Common Land

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24th May 2022: Plug Planting at High Borrowdale

Today we have been planting the tall and regal melancholy thistle and the roadside verge favourite wood cranesbill. Although the seed for such upland meadows was put in when we restored them, some are reluctant to come through and need a helping hand!
Online Member Meet

Join us online to hear updates from our Chief Executive and members of the planning and policy teams. You will have the chance to ask questions and discuss issues that are important to you.
Open Day and Annual General Meeting 2022

Open Day and Annual General Meeting 2022 Friday 8th July 2022. Coronation Hall, Ulverston, Cumbria LA12 7LZ. All members and non-member visitors are welcome.
Confirmation of Booking for our 2022 AGM and Open Day

Sustainable Transport

Building on the Cumbria Transport Infrastructure Plan and the Lake District National Park Management Plan, we should prioritise the decarbonisation of transport in the County. We need to provide people with alternatives to the private car by increasing access to public transport, making mobility a service (e.g. ride-sharing, business-supplied transport for workers), ensuring access to hyper-fast broadband and reducing the need to travel.
Energy Generation

To address the energy supply crisis we should support the installation of renewable energy schemes where they can be sensitively accommodated in the landscape and where there would be no significant impact on protected landscapes or habitats. Local communities must be involved and should benefit from any installation.
Health and Wellbeing

We should recognise the many benefits of interacting with nature, including the mental and physical health of Cumbrian residents. Protecting and enhancing our green spaces and the rural environment should be a priority for the benefit of both people and wildlife.
Dark Skies

We should promote planning policies to prevent light pollution to save much needed energy, protect biodiversity and give unspoiled Dark Skies back to residents and visitors. This needs to involve the continuation of the innovative and successful work by Cumbria Highways to renew street lighting.
Wildlife, Habitats and Green Infrastructure

The new authorities have opportunities to enhance the wildlife value of the estates they own and manage such as parks, roadside verges, woodlands, trees and properties. Biodiversity gain focussed on native species should be incorporated into their decision making. Local authorities should ensure that all their policymaking and planning decisions create, restore and enhance as much wildlife habitat as possible.
Water

Our County’s rivers, lakes and streams are vital for people and wildlife and must be kept clean and free of pollution. The new authorities must ensure that water quality is monitored properly. Quick and effective action must be taken to control pollution and extraction demands, to keep our waterbodies clean and healthy for both people and wildlife.
Rural Communities and Agriculture

Our rural communities are facing many challenges, including an ageing population, second home ownership and loss of services such as shops, schools and public transport. The new authorities should support local businesses and locally produced food and goods and work in partnership with communities to ensure they are vital and resilient.
CUMBERLAND SPECIFIC: Geological Disposal Facility (GDF)

Any GDF agreed with Cumberland communities will need improved infrastructure such as power transmission lines and road, rail and sea links. The impact of the development of a GDF on the landscapes of Cumbria and the Lake District must be accounted for in the development of any plans.
Planning

We need more ambitious plans and bolder decision-making to protect our landscapes and cultural heritage. We need to end the business-as-usual approaches to housing, transport, energy and economic development that are failing Cumbria’s communities and our environment. New plans should address our climate and ecological emergencies, and clarify how they will meet the agreed Cumbrian target of net zero by 2037.
National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty

We ask new councillors to stand up for the special qualities of our National Parks and AONBs and their settings when making planning and other decisions. Protected landscapes are under increasing pressure from climate change, visitor demands and ever-more development. We must conserve and enhance the landscape so that future generations can continue to enjoy all the societal benefits that we do.