Welcome

Friends of the Lake District’s reason for being is to champion the landscapes of the Lake District and Cumbria, to protect and enhance them, celebrate and enjoy them. We have been doing this for over 80 years. Click here to see our achievements.

In a world of fast pace and change and more external pressures than ever before, it is easy to forget that landscape is all around us and supports us. Friends of the Lake District is therefore launching a Why Landscape Matters campaign – we are asking people to join with us and remember why our landscapes matter to us, celebrate and enjoy them, and support our work to keep them special.

To launch our campaign we are publishing Why Landscape Matters; a Landscape Charter for Cumbria and the Lake District. This sets out the commitment of Friends of the Lake District to the landscapes of Cumbria.

We're asking you to take action to support our landscapes by pledging to enjoy them, help conserve or finance them. We will accumulate a whole list of pledges which we hope to use in our work to show how much people love landscape and wish to enjoy or support it.

Latest

2023 – Cumbria Good Lighting Technical Advice Note is launched
11 Sept 2024: Woodlands and watering cans

Autumn has arrived and so Jan and our volunteers head to Greenbank Wood in Ambleside, where they discover a few hidden treasures in the undergrowth.
Our History

Friends of the Lake District began at a rally in a park in Keswick in 1934, initially to campaign for the creation of a Lake District National Park, which they achieved in 1951. Many other battles have been fought since and continue today, to protect the landscapes of Cumbria.
Postcard From the Lakes: September 2024

This month our CEO jumps aboard a community run bus in Ullswater. We also news of many forthcoming events, such as a hedgerow planting volunteer day, mammal and track training, and our annual Kirby Lecture.

Volunteering

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

We are an independent charity and the only membership organisation dedicated to protecting and enhancing Cumbria's landscapes for future generations
Join Today

Play your part in protecting the Lake District by becoming a member today.
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 of Morecambe Bay and over Kendal to the Lake District fells. Fell ponies and cattle help us with conservation grazing at the Helm.
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.
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.
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.
What are the disadvantages of being in a National Park?
High Borrowdale

High Borrowdale is situated 8.5 miles north of Kendal, where we've planted trees, hedges and created new upland hay meadows. The best way to access it is from the A6, south of Shap. There is open access at all times and if you can't physically visit it, why not take a virtual tour?