6. A fair deal for nature-friendly farmers

Double the budget for nature-friendly farming, and re-introduce the requirement for farmers to comply with basic ecological standards (cross-compliance).

75% of Cumbrian land is farmed, so there’s no way of addressing the nature crisis, climate change, or flood risks without working with farmers.

The current £2.4 billion UK farming subsidy budget should be doubled to incentivise nature-friendly farming, and recognise the huge public value that the agricultural sector can provide for health and wellbeing, access and recreation, and cultural heritage.

Latest

New Government Bills proposed in the King's Speech

We welcome the new Government’s proposals which focus on decarbonisation of the energy sector, better buses, and curbing water pollution by making water bosses accountable. But new infrastructure and housing must not come at the expense of the landscape, environment, local people and higher carbon emissions.
Friends of The Lake District launches legal challenge over Elterwater Zip World approval

We are seeking a Judicial Review over the Lake District National Park Authority’s decision to grant planning permission for a major new adventure attraction at Elterwater Quarry.
15 July 24: Going on a bumblebee hunt at High Borrowdale

Some welcome sunshine for a fascinating day learning about bees at our spectacular High Borrowdale upland hay meadow.
Our Fundraising Promise

5. Fight climate change with sunshine

Make rooftop solar a standard requirement for new buildings, both commercial and residential. Offer incentives for solar on existing buildings, such as agricultural barns.
4. Save Cumbria’s lakes

End all sewage discharges into still waters, starting with Windermere, and restore funding to the Environment Agency so it can hold water companies to account.
3. Offset the ‘invisible burden’ of tourism by charging visitors

Introduce a socially fair charging mechanism for some forms of tourism to the Lake District, to address their hidden costs to the environment, communities and infrastructure, and to improve public transport.
2. Local homes for local people

There should be a new compulsory planning requirement for ‘change of use’ consent for second homes and holiday lets, to control the loss of housing stock. All new housing in rural areas should be truly affordable, and suited to the needs of local people.
1. Restore nature to full health

We need a New Deal for Nature in protected landscapes. Protecting and restoring nature should be a top priority for national parks like the Lake District, and funding for the Lake District National Park authority should be doubled to achieve this.

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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
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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?