Postcard From the Lakes: May 2024

Welcome to our latest Postcard From the Lakes

Read it here: A Postcard from the Lakes - May 2024

Header image: 'Buttermere' by Hanno Torn

Welcome to our May Postcard from the Lakes. This month, we begin with a video from our recent volunteer awards event, which was held at the beautiful Windermere Jetty Museum. The awards were an opportunity to sing the praises of our fantastic volunteer workforce, who tirelessly help us out with everything from litter picking to land management, and even stuffing envelopes. We couldn't do all the things that we do without them.

Unfortunately, it's not all good news this month. Earlier this week we found out that plans for a new zip-wire attraction at a quarry in Elterwater have been given the go-ahead. As many of you will know, we campaigned against this development in March and our response to this news is outlined in this newsletter. Rest assured, we will never stop campaigning to protect this wonderful landscape.

Now that spring has (well almost) sprung, we've got a load of events for you to take part in - especially because we're celebrating our 90th Birthday this year. I hope that I get to meet many of you on our annual walk across Morecambe Bay in July - it's sure to be a fantastic day out and your fundraising efforts will help us to continue our work on conserving and enhancing the Lake District and Cumbria. Find out about that and all our other events - including our children's poster competition - below.

With our very best wishes,

Michael Hill, CEO
Friends of the Lake District

Read it here: A Postcard from the Lakes - May 2024

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

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Latest

Mike Houston interview

Mike Houston worked for the Friends as our lead officer for 17 years, from 1976 to 1993. An interview about his time with the Friends that we published in our members' magazine for our 80th anniversary.
15 May 2024: Chitter chatter and toot toot

More sensory delights this week with our annual work party over in the delightful How’s Wood in Eskdale, with bluebells and amazing birdsong.
Administration Officer

We're looking for an Administration Officer who will be responsible for providing effective day- to-day administration support to all sections of the organisation including fundraising, policy and planning, and finance.
Claire's Morecambe Bay Ramble

Raising funds for the incredible and vital work that Friends does in ensuring the Lake District, remains as beautiful and rich in nature, wildlife, awe and tranquillity for future generations to enjoy as I do today.

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.
Postcard from the Lakes 4th August 2023

Updates on the vital work of 'Fix the Fells', our Great Landscapes Festival events, planning and Roanhead updates and the value of research and training in providing the best habitats for our native flora and fauna
Postcard from the Lakes 9th June 2023

We attended the 'Save Windermere' rally, our first Leaders' Landscape Training sessions of 2023 are live. Lots of free events coming up including many as part of the Westmorland Dales Scheme, a Coniston member meet and our AGM and Open Day in July, to which you're all welcome!

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 and if you can't physically visit it, why not take a virtual tour?