17th February: Lifting the Lid: Excavation of an early lime kiln at Pendragon Castle RECORDING

Recording of our webinar broadcast on February 17th is now available to watch below. Do take a look at our upcoming talks and book your places early if you'd like to join us live at our future events.

Lifting the Lid: Excavation of an early lime kiln at Pendragon Castle in its wider context

Date: 17th February
Presented by: Dr David Johnson

This presentation discusses the excavation in 2019 of a clamp (or sow) kiln earthwork within the curtilage of Pendragon Castle, aimed at determining if it was a lime kiln and if so, which period of the castle's construction it related to. The talk also puts this kiln into a broader geographical and technological context within the WDLP area.

Latest

Leaders' Landscape Training: Knott and Great Asby Scar

Tranquillity is one of many components that come together to create the overall character of a landscape, and it is something that many visitors to the Lake District and Cumbria come to enjoy but it is often misunderstood or not fully understood even by those tasked with protecting it.
Leaders' Landscape Training: Understanding Tranquillity

Tranquillity is one of many components that come together to create the overall character of a landscape, and it is something that many visitors to the Lake District and Cumbria come to enjoy but it is often misunderstood or not fully understood even by those tasked with protecting it.
Leaders' Landscape Training: The Thirlmere Resilience Project

The Thirlmere catchment, characterised by steep sided, wooded slopes, is an iconic part of the Lake District. A new style of progressive land management around Thirlmere, is balancing the pressures of recreation, farming, and conservation in hostile upland environments.
Wednesday 15th May 2024: Hows Wood, Woodland and Walling Work

Join our workparty for woodland work at Hows Wood, Eskdale. Tree staking, path clearance, branch lopping and coppicing, walling if needed.

Little Asby Through the Keyhole - Webinar 3rd October 2023

Our Little Asby through the Keyhole project drew to a close with an online event to celebrate what has been achieved. Andy Phelps from Oxford Archaeology, who have led the project on our behalf, summarised the work undertaken across two seasons of excavations and the main findings from prehistoric to post-medieval times.
A Soundtrack for the Steam Age

A brand new film is celebrating the work of our ‘Brass, Drums and Trains’ project. Over one year, the project has been celebrating the age of steam, bringing musical performers and audiences together alongside real-life steam trains at Stainmore Railway.
1st March 2023: Digging the Past: Test-pitting in Ravenstonedale Village RECORDING

Martin Railton from Eden Heritage presents the results of a community-based test-pitting project, known as Digging the Past, which was undertaken in 2022 at the village of Ravenstonedale, near Kirkby Stephen.
1st February 2023: Churn Stands, Gate Stoops and Date Stones RECORDING

Our Cultural Heritage Trainee, Rebekah Booth, gives an online talk on the Small-scale Heritage Features project which she has led with volunteers this year. The surveys ran from March to August 2022 and included nine settlements in the Westmorland Dales.
Legendary Films and Stories of the Westmorland Dales

Short films of three local legends set in the landscape of the Westmorland Dales, retold and illustrated by local children, have just been released online. The films were premiered at a storytelling event for local families in Kirkby Stephen on Wednesday 25th January.
11th January 2023: Salmon, Trout and Crayfish in the Upper Lune RECORDING

As part of our scheme, the Lune Rivers Trust is running a project monitoring the presence of salmon, trout, white-clawed crayfish and other riverine species in the upper Lune and its tributaries. Tim Pitt from the Lune Rivers Trust talks about the project and its findings.
7th December 2022: A Year in the Life of Halligill RECORDING

Asby resident, local historian and active volunteer Keith Cooper gives a fascinating insight into farming life at Halligill, a farmstead in the parish of Asby, back in 1875. It’s based on the diary of John Brunskill who farmed at Halligill for 30 years but ended up living at Dial House in Great Asby.
A Sound Tour of the Westmorland Dales

Sit back, close your eyes, slow down and experience a sound tour of the Westmorland Dales through this mosaic of sounds recorded at various locations by sound artist, Dan Fox. A mysterious and evocative medley of traditional music, local voices and sounds of the countryside.
1st June 2022:The Prehistory of Shap and the Surrounding Area RECORDING

Recording of a zoom talk exploring the ancient monuments of Shap, noted throughout history. Many have been destroyed, and the few that remain bestow an enduring mystery to the early history of the area.
2nd March 2022: From Avalon to Pendragon RECORDING

Although 300 miles apart, the Somerset Levels and Moors and Westmorland Dales are linked by far more than Arthurian legend. An online talk that explores some of the forces that have shaped our landscape, drawing out surprising connections and marked differences.

Volunteering

Learn new skills and join our army of volunteers helping us to make a practical difference to the Lake District all year round.
Join Today

Play your part in protecting the Lake District by becoming a member today.
Our Purpose

We are an independent charity and the only membership organisation dedicated to protecting and enhancing Cumbria's landscapes for future generations
Elterwater Quarry Adventure Attraction plans resubmitted

Just before Christmas, revised proposals were submitted for a visitor attraction at Elterwater Quarry. We have reviewed the plans, we remain opposed to the scheme, and you can read our formal response here.
The Helm

Situated near Oxenholme, just south east of Kendal, and although not a very high hill at 185m, it gives beautiful views.
It's Time To Save Roanhead - Response Guidance

A NEW planning application has been submitted for the major resort development proposed at Roanhead. It will still have a huge impact on this sensitive coastline, even with a reduced number of lodges. Please join us again to challenge the proposal. Previous responses won't count and new responses need to reflect latest plans.
Aerial Flight at Honister Slate Mine

We received the disappointing news that the Secretary of State will not ‘call in’ the proposed zip-wires at Honister and so the Authority’s approval stands. The Secretary of State is no longer required to give reasons for his decision.
Why become a member?

Love the Lake District? Become a member of Friends of the Lake District and join thousands of people enjoying and protecting it.
What are the disadvantages of being in a National Park?
High Borrowdale

High Borrowdale is situated 8.5 miles north of Kendal. The best way to access it is from the A6, south of Shap. There is open access at all times. Take a VIRTUAL TOUR