For the next 5 weeks, we’re celebrating our success while thinking about the future as we begin putting together our new 5-year plan.
We’re asking Lake District lovers what our priorities should be for the next 5 years.
The 5 weeks of reflection and celebration will include big prize giveaways and a tea party featuring some of the biggest names from the adventure world.
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
