Case studies
We protect Cumbria’s landscapes
From protecting tranquil places and cultural heritage to restoring nature and improving access, we focus on practical change that lasts — for nature, for people, for ever.
Below are just a few examples of our achievements and impact over the last 90 plus years! We'll be adding more to this page over time. For details of our current work, click below.
Friends of the Lake District Annual Review 2025/26
A look back at some of the highlights from the last year at Friends of the Lake District.
Protecting Roanhead
In November 2025 a decision was reached about proposals for a large development near a precious piece of coastline on the Furness peninsula. The result couldn’t have been better.
Undergrounding overhead wires
Friends of the Lake District has long campaigned for undergounding, and together with SP Electricity North West and protected landscapes, we work hard to remove overhead wires from across Cumbria.
Westmorland Dales Landscape Partnership Scheme
The Westmorland Dales Landscape Partnership Scheme ran from March 2019 to February 2024. Its vision was to unlock and reveal the hidden heritage of the Westmorland Dales, enabling more people to connect with, enjoy and benefit from this inspirational landscape.
Friends of the Lake District Annual Review 2023/24
Welcome to the Friends of the Lake District Annual Review.
Friends of the Lake District Annual Review 2024/25
Welcome to the 2024/25 Friends of the Lake District Annual Review.
2016: The Lake District and Yorkshire Dales National Parks are extended
Friends of the Lake District was set up in 1934 to campaign to create a national park to protect the Lake District. Almost two decades of tireless campaigning later, the Lake District National Park was created by government in 1951,...
2014: Over £1 Million invested in the environment in Cumbria
Over the past 80 years Friends of the Lake District has contributed towards more than 600 environmental projects throughout Cumbria, through our Environmental Improvement Grant scheme.
1980s: Wasdale and Ennerdale saved from damming to provide water for Sellafield
Friends of the Lake District successfully campaigned in the 1980s to stop plans to increase the water levels at Wasdale and Ennerdale in order to provide water for the nuclear powerstation at Sellafield. Through our work, two of the most...
Latest news & stories
From updates on our campaigns and our work on the land, to the latest news about planning applications and content from our supporters.
New recruits and celebrations
This week, Jan and our volunteers return to Mazonwath to plant and take care of some dry stone...
Photo Competition winners capture the magic of the Lake District in Calendars and Cards
We are delighted to launch our new range of Christmas cards and 2027 calendars, featuring stunning images by...
Local plans: help shape future development in Cumbria
Our planning officer explains what local plans are and how you can have your say