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Friends of the Lake District
The only membership organisation dedicated to protecting
and enhancing Lake District and Cumbrian landscapes
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  • 'Sharing'

    'Sharing'

    A poem kindly submitted by Barbara Colley...'We came to Cumbria in 1980, joined Friends of the Lake District and both of us admired all the work you and all the volunteers undertake. Read more

  • Lake Windermere

    Lake Windermere

    I'm from Texas, living temporarily in Newcastle upon Tyne, and I had the pleasure of camping out with my son near Lake Windermere. I was inspired by the view in the evening across the lake from Low Wray and I wrote this poem afterwards. Read more

  • Missing the Lake District in Lockdown

    Missing the Lake District in Lockdown

    My father is a member and fell in love with the Lake District in 1940 at The Great Tower Scout Camp. He is now 91 and lives with my mum in deepest Oxfordshire but we miss the Lakes terribly. I was looking through some old photos and wrote this Ode to Lakeland. Read more

  • Spring in Lakeland

    Spring in Lakeland

    My name is Liane Belas, I live in Ingelheim in Germany and since I’m retired I write short stories and stories for children. Whilst working in Keswick, I fell in love with the Lake District. I do hope you like my poem Read more

  • 'Sharing'
  • Lake Windermere
  • Missing the Lake District in Lockdown
  • Spring in Lakeland
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  1. Latest
  2. Features and Poetry

Feature Articles

'Sharing'

'Sharing'

A poem kindly submitted by Barbara Colley...'We came to Cumbria in 1980, joined Friends of the Lake District and both of us admired all the work you and all the volunteers undertake. Read more

Published: 6th August, 2020

Author: Chris James

Related topics:
  • Feature Articles
Lake Windermere

Lake Windermere

I'm from Texas, living temporarily in Newcastle upon Tyne, and I had the pleasure of camping out with my son near Lake Windermere. I was inspired by the view in the evening across the lake from Low Wray and I wrote this poem afterwards. Read more

Published: 21st July, 2020

Author: Chris James

Related topics:
  • Feature Articles
Memories of the Lake District from the 1930s (just) to 2011

Memories of the Lake District from the 1930s (just) to 2011

Eileen Stonebridge recalls many happy and educational visits to the Lakes over the years, including being a tour guide, and starring in a documentary by David and Jonathan Dimbleby! Read more

Published: 27th May, 2020

Author: Dawn Groundsell

Related topics:
  • Feature Articles
Missing the Lake District in Lockdown

Missing the Lake District in Lockdown

My father is a member and fell in love with the Lake District in 1940 at The Great Tower Scout Camp. He is now 91 and lives with my mum in deepest Oxfordshire but we miss the Lakes terribly. I was looking through some old photos and wrote this Ode to Lakeland. Read more

Published: 30th April, 2020

Updated: 1st May, 2020

Author: Chris James

Related topics:
  • Feature Articles
Spring in Lakeland

Spring in Lakeland

My name is Liane Belas, I live in Ingelheim in Germany and since I’m retired I write short stories and stories for children. Whilst working in Keswick, I fell in love with the Lake District. I do hope you like my poem Read more

Published: 30th April, 2020

Updated: 28th May, 2020

Author: Chris James

Related topics:
  • Feature Articles
Thomas Arthur Leonard (1864-1948): Visionary and pioneer

Thomas Arthur Leonard (1864-1948): Visionary and pioneer

Leonard was an influential pioneer of the outdoors and a conservationist. A founder member of Friends of the Lake District, he was also heavily involved in the foundation of the YHA, Ramblers or the CHA and HF as well as a prime mover in the national park movement. Read more

Published: 16th April, 2020

Author: Chris James

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  • Feature Articles
Spirited, sensitive and wise – the fell ponies of the Helm

Spirited, sensitive and wise – the fell ponies of the Helm

Strong, and with a wonderful temperament, fell ponies are a distinct and much-loved breed with a rich history; a hardy inhabitant of the Cumbrian fells for centuries and a vital resource for farmers, traders and miners. Read more

Published: 27th March, 2020

Author: Chris James

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  • Feature Articles
Fox at dawn - A poem by Alan Gane

Fox at dawn - A poem by Alan Gane

Sweet smells the morning air, As cool deep draughts are drawn, While yet the rolling mists, To ghostlike fellsides cling... Read more

Published: 27th March, 2020

Author: Chris James

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  • Feature Articles
Ice - A poem by Alan Gane

Ice - A poem by Alan Gane

Wan sunlight filters through The morning mist, But barely warms the chilsome air; Read more

Published: 27th March, 2020

Author: Chris James

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  • Feature Articles
Sara’s Rock, The Rock of Names

Sara’s Rock, The Rock of Names

Behind and above the Museum at William Wordsworth’s Grasmere home Dove Cottage we find the celebrated, and perhaps infamous, Rock of Names. Read more

Published: 20th March, 2020

Author: Chris James

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  • Feature Articles
What is Natural Beauty

What is Natural Beauty

In a talk given at Dove Cottage in Grasmere, Ian Brodie explored the origins of the term and our modern interpretation of what is understood by ‘natural beauty’. Read more

Published: 20th March, 2020

Author: Chris James

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  • Feature Articles
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Showing 10 of 11

Latest

  • Virtual Dark Skies Festival to Light Up Your Screens

    Virtual Dark Skies Festival to Light Up Your Screens

    The Cumbria Dark Skies Festival promises to light up our February evenings with a spectacular array of online events celebrating the wonders of the night sky.

  • Picturing the Westmorland Dales

    Picturing the Westmorland Dales

    A film showcasing the work of six local primary schools using 'land art' creations to celebrate local landmarks and nature in a celebrating of the Westmorland Dales.

  • A Postcard from the Lakes 8th January 2021

    A Postcard from the Lakes 8th January 2021

    In this edition: Stories of kindness and inspiration, Cumbria Dark Skies Festival 2021 and film of some amazing artwork created by children in the Westmorland Dales

  • Walkers in the Lake District urged to stick to paths

    Walkers in the Lake District urged to stick to paths, reducing damage to landscapes and wildlife, as social distancing increases erosion

Most read

  • Join Today

    Join Today

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

  • Volunteering

    Volunteering

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

  • Aerial Flight at Honister Slate Mine

    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.

  • Thirlmere Activity Hub

  • Thirlmere Activity Hub

    Thirlmere Activity Hub

    We consider this to be a wholly inappropriate development in this location. We urge you to take immediate action, write to the Planning Authority and share your concerns about this threat to Thirlmere

  • Shop

    Shop

    Welcome to our shop. View all the latest products from our charity.

  • Chief Executive - Douglas Chalmers

    Chief Executive - Douglas Chalmers

    Douglas Chalmers joined us in April 2015. He grew up on his family’s farm on the North East coast of Aberdeenshire, and studied agriculture at the University of Aberdeen.

  • Our Purpose

    Our Purpose

    Protecting the landscapes of Cumbria for future generations

  • Why become a member?

    Why become a member?

    Love the Lake District? Become a member of Friends of the Lake District and join thousands of like minded people in caring for this unique landscape.

  • 2017 Photography Competition

    2017 Photography Competition

    We're looking for images from around Cumbria to use on our 2017 Friends of the Lake District Christmas Card collection and 2018 Calendar. Closing Date 16th June 2017

Latest tweet

  • Last call for calendars! We’ve less than 50 of our 2021 calendars remaining. Just £10 each, once they’re gone, they… https://t.co/NhMI0krOP0

    18thJanuary, 2021 @Friendsoflakes
  • Cumbria Dark Skies Festival 2021 - Fri 5th - Sun 21st February. Join Tristan Gooley in interview with Jack Ellerby… https://t.co/jB4zuhADlX

    18thJanuary, 2021 @Friendsoflakes
  • Cumbria Dark Skies Festival 2021 - Fri 5th - Sun 21st February. Join our Dark Skies Ambassador Terry Abraham, who w… https://t.co/rC4RrdetRd

    17thJanuary, 2021 @Friendsoflakes


Our aim is to:
Care for the scenic beauty, rich wildlife and historic heritage of our county’s landscapes;
 Ensure Cumbria's landscapes are passed on to future generations in as good or better condition than they are now;
Encourage people to appreciate our special county – everyone has a right to enjoy Cumbria’s magnificent landscapes

Our Charter

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Keep up to date with our work, campaigns, fundraising, events and other ways you can support our aims.
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Get in touch

Our office is now closed to protect staff and in line with Government advice. Staff will be working from home and we will have access to our incoming post. You can contact us on the office phone 01539 720788 which is being diverted but please leave a message if we do not answer straight away. Email [email protected] as usual.

Friends of the Lake District
Murley Moss
Oxenholme Road
Kendal
Cumbria LA9 7SS

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Registered charity number 1100759