Dark Skies

Cumbria is blessed with some of finest Dark Skies in England, yet for many in the county increasing light pollution is preventing our residents and visitors seeing the stars in our own galaxy, the Milky Way.

We ask for continued support of the Dark Skies Cumbria project www.darkskiescumbria.org.uk

Latest

Wednesday 15th May 2024: Hows Wood, Woodland and Walling Work

Join our workparty for woodland work at Hows Wood, Eskdale. Tree staking, path clearance, branch lopping and coppicing, walling if needed.
Wednesday 8th May 2024: Mike's Wood, Woodland Work

Join our workparty for coppicing and walling at Mike's Wood near Staveley
Tuesday 30th April 2024: High Borrowdale Tree Maintenance and Walling

Join our workparty for tree maintenance and walling in High Borrowdale.
Leaders' Landscape Training: Life of the hill bred Fell Pony

The Fell Pony is native to Cumbria and have roamed the Northern Fells for centuries. The semi-wild herds of Fell Ponies have helped create the landscape and are part of the heritage and history of the area.

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.
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.
Common Land

The new authorities should work with partners to find a more sustainable future for Cumbria’s common land, protecting all stakeholders and the wide range of public benefits they deliver.
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.

Volunteering

Learn new skills and join our army of volunteers helping us to make a practical difference to the Lake District all year round.
Join Today

Play your part in protecting the Lake District by becoming a member today.
Our Purpose

We are an independent charity and the only membership organisation dedicated to protecting and enhancing Cumbria's landscapes for future generations
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.
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.
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.
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.
What are the disadvantages of being in a National Park?
High Borrowdale

High Borrowdale is situated 8.5 miles north of Kendal. The best way to access it is from the A6, south of Shap. There is open access at all times. Take a VIRTUAL TOUR