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.
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.
2011 onwards: Educating and involving people in caring for our landscapes
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...
1951: Lake District National Park created
Friends of the Lake District played a leading role in campaigning for the creation of national parks. Our campaigning helped lead to the creation of the Lake District National Park, one of the first national parks in the country.
1949: Overhead power lines in national parks are placed underground
Friends of the Lake District was the first organisation to campaign to have overhead power lines placed underground in national parks. In 1949, the Lake District planning authorities agreed to the principle that all new power lines should be placed...
1930s onwards: Working hard for our native woodlands
Native woodlands have always been important to Friends of the Lake District as they are an ancient and iconic part of this landscape; create habitats for wildlife; and protect the ground from erosion. We have planted over 10,000 native trees,...
1934: Friends of the Lake District is set up to campaign for the creation of national parks
In 1934, Friends of the Lake District was set up to campaign to create the first English national park to protect the Lake District. After almost two decades of tireless campaigning, the Lake District was one of the first national...
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.
