Putting the floods into context

Article featured in our Spring / Summer 2016 Conserving Lakeland members magazine. Written by our Policy Officer, Kate Willshaw.

View download this article (pdf)

You'll find more articles relating to the flooding events in Cumbria and information about our Landscape Flood Appeal on our 'Hot Topics' pages.

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Poster Competition

Friends of the Lake District is 90 years old! To celebrate our birthday, we want to develop a vision for Cumbria’s landscapes for the next 90 years and we're asking children and young people to help us by designing a poster to show how they want the landscape to look.
17 April 2024: Clean stones and corners at Mazonwath

It was the first dry day in months for the workparty at Mazonwath, which meant there was plenty of work to be done on the dry stone walls.
Postcard From the Lakes: April 2024

Our Elterwater protest rally made print, TV and radio news headlines. Thanks to everyone who came along. Thank you also to our amazing volunteers, recycling tree tubes at Gillside and Rusland woods, and took part in our Great Cumbrian Litter Pick.
Cumbria & Lakeland Walker Magazine

3-issue subscription to Cumbria and Lakeland Walker magazine for only £1.00

Cumbria's flooding events

Cumbria's floods in 2015 and 2019 were the worst for 558 years (from sediment analysis on the bed of Bassenthwaite).
1.4 Changing the Course, Slowing the Flow

Eden Rivers Trust’s project focussed on the Lyvennet, Scandal Beck and their tributaries, restoring river channels, improving habitats and introducing new natural flood management features, with major projects at Crake Trees and Bowber Head.
Flood Resilience Research

Landslides continue to occur on our land at High Borrowdale and so, with the University of Cumbria, we are beginning work to experiment with different geotextiles to stabilise the soil.
Flood Appeal funds replacement bridges and repairs footpaths destroyed by Storm Desmond

In recent months, Friends of the Lake District has been working with partners to spend the money where it is most urgently needed. The focus has been on work to repair damaged footpaths and footbridges throughout Cumbria.
People Power at Fell Care Day delivers impressive results

123 volunteers were joined by 15 volunteer task leaders and 10 Friends of the Lake District staff to take part in a variety of practical conservation tasks to help heal and restore landscapes ravaged by the winter storms in Glenridding and Patterdale.
Conservation Day boost to Keswick Mountain Festival

The flood damaged landscapes around Keswick are set to receive some TLC at the Keswick Mountain Festival on Saturday 21st May thanks to our first mass-volunteering Fell Care Day being held as part of the Festival.
Rising Film

The impact of flooding events on a Lakeland community in Glenridding and Patterdale and what, in their own words, the possible solutions may be for the future.
2016 – Flood appeal raises over £62,000

Our Lake District Landscape Restoration Fund appeal following the devastation caused by Storm Desmond in December 2015 raises over £62,000.

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Our Purpose

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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.
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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