Buttermere. April. Andy Simpson.

About Us

Standing up for
Cumbria’s landscapes

Friends of the Lake District is the only membership organisation dedicated to protecting Cumbria’s landscapes.

People looking across Derwentwater in the Lake District.

Our vision for the landscape

Our vision is for thriving Cumbrian landscapes – for nature, for people, for ever. 

We believe that the Lake District offers some of the most spectacular and precious landscapes in England. We take action to protect and conserve the natural beauty of these landscapes for the benefit of visitors, local communities, wildlife and habitats.

Friends of the Lake District represents the national charity Campaign to Protect Rural England in Cumbria.

What is landscape?

Landscape is the setting we all live in, the surroundings that we see, touch, feel, smell, hear and enjoy. It is far more than just a view. A beautiful and diverse landscape, with a wealth of wildlife and human history inspires and enriches our lives. Our landscapes provide a ‘natural health service’ for body and mind that is of benefit to local people and visitors alike. This is why it is so important to care for the rich and varied landscapes we have here in Cumbria.

Our landscapes are not pristine wilderness; they have been evolving since the last Ice Age and are shaped by both nature and people. Each part of Cumbria has its own unique landscape character: the high fells of the Lake District, the limestone pavements of the Westmorland Dales, the diverse woodlands of Arnside and Silverdale and the lush farmland of the Solway Plain are just a few examples of the vibrant landscapes in our county.

Learn more about us

We started in 1934 and we’re still going strong. Learn more about Friends of the Lake District.

Buttermere in May

If you love the Lake District,
help us protect it