Down On The Farm

Val Morgan, length 2:36 minutes

Watch Down on the Farm on Vimeo

Traditional sheep farmer Pauline Blair talks about life on her farm and puts sheepdog Dan through his paces.

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Poster Competition

Friends of the Lake District is 90 years old! To celebrate our birthday, we want to develop a vision for Cumbria’s landscapes for the next 90 years and we're asking children and young people to help us by designing a poster to show how they want the landscape to look.
17 April 2024: Clean stones and corners at Mazonwath

It was the first dry day in months for the workparty at Mazonwath, which meant there was plenty of work to be done on the dry stone walls.
Postcard From the Lakes: April 2024

Our Elterwater protest rally made print, TV and radio news headlines. Thanks to everyone who came along. Thank you also to our amazing volunteers, recycling tree tubes at Gillside and Rusland woods, and took part in our Great Cumbrian Litter Pick.
Cumbria & Lakeland Walker Magazine

3-issue subscription to Cumbria and Lakeland Walker magazine for only £1.00

The Ambleside and Grasmere Big Switch Off 2023 Film

A short film of our Big Switch Off event in Ambleside and Grasmere - to save energy and see more stars. Residents and businesses took part by turning off their own lights, along with over 200 street lights switched off by Cumbria County Council on the night.
Legendary Films and Stories of the Westmorland Dales

Short films of three local legends set in the landscape of the Westmorland Dales, retold and illustrated by local children, have just been released online. The films were premiered at a storytelling event for local families in Kirkby Stephen on Wednesday 25th January.
What did Farming ever do for us?

A project led by Lois Mansfield of the University of Cumbria which is documenting the farming cultural heritage of the Lake District, funded by the National Park’s Farming in Protected Landscapes programme.
Protecting Cumbria’s dark skies: new Dark Skies and wildlife friendly street lighting

We are working with the County Council and Thorn Lighting to install new Dark Skies and wildlife friendly road lighting across Cumbria. A short film featuring some of the work so far.
Shepherding in the Howgills

Mark Curr, a third generation farmer at Bowderdale Head, explains how and why sheep are 'gathered' from the fell, and brought down to the farm.
By Packhorse Through Lakeland, Bob Orrell

A fantastic trip through the lakes, Bob Orrell takes us on a packhorse journey through the Lake District from Ravenglass to Shap, back in 1977.
Dark Skies Winter Celebration

Local schools took part in an art project with artists Rob and Harriet Fraser. See their work and watch their video creations featuring the unique landscapes of the Westmorland Dales.
Get Outside in the Westmorland Dales

Presenter Debbie North promotes outdoor adventures for all in a new film Get Outside in the Westmorland Dales.
Lesley Wiliams, author of ‘The Tour of the Lake District’ walking guide

Lesley Williams of Cicerone guidebooks in conversation with Andrew Tait of Friends of the Lake District, discussing her latest book, Walking the Tour of the Lake District.
Darkness: The Half-Remembered habitat

Most of the world's land species are nocturnal. In this short film Bob Mizon of the Commission for Dark Skies talks about why we need to protect the night.

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Our Purpose

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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.
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.
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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