challenge for Tony’s first climb and for his indomitable spirit to conquer.
Grasmere’s The Swan will become ‘expedition headquarters’ in early August, hosting the young fundraiser and his family for the duration of his attempt to summit Orrest Head.
Tony’s £509 target has been smashed within the first week of fundraising, with The Inn Collection Group donating the target value itself and £2414 already pledged, at the time of writing.
Donations can be made in support of the Summit’s Up for Tony challenge by visiting https://donate.giveasyoulive.com/fundraising/gotonygo
Piked Howe 8426 – Piked Howe Bridge. – The bridge is in the popular Langdale Valley near Dungeon Ghyll
To replace this bridge we are looking for sponsorship of £5,800. The item Number – 8426 please use this to sponsor this amazing bridge fill in the form on the right.
If you have any questions about this piece of furniture please fill in the form and we will be happy to help you with your query.
