The ongoing Coronavirus outbreak is causing concern and disruption for everyone, and we have taken steps and introduced ways of working which will help reduce the risks to our staff, volunteers and visitors. 

From today, 18 March, we have moved the majority of staff to home working, but will still keep our office open as two of our team will be in every day to manage post and phone calls. We will, of course, monitor this is line with Government advice. 

You can contact us on the office phone 01539 720788 and email [email protected] as usual. It might mean that we can’t get hold of the person you need to talk to as quickly but I am sure you will understand and we will continue to do our best. 

The office will not be open to volunteers or visitors however, as we believe it is best practice to discourage unnecessary travel and socialising. 

All our staff will have remote access to our systems and emails, and we continue with all our work - other than that which involves meeting other people. 

Sadly, this means that all events, work parties and other volunteer activities have been suspended until at least mid-July. Where possible, events will postponed until they are safe to resume, but I’m afraid that others will have to be cancelled or held over until next year if possible.

As I write, we have no idea of how long we will all be in this concerning position. People’s lives and livelihoods will rightly dominate everyone’s thoughts at this moment and we have offered help to local organisations.

Friends of the Lake District will continue to concentrate on protecting and enhancing our special landscapes, and finding new ways to engage, educate and inspire people with them. Our role in celebrating this wonderful place takes on new meaning as many of us will not be able to visit for some time. Please continue to share your photos on social media and contact us via email and phone.

Douglas Chalmers
Chief Executive, Friends of the Lake District