We thought we'd share the messages of support that we received leading up to our Thirlmere Protest Rally held in January. They really do illustrate just how much Thirlmere means to so many... and the strength of feeling against zipwire proposals.

"Is a man-made structure across the Lake really necessary? A temporary thrill for profit that could disturb the peace, distract motorists and would be more appropriate in a theme park, not a National Park."

"I wish you every success."

I’ll be thinking of you all when you have your protest and sorry I can’t make it. I am back in Australia for the present but wish you every success in ensuring this project goes no further."

"Zip wires across Thirlmere are entirely inappropriate to the peace, serenity and, indeed, the whole ethos of the Lake District National Park. This surely must be evident to everybody."

"The Lake District in its natural state is the real thrill for the senses. There’s no need to fake it with whizz along wires, bouncy jumping elastic, or any other manmade efforts which also detract from natures beauty. Let’s keep the Lakes natural!"

"Dear Friends, Makes me think of our Sussex poem which could be:

There's folks as comes to Thirlmere

As reckons as they knows

A good deal better what to do

than silly folk like me and you

Could possibly suppose.

But them as comes to Thirlmere

Mustn't push and shove,

Cos Thirlmere will be Thirlmere

And Thirlmere won't be druv.

Good Luck, Wish I could be there."

"You cannot be serious, this must be a joke.  Who in their right mind could ever contemplate such a ludicrous idea."

"The Lake District is the most beautiful place in the country, and loved by millions who return year after year. I’m sure none of them would change a thing and why would you, the Lake District is perfect as it is. Please let common sense prevail and reject this and any other ideas to alter what is a heaven on Earth National Park."

"I wholeheartedly support the campaign to prevent zip wires being erected over Thirlmere. As a long time frequenter of The Lake District National Park I firmly believe it should be kept as natural as possible and proposals such as zip wires have no place in such an beautiful area."

"I support all the protests to protect and enhance The Lake District and Cumbrian landscapes especially this ridiculous suggestion of a wire across Thirlmere."

"I am opposed to this idea of ZIP Wires across Thirlmere. What a blight on the landscape. All the necessary infrastructure spoiling this wild area of hillside and forest. There goes the World Heritage Title."

"Totally opposed to the zip wire proposal. I can’t think of a more unsuitable attraction or a more unsuitable location. Were this application to succeed, the Lake District would be under enormous and irresistible pressure for other unsuitable installations/visitor attractions."

"I can’t make the Protest Rally as I’ll be ski-mountaineering in the Scottish Highlands with a Burns Supper in the evening. Burns was of course a well-known environmentalist with the struggle between Mans dominion and Natures social union, as he put it in To a Mouse, featuring many times in his poems. No poetry from me but I can do no better than quote Burns: The best laid scheme o Mice and Men Gang aft agley An leae us nought but grief an pain, For promised joy. Heres hoping the plans of Treetop Treks (and the National Park Authority?) go very agley."

"The Lake District is an area of outstanding beauty, a place to relax and enjoy the natural peace beauty and tranquillity. Thirlmere will be totally spoilt by noise, wildlife habitats disturbed, ecosystems destroyed, along with the inevitable litter strewing the beautiful countryside. I totally disagree with the planning and development of a zip wire amusement park in the Lake District. How is that beneficial for this precious environment."

"I wish you all the very best and hope our combined efforts will fully contribute to stopping this unnecessary and damaging development ever getting the go-ahead. Good luck and I hope the weather is good to you."

"I wish supporters of Thirlmere all the very best. I hope you have a good turn-out for the protest rally and success in opposition to the zip-wire. Keep up the fight."

"I whole heartily agree with Friends of the Lake District in opposing the zip wire development above Thirlmere. Most inappropriate tourist attraction more suited to a fairground at the sea side - protect this World Heritage site."

"As a London resident and irregular visitor to the Lakes, I’ve relied on my FLD membership for about 40 years to protect the landscape, and you’re doing it again, so well done and good luck in fending off this wholly inappropriate scheme. I hope someone local is on the look-out for lobbying, cosy lunches or whatever - we know how these things work amongst those with money and/or power! There in spirit."

"They say “Be a high flyer come try our zip-wire” I won’t be a buyer."

"The Lake District is a unique area, its preservation is essential so that future generations can enjoy the privilege as we have. Once we allow and provide for these kinds of activities its magical atmosphere will be lost. We joined the Friends of the Lake District for this reason alone. This threat must be stopped. From a lifetime lover of your beauty."

"Massive thanks for organising this. It's a lot of work, we know. This is truly a heartfelt issue for us."

"Unfortunately I can't get across to the Lakes next weekend, but I will be with all the attendees in spirit. Thank you FOTL for calmly and maturely stating the case for the preservation of what makes the Lake District so appealing - the chance for many of us to engage with an unspoilt natural landscape to enjoy wildlife and habitats. There must be plenty of "brownfield" areas in which adrenaline activities can be developed without detrimental impact - such as disused quarries."

"The National Parks have never been more important. In our highly stressed society space for spiritual and physical refreshment is a priceless asset.  We must strive for the widest possible access for all people across Britain, and indeed beyond.  It would be a betrayal of our whole purpose if the Parks became a theme park raped by profiteering.  They are there to be enjoyed as a total contrast to the materialist pressures of the world outside. "

"I'm not able to attend this rally but offer a thought from the writing of the mountaineer Doug Scott which I read the other day. I believe it addresses the question 'What does adventure in the outdoors mean?'. He is writing on the commercialisation of mountain expeditions but it can be applied equally to commercialisation of outdoor experiences."

"Today the pressure is unremitting. People are urged by the media, particularly TV, to want more of everything and to want it now! To get more sex, take Viagra, which is like taking Diamox to get to Everest Base Camp and back in ten days, or to go up Everest faster. To be more certain of the summit, someone is hired to fix the ropes and others to lead and make every decision on the way. In the long run "more" always means less of an experience. Better to wait your turn, serve your time, and enjoy the satisfaction of becoming a mountaineer at whatever level rather than going as a dog on a leash!"

Doug Scott in Voices from the Summit, 2000.

(The reference to media, particularly TV, would now be social media and internet.)

"All the best, Friends of the Lake District, on Saturday. We’d love to be with you and support your protest 100%, but my recently broken ankle isn’t conducive to giving the proposed sacrilege a well-deserved kick!!!! 😒😞😒 Keep our Lakes dignity! 🌅⛅💧"

"Thirlmere is beautiful and it has all the support and backdrop it needs provided by nature. This can be viewed from all angles - lakeside, fell side, fell top and even from the air in small aircraft, microlite, hanglider or balloon! It does not need zip wires to enable folk to look at it and these would obstruct their sightlines and enjoyment. Please no zip wires."

"I’m sorry that I can’t join the Protest Rally. I wish Friends of the Lake District success in opposing the Thirlmere zipwire planning application. The proposal is totally inappropriate for the Lake District National Park, which is a jewel in the crown of UK landscapes, and should be treasured for future generations."

"To all on the protest, you represent thousands of people who understand that the beauty of a Lakeland landscape demands consideration, reflection and contemplation to enjoy, which is impossible to do during a hundred-mile-per-hour glance from a zip-wire. No, No, NO to this planning application!"

"Good luck with campaign to keep zip wires away from Thirlmere. I can hear the late Alfred Wainwright referring to a scheme such as this, and talking of people whose visions are so limited, whose souls are so dead that they can countenance the idea of destroying the quiet beauty of Thirlmere."

"Wish I could be with you. The thought of a Zip wire across any of the lakes is horrific. Vandalism in the extreme."

"Indescribably outrageous, irresponsible, environmentally unacceptable, aesthetically unacceptable, irreparably damaging to some of the finest, most peaceful and unique habitats of Britain - and that barely starts to describe what has been for centuries preserved and treasured heritage famous worldwide in art, literature, song, individual memory - albeit indeed indescribable! Manchester of course committed the cardinal sin of ensuring that its inhabitants, of which I have been one for much of my life, might benefit from Thirlmere’s water but this been done, is done and cannot be thought of as an excuse for the present suggested vandalism. Zip wire the length of the Thames but nowhere else in the Lake District! I am now a Scot but have been a Lakeland Guide, a resident, mountain and rock climbing instructor, holding many longstanding friendships, contacts and memories of Lakeland, north to south and Easton west. This present proposal just cannot be!"

"I dearly would have liked to attend the Thirlmere rally but unfortunately I just cannot make it on January 27th. I truly hope that the rally is exceptionally well attended, and that national media coverage will be present to show the world at large the depth of support and feeling in opposition to this most unwelcome scheme. I have added my poem below. - I hope it gets my thoughts across adequately. Title of my poem: To Be Held In Trust – (For Future Generations) Mere words will not suffice to show The tranquil beauty that inspires 18 million people know There is no need for these zip wires We come to charge our inner soul In peaceful quiet contemplation This scheme brings nothing worthy here But rightly fuels indignation We come to walk, to climb, and more Or simply to enjoy the view We neither need nor want the wires That line the pockets of the few In land of fell and airy place Of ghyll and crag and tarn and lake The wonder on a youngster’s face At every turn that wanderer makes To venture with one’s spirits high Where true adventure can be found From valley floor to mountain top Midst nature’s own abiding sounds To those with whom the duty lies This application to appraise Your actions must be seen to pass The scrutiny of public gaze Above all else your deeds must be Beyond reproach, recrimination To keep in perpetuity For every future generation Let Sandford Principle prevail With legal and with moral right A National Park is not the place For theme park rides to scourge and blight!"

"The people who love nature and particularly the lakes have reluctantly seen zip wires go up in forest areas, where they are not such an eyesore, but Thirlmere is not the place to have one. The word is like the sound, its noise will carry a long way not hindered by trees, and the visual affect will completely and utterly change the landscape of the lake and its surroundings. The people who propose such developments use the same criteria, jobs etc, please stop them doing it to the lakes, no jobs are worth that sacrifice."

"Won’t be able to attend due to existing engagement but I do hope you are successful in putting a stop to this idiotic idea. The Lake District is not a theme park and we need to keep it that way."

"Whilst much has been said about the wires crossing the water, I am more concerned by the infrastructures of the platforms and landing places, car parks, shop etc a swelter noise generated by the activity spoiling the areas for miles around including Helvellyn."

"Unfortunately we will be unable to attend the rally next weekend but wish every success for the meeting. You already have a copy of the protest letter we sent to the local authority but now hope the attached poems may help the cause by perhaps presenting a slightly different perspective."

"Please don’t let them spoil beautiful Thirlmere, leave it alone. The Lake District is perfect as it is no need to exploit it for money. People don’t need attractions in this lovely place it attracts us already."

"There are plenty of opportunities to get an adrenaline rush in the Lake District without desecrating the landscape. Using a zip wire, which gives a feeling of absolute safety, is not the way to go so try a bit of rock climbing. It is an insane proposal and against the objectives of the National Parks to install zip wires across Thirlmere for the benefit of the few which would result in the destruction of the natural landscape. Please oppose this with everything you have."

"I’m sorry I can’t join you as I live too far away but I hope it goes well and shows the strength of feeling against having zip wires across Thirlmere."

"Thimere, a lake aware of human intervention, Its waters syphoned for the city’s taps, Knows now the threat of greedy aspirations To send the screaming hoards from bank to bank On wires that slice the layers of misty sun And wreck the timeless qualities of peace."

"Sorry to miss the rally and poor Thirlmere. First Manchester Corporation and now this. It’s a National Park, not Disneyland."

"I am unable to attend the protest myself, but I strongly support its opposition to this planning application and sincerely hope the intended scheme across Thirlmere can be stopped. The precious serenity and beauty of the Lake District must be preserved in its unspoilt splendour. It is unquestionably the most beautiful part of all England and absolute priority must be given to protecting this irreplaceable treasure. I do hope the relevant Authorities will reject such an utterly incongruous proposal which would seriously impair one of the most peaceful places in the National Park."

"Thirlmere is a lake for us all to enjoy,so please don’t zipwire as you’ll spoil the view I can’t be there to support your cause: instead, my heart’s with you so you don’t have to pause!"

"Can’t make the demo, but behind you all the way. Zip Off TTT/Zip World and your quiet backers United Utilities."

"The Lake District in its natural state is the real thrill for the senses. There’s no need to fake it with whizz along wires, bouncy jumping elastic, or any other manmade efforts which also detract from natures beauty. Let’s keep the Lakes natural!"

"Thirlmere is a tranquil place where visitors can relax and wander at the beauty in peace and stillness. This is not the right place for a zipwire. There are many situations in the UK where this sort of high octane entertainment would be OK. NOT HERE."

"I wholeheartedly support the campaign to prevent zip wires being erected over Thirlmere. As a long time frequenter of The Lake District National Park I firmly believe it should be kept as natural as possible and proposals such as zip wires have no place in such an beautiful area."

"I am opposed to this idea of ZIP Wires across Thirlmere. What a blight on the landscape. All the necessary infrastructure spoiling this wild area of hillside and forest. There goes the World Heritage Title."

"Totally opposed to the zip wire proposal. I can’t think of a more unsuitable attraction or a more unsuitable location. Were this application to succeed, the Lake District would be under enormous and irresistible pressure for other unsuitable installations/visitor attractions."

"I can’t make the Protest Rally as I’ll be ski-mountaineering in the Scottish Highlands with a Burns Supper in the evening. Burns was of course a well-known environmentalist with the struggle between Mans dominion and Natures social union, as he put it in To a Mouse, featuring many times in his poems. No poetry from me but I can do no better than quote Burns: The best laid scheme o Mice and Men Gang aft agley An leae us nought but grief an pain, For promised joy. Here’s hoping the plans of Treetop Treks (and the National Park Authority?) go very agley."

"I whole heartily with with Friends of the Lake district in opposing the zip wire development above Thirlmere. Most inappropriate tourist attraction more suited to a fairground at the sea side - protect this World Heritage site."

"The Lake District is a unique area, its preservation is essential so that future generations can enjoy the privilege as we have. Once we allow and provide for these kinds of activities its magical atmosphere will be lost. We joined the Friends of the Lake District for this reason alone. This threat must be stopped. From a lifetime lover of your beauty."

"The Lake District is there to be enjoyed.  We were taught to enjoy it and then, when we went home, nobody should see a single sign that we had been there. Not even a zip wire! Easy."

"My very best wishes to you for a successful rally as part of your campaign against these zip wires. I would like to be there, but as I cannot I shall be with you in spirit."

"I sent a letter of protest. Well done staging this protest - I'm too far away to come. This monstrous idea must be stopped - use every channel and influence to get it voted down."

"Unfortunately, we live in Norfolk, and are not able to attend the protest against the zip wires, but we are fully supportive of your action. Good luck!"

"We can’t be there as we’re away but put in objections to the planning .. wishing you good luck and support for the rally - hope it goes really well and sense & justice prevail."

"I live in London but have loved the Lake District for over 60 years. I'll be with the Friends of the Lake District in spirit on Saturday 27th January."

"This is a fight worth fighting - keep going with all you are doing."

"Don’t let them turn our precious Lake District National Park into another Alton Towers."

"I’m fully in support of your stance against the proposed zip wire installation which is not needed and will spoil the beauty of the Lake District. If this is allowed then surely other similar schemes will be proposed which will make the Lake District look more like an Alpine Resort!"

"Protect the real Thirlmere where you can seek the thrill of Tranquility and cultivate a quiet soul in a busy world."

"I am very happy to give my support to such an important cause to help preserve this beautiful landscape. I am appalled this ludicrous idea has got this far. Blackpool is the place for thrills please keep the beauty of the lake district as it is. Stunning views and PEACE and QUIET."

"Sorry we cannot be there in support but just praying that good sense will prevail with the planning committee. Would be a tragedy if this is passed."

"Good people taking time to support the precious landscape of the beautiful Thirlmere, from commercial enterprises that are ok somewhere else, NOT here. Thirlmere is what it is, a beautiful protected pristine landscape because of people like you, who are courageously standing up for what is right. Keep up the good work I wish I could be there with you. Never doubt your actions are powerful each and every one of you. Please be my voice. You can fight the forces of capitalist greed!"

"Please let us keep our National Parks safe. Tourism is a valid business but it should not override the rights of everyone else."

"My husband and I live in Birmingham but spend a lot of time in the Lake District, We were against the plans proposed at Honister and have the same reservations about Thirlmere, We do not want our beautiful places marred by intrusive wires making this beautiful landscape a playground where the magnificence will not offer the same sense sense of peace and tranquillity. We do not want these plans to go ahead which in our opinion is just destruction. L?making this landscape a playground where the magnificence of the scenery will not offer the same sense of peace and tranquillity. We do not want these plans to go ahead."

"I am sorry I cannot come on the Anti Zip Wire Rally - I am away that weekend. I am saddened and shocked that anyone could imagine that even one zip wire would not mar the beauty of Thirlmere."

"I stayed at Dale Head Hotel adjacent to Thirlmere and loved the peace and tranquility, the sight of waterfalls on the far shore after the rain. No zip wires to spoil it!"

"A beautiful piece of the country that must not be allowed to be spoilt. We must fight to protect the maxim for the quiet enjoyment of all."

"Whilst I am not against Adventure Tourism, Thirlmere is the wrong place for vast crowds, traffic and noise. Wordsworth sums it up perfectly .........the bliss of solitude."

"I return to the haven that is so beautiful so quiet so peaceful. To a haven that is viewed from above, to where you look down on a landscape of tree tops woven with green and creams of broad leaves and shimmering leaves. Of trees with brightness of the most vivid colours to trees with soft quiet shades that bring calm to quiet places With birds butterflies and bees, all busy doing what they do, busy working to keep this place a haven of beauty, quietness and peace........."

"Thirlmere is all about tranquillity and healing the soul. A zip wire would be sacrilege."

"Unable to join the protest as I do not live locally but admire, respect and appreciate those willing to stand up and protest peacefully to protect a peaceful place: The delight and enjoyment of an experience is not always necessarily found in thrill, daring and adventure. Peaceful solitude so often brings delight and enjoyment of a much deeper and lasting quality."

"Fully support opposition to zip wires. Inappropiate location near main road from Grasmere to Keswick. Why allow this when Honister zip wire was turned down? There are already zip wires etc elsewhere."

"I live in Canada, close to Banff and Jasper National Parks. These parks have been developed for downhill skiing including racing at Lake Louise despite the original intention of keeping the parks undeveloped for the preservation and study of nature. Now we have the perpetual dichotomy of development vs. nature. Dont make the same mistake at Thirlmere!"

"I oppose the proposed installation of zip wires across Thirlmere. Those who want zip wires should erect them across the river Thames from Big Ben to the London Eye, or similar places easily accessible for hordes of people."

"Since I live in Cornwall, I cannot be there in person but I most certainly will be there in spirit. Thank you to the Friends, other organisations and the many individuals who care passionately about preserving Lakeland so that future visitors can enjoy the peace, serenity and landscapes that I have enjoyed for 23 years and hope to enjoy for another 23 years."

"I wish you every best wish on the rally. Show LDNPA what thousands of people feel about this absurd application to despoil part of one of the most wonderful and beautiful places on earth. Their remit is to protect these areas from developments just like this! May they have the strength and sense to stand tall and refuse this application. I will be with you in spirit, if I am unable to be there on the day, along with all of my friends and family."

"Sorry I can’t be there. I’ll be there in spirit. Hope it goes well.. show them what this means for us and the many, many other thousands."

"Due to caring for my elderly mother in Hampshire, I cannot attend the rally on 27th January but will be with you in spirit. Thirlmere is in the Lake District National Park and must remain protected from those who do not understand what this means."

"It's true that tourism is, broadly speaking, the only thriving industry the Lake District has but tourism is thriving for precisely the opposite reasons to those imagined by the developers. It works because of the absence of things like zip wires. No one says, I was thinking of going to the Lake District, but because there are no zip wires I wont bother. They say, I go to the Lake District because its beautiful. The more things there are like zip wires, the less beautiful it becomes. And then we all lose."

"The national park landscape is peaceful and quiet with fabulous views that can be enjoyed by all. Zip wires would destroy this."

"Zip wires can be installed anywhere. There is absolutely no need to spoil this unique and beautiful National Park for the sake of providing thrills to people unable to appreciate the beauty and solemnity of the this irreplaceable wonderland."

"The weather this morning does not encourage creativity, so no poem alas, however we send you our thanks for all this hard work in protecting the natural environment from further assaults of commercialism. Wordsworth and Canon Rawnsley no doubt be turning intheir graves as will so many other defenders of the Lakes. Why do we not learn? Keep fighting."

"For me the zip wire sits against the purpose of the Park, it will necessitate development in one of the very few peaceful spots we have left, it will be a landscape scar, increase traffic noise, volume and pollution and threaten the ecological value of the woodland within which it sits. Staffing for the project will be highly unlikely to be locally sourced and, whilst support local employment, there are few enough local places to rent or live - hence this number of staff will increase traffic and parking needs yet further. This project really is not appropriate and should be stopped."

"Good luck with your protest. This would spoil the peacefulness of the lake and just commercialises a lovely unspoilt area. I hope you succeed."

"The noise! People shout and scream on these things - it would echo for miles and go on for hours."

"I am totally opposed to the Zip Wire at Thirlmere, there must be may suitable places outside NP areas."

"I SUPPORT THE FRIENDS OF THE LAKE DISTRICT IN THIS CAMPAIGN.IF THIS IS ALLOWED TO GO AHEAD,WHAT OTHER MONEY MAKING SCHEMES WILL APPEAR, BECAUSE THIS IS JUST A BUSINESS TO THESE PEOPLE. HOW TO MAKE A LOT OF MONEY AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE WHATEVER THE CONSEQUENCES. WHY DONT THEY GO TO SOME OLD DISSUSED QUARRY OUTSIDE OF THE NATIONAL PARK"

"Please don’t build Butlins in paradise. Beauty, peace and tranquility are a rare gem on this crowded island. They are easily destroyed."

"Apart from the A591, which was there before the valley was flooded to create Thirlmere, this is a quiet valley and even the road is not visually intrusive. The people using zip wires will be very visible, high in the air above the reservoir, and visually very intrusive. This is totally our of place here."

"So wish I could be there. It will be an inspiring and uplifting rally. Hopefully achieve its aim!"

"Good luck and best wishes for the rally. Unfortunately I cannot attend but wish you every success in your fight to have this proposal thrown out."

"Wishing you every success in your campaign to promote and protect both the beauty of Thirlmere and the basic principles of our National Parks."

"No good at poetry but my mother's family have lived locally since at least the 16th century and no doubt many centuries before that. I remember my grandfather born in 1891 telling me his father, a blacksmith, had been really upset when Wythburn had been flooded but in those days people were ignored. Do lot let vested interest ignore us today, stand firm."

"My thoughts are with you at the rally. The beautiful Lake District has barely earned the prestigious title of World Heritage Site and now it risks losing some of its natural beauty and spectacular views through the construction of zip lines over the open water of Thirlmere. My husband and I enjoy the serenity and simplicity of walking the fells with its unspoiled beauty. There are not many places like it. If this zip line proposal were to go through, I am afraid it would be opening the door to other similar ventures, altering the character of the area."

"I live in London but enjoy visiting the Lake District at least once a year for the peace, tranquility and beauty. Consequently I wholeheartedly support your campaign opposing the Thirlmere zipwire scheme."

"Why does people, wish to desecrate a place natural outstanding beauty with HAIR BRAIN STUPID IDEAS!"

"We would definitely join you but as Jose has a broken ankle all plastered it will not be possible. We wholly support your campaign against this awful proposed development and hope common sense will prevail."

"I will not be able to join you on 27/1 but lend my support to defend the natural beauty & tranquility of Thirlmere. I have a special place in my heart for this place. I am pained even to think of it,s qualities being transgressed with zip wires. We have to protect these very special places for our own inner survival & wellbeing. Please put income generating projects in a less sensitive place. My heart is thumping as I write this. Do not destroy the place that brings us peace."

"I have already protested in writing my concern about this proposal to Kevin Richards, Lake District National Park Authority."

"Let's keep the Lake District as it is now and not allow theme park additions and eye sores that spoil the natural beauty."

"The Lake District is a special place of tranquility and beauty. My Husband and I come to the Lakes almost every month to escape the noise and rat race of busy lives. The introduction of zip wires etc is really going to spoil Thirlmere. We often sit on the car park overlooking the lake just drinking in the beauty, peace and wonderful colours particularly in the Autumn. Noise from the people using these zip wires and spectators would just ruin the area or any other area of the Lakes for that matter. Please dont let these go ahead. Thank you."

"Very sincerely hope that this demonstration is successful. We do not want the Lake District to become a sports field with destruction of peace and beauty and wildlife, however tempting it may be. There are other places where sport can be practised without disturbing the beauty of the peaceful countryside, which many people have a right to enjoy. like those whose home it is or has been and who cherish it."

"I dearly would have liked to attend the Thirlmere rally but unfortunately I just cannot make it on January 27th. I truly hope that the rally is exceptionally well attended, and that national media coverage will be present to show the world at large the depth of support and feeling in opposition to this most unwelcome scheme. I have added my poem below. - I hope it gets my thoughts across adequately. Title of my poem:

To Be Held In Trust – (For Future Generations)

Mere words will not suffice to show

The tranquil beauty that inspires 18 million people know

There is no need for these zip wires

We come to charge our inner soul

In peaceful quiet contemplation

This scheme brings nothing worthy here

But rightly fuels indignation

We come to walk, to climb, and more

Or simply to enjoy the view

We neither need nor want the wires

That line the pockets of the few

 In land of fell and airy place

Of ghyll and crag and tarn and lake

The wonder on a youngster’s face

At every turn that wanderer makes

To venture with one’s spirits high

Where true adventure can be found

From valley floor to mountain top

Midst nature’s own abiding sounds

To those with whom the duty lies

This application to appraise

Your actions must be seen to pass

The scrutiny of public gaze

Above all else your deeds must be

Beyond reproach, recrimination

To keep in perpetuity

For every future generation

Let Sandford Principle prevail

With legal and with moral right

A National Park is not the place

For theme park rides to scourge and blight!"

"The Lake District must not turn itself into an amusement park. That would negate much of its appeal. The authorities must not let monetary gain blind them to reducing the charm of the area. The National Park can rely on its existing assets to attract visitors too much change might alter this."

"I fully endorse the widespread opposition to the proposal for a zip wire at Thirlmere - so thoughtfully and passionately articulated not only by Friends of the Lakes but a whole range of organisations and individuals. Have we not learnt anything from the damage we have already inflicted on our beautiful world? The Lake District is a very special place to its inhabitants and many visitors and one of its foremost assests is its beauty and tranquality - which enable people to step back and aborb its unique qualities - which add so much to happiness and well being. There is a place for everything and everything should have a place - and a zip wire at Thirlmere is totally at odds with the Lake Districts newly won status as a World Heritage site. There are a whole additional range of economic and safety arguments against the proposal. Thrill seeking is a short term gain - in this busy world we need to be able to stand and stare and appreciate how blessed we are to be able to do so."

"We would just like to send our support for the protest rally against the Thirlmere zip wire proposal. We will be there in spirit on Saturday despite not being able to be there in person."