Trustee - Laura Doan

Professional background: Professor of Cultural History at the University of Manchester, based in the English department.

Local background: For over two decades, a resident of West Cumbria, living on the edge of a farm where my partner grew up.

Interests: Fell-walking, gardening, music, and cinema.

Latest

2023 – Cumbria Good Lighting Technical Advice Note is launched
11 Sept 2024: Woodlands and watering cans

Autumn has arrived and so Jan and our volunteers head to Greenbank Wood in Ambleside, where they discover a few hidden treasures in the undergrowth.
Our History

Friends of the Lake District began at a rally in a park in Keswick in 1934, initially to campaign for the creation of a Lake District National Park, which they achieved in 1951. Many other battles have been fought since and continue today, to protect the landscapes of Cumbria.
Postcard From the Lakes: September 2024

This month our CEO jumps aboard a community run bus in Ullswater. We also news of many forthcoming events, such as a hedgerow planting volunteer day, mammal and track training, and our annual Kirby Lecture.

Trustee: Robert McCracken KC

Professional background: Robert McCracken is a King’s Counsel who specialises in public and planning law. He is a past Chair of the United Kingdom Environmental law Association and Visiting Professor at King’s College, London. He acted for the National Park Authority in promoting the 10 mph speed limit on Windermere at the public inquiry.
Trustee: Fiona Sanders

Professional background: Founder of a consultancy for executive coaching and leadership development with the focus on strategy and strategic implementation. Also obtained both a MA in Human Resource Development and a Fellow of CIPD. Now retired, spending my time supporting not for profit and charities in volunteering capacity usually at board level.
Trustee - Malcolm Boswell

Professional background: Recently retired Director within Acas after a long career working in employment law, HR consultancy and dispute resolution. A wide experience of policy and product development working with external organisations and other Government Departments within the UK and overseas.
Trustee - Tony Vaux

Professional background: Tony Vaux worked for Oxfam for nearly thirty years. He supported community development in India and planned Oxfam's responses to emergencies. He later worked as a adviser to the UK Government and UN agencies on the links between poverty and conflict
Treasurer - Robin Forrest

Professional background: Works as a fund manager focused on emerging markets; previously worked in banking
Co - Vice Chair - Lucy Hetherington

Professional background: television producer & executive, commissioning and delivering numerous documentary and current affairs programmes, mainly for BBC and often international partners
Chair - Dave Felton

Professional background: David’s career has been as a serial entrepreneur in the creative sector. He is currently founder and director of ‘Inspired by Lakeland’, which publishes a range of titles inspired by the wild places of Britain.

Volunteering

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
Join Today

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