Preparing for our Spring Visitors

Land Manager's Diary: Read it here>

We're gearing up and getting our land ready for spring visitors. We've added extra accommodation for our feathered friends with the help of the talented Alf Baines who has made us 30 bird boxes with a choice of entrances to satisfy the more discerning visitor.

We're also busy installing additional owl boxes on our properties at Mike's Wood near Staveley and Dam Mire Wood in Threlkeld for our nocturnal friends. You can read more about work underway on our land in our regular 'Land Manager's Diary'. https://bit.ly/3HrDHht

Latest

Forest Bathing: Natural Wellbeing at nature’s pace

Discover how the magic of woods can bring you health and happiness, deep peace and restoration, on a Forest Bathing adventure amongst the wonderful woodlands of the Lake District National Park.
Forest Bathing: Natural Wellbeing at nature’s pace

Discover how the magic of woods can bring you health and happiness, deep peace and restoration, on a Forest Bathing adventure amongst the wonderful woodlands of the Lake District National Park.
Forest Bathing: Natural Wellbeing at nature’s pace

Discover how the magic of woods can bring you health and happiness, deep peace and restoration, on a Forest Bathing adventure amongst the wonderful woodlands of the Lake District National Park.
Volunteers thanked at Friends of Lake District Awards

Hard working volunteers for the landscape charity Friends of the Lake District were recognised and rewarded at a special awards event at the Windermere Jetty Museum on Thursday 25 April.

23 April 2024: The Helm, paths to summer adventures

We were joined by a big group of volunteers with clippers, loppers and saws this week for bramble, bracken, and gorse management, to keep paths clear and create fire breaks.
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.
26 March 2024: Light at the end of the tube

Despite the tree planting season winding down, there's still much to do in the woods. From recycling tree tubes to nurturing veteran trees, our work parties have been navigating the joys and challenges of woodland stewardship in Gillside Wood and Rusland Wood.
19 March 2024: Tree planting finale

This week was the finale of our tree planting season with a Friends of the Lake District volunteer work party at Middle Bleansley. Read on to discover the challenges of removing metal tree guards and the joy as we worked to transform the fields into wood pastures.
6 March 2024 : It's tree planting week

As the end of the tree planting season approaches, our work parties have been full throttle on getting mature whips in at Lorton, and planting trees in memory of our dedicated and much-loved volunteer Jean Savage at the Helm.
28th February 2024: Freezing winds and rain for High Borrowdale work party

Trials and triumphs were the order of the day for our most recent High Borrowdale work party. Dedicated volunteers battled freezing winds and rain, rescued a stuck truck, and carried on a cherished tree-planting tradition.
27th February 2024: Work party to tackle High Borrowdale storm damage

Our beloved High Borrowdale has once again been hit by storm damage, both from winds and water. We need as many hands as we can for the next work party on 27 February.
15th February 2024: Challenging dry stone wall corners at Mazonwath

Dry stone walling enthusiast and volunteer, Rachel shares her story of challenging times when tackling a dry stone wall corner at Mazonwath.
2nd February 2024: Extreme walling on a work party

See what we've been upto this week, with some extreme walling on Candlemass Day. The day which marks the halfway point between Christmas and Easter.
29th January 2024: Den building extravaganza at Dam Mire Wood

Friends of the Lake District were joined by Class 3 from Threlkeld School to build a new willow den at Dam Mire Wood. It’s a good job that willow likes water.

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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.
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. Take a VIRTUAL TOUR