Postcard from the Lakes 28th October 2022

Welcome to our latest Postcard From the Lakes

Read it here: A Postcard from the Lakes - 28th October 2022

Header image: 'Grasmere' by Michael Holme

Welcome to our latest Postcard From the Lakes. As always in autumn, work accelerates and we are busy with events, planning activities, policy work and the ongoing maintenance and enhancement of our land. It feels like we are rushing to fit everything in before darkness descends with the clocks going back but we are wise enough to know - after so many decades - that it will continue apace on the run-up to the Christmas break.

We kick-off our Dark Skies Festival tonight with a full calendar of activities underway over the next two weeks. We're gearing up for the second Great Cumbrian Litter Pick of the year by inviting groups across Cumbria to sign up and join us in cleaning up Cumbria.

We feature a short video of a site-visit by our Planning Officer Lorayne this week. It provides a good example of the benefit of visiting a site where a contentious planning proposal is raised and the value in being able to share visual footage of an area when discussing our concerns about its potential impact.

We're delighted to be able to bring you the recording of our recent Kirby Lecture “What Future for the Cumbrian Uplands?” We have some fantastic results from the volunteer effort at our Westmorland Fell Care Day and positive news about the reinstatement of the ban on fracking in England.

And news just in today that a proposal for a holiday lodge development at Humphrey Head has been withdrawn following the submission of a large number of objections including our own written response raising our own concerns about this development proposal.

With our very best wishes,
Friends of the Lake District

Read it here: A Postcard from the Lakes - 28th October 2022

Header image: 'Grasmere' by Michael Holme

If you've missed any editions, you can still read all of our postcards here

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Latest

New Government Bills proposed in the King's Speech

We welcome the new Government’s proposals which focus on decarbonisation of the energy sector, better buses, and curbing water pollution by making water bosses accountable. But new infrastructure and housing must not come at the expense of the landscape, environment, local people and higher carbon emissions.
Friends of The Lake District launches legal challenge over Elterwater Zip World approval

We are seeking a Judicial Review over the Lake District National Park Authority’s decision to grant planning permission for a major new adventure attraction at Elterwater Quarry.
15 July 24: Going on a bumblebee hunt at High Borrowdale

Some welcome sunshine for a fascinating day learning about bees at our spectacular High Borrowdale upland hay meadow.
Our Fundraising Promise

Postcard From the Lakes: June 2024

Dry stone walling competition video, Manifesto for Cumbria's Landscapes, Good Lighting Guide nominated for another award, and we are 90!
Postcard From the Lakes: May 2024

Celebrating our volunteers at an awards ceremony in Windermere, disappointing news about Elterwater, plus events coming up, including the chance to cross Morecambe Bay on foot, raising much needed funds for our charity in the process.
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.
Postcard From the Lakes: March 2024

Designated bathing water status for Coniston and Derwentwater? Government agrees A66 decision. Roanhead and Elterwater development proposals, and a new date for Keswick's Big Switch Off.
Postcard From the Lakes: February 2024

Hedgelaying training video, new applications for developments at Elterwater Quarry and Roanhead, Dark Skies Star Count and Big Switch Off
Postcard From the Lakes: January 2024

Smardale Lime Kilns restoration, Elterwater Quarry revised application, Hedging training and competition, and get involved in Dark Skies Star Count and Big Switch Offs next month.
Postcard From the Lakes: December 2023

Welcome to our December Postcard. Buttermere Fell Care Day, Roanhead Reprieve, Good Lighting Guides and Christmas Deliveries
Postcard From the Lakes 3rd November 2023

The autumn Dark Skies Festival begins, with some great events. Join us at our volunteer Fell Care Day in Buttermere and we could be winning the battle against ugly, noisy phone masts in remote parts of the Lake District.
Postcard from the Lakes 6th October 2023

Welcome to our October Postcard. It's a mixed bag this month; we were disappointed to read that the UK is one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world in the 2023 State of Nature Report.
Postcard from the Lakes 8th Sept 2023

Elterwater Quarry adventure visitor attraction rejected, Kirby Lecture, Roanhead holiday lodge, Dark Skies Festival this autumn, Fell Care Day, Miller Place Farm Diary, and How to do the Lakes car free.

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?