Friends of the Lake District was established in 1934, when we campaigned for the creation of a Lake District national park, an ambition successfully realised in 1951.  Today, in our 90th birthday year, we continue that unbroken tradition of campaigning to protect Lake District and Cumbrian landscapes.

Just in the last few months we have campaigned against the development of a massive holiday park on the coast at Roanhead. Our ‘Make a Stand on the Sand’ demo attracted coverage from TV, radio, and newspapers, and enabled us to show our solidarity with local groups opposed to the plans.

We also campaigned against proposals for a zip-wire and ropes course attraction at Elterwater Quarry. Our rally on Elterwater Common was filmed by BBC and ITV crews, keeping this issue high on the news agenda.

We are now seeking a Judicial Review over the Lake District National Park Authority’s decision to grant planning permission for the Elterwater Quarry proposal. A Judicial Review asks the High Court to review the lawfulness of a decision. You can read more about this decision here. 

But it’s not just planning and development matters that require our campaigning clout. Over the coming months we will be campaigning to keep Cumbrian landscape issues in the spotlight. Issues like the scandalous state of our lakes and rivers, the fragility of nature in the national park, and the intolerable pressures on upland farmers. You can read our Manifesto for Cumbria's Landscapes here.

But campaigning requires people, resources, and money.  To ensure these messages cut through and get noticed, we need your help.

Will you donate to our 90th Birthday Fighting Fund, and help us continue our proud history of defending the Lake District?

Every penny you contribute will help us carry on campaigning, to protect the landscapes we love.

Thank you for your support.