Landscape conservation charity Friends of the Lake District is launching their Great Landscapes Week 2018 series of events with a Latrigg Rally on Saturday 4^th August, asking the question ‘What are National Parks for?’

Douglas Chalmers, chief executive of Friends of the Lake District said: “With Environment Secretary Michael Gove setting up a Committee to look at the future of our protected landscapes, and the Lake District National Park having put forward its initial ideas for its next Local Plan,  what better time is there for us all to consider, ‘What are National Parks for?’

“It’s obvious at the moment that there are concerns about where the Lake District National Park is now, and what it may look like in the future.  How can we sustain our spectacular yet fragile landscapes for future generations? How do we balance the needs of residents and visitors? Why should we even consider creating additional, so-called attractions? Are we at risk of smothering or choking the very place that so many millions of people already love, and which attracts more and more visitors each year?  We will have a small number of informed speakers and we want to bring people together to start a bigger conversation and hear all their views about the future for our National Park.

“Latrigg (pictured) is famous for mass walks in the 1880s that helped enable access for all to the Lake District. It also allows a view of the site for a suggested cable car route to transport tourists up to Whinlatter which is already creating controversy. So it’s an ideal venue for a Friends of the Lake District Rally to celebrate the joys of being in a National Park while still being aware of how it is threatened.”

Following the rally, a wide variety of free events are happening throughout Great Landscapes Week (4^th – 10^th August). They will celebrate every aspect of the glorious Cumbrian landscapes and offer people the chance to connect with and learn about landscape, geology, wildlife, water and heritage.

• Saturday 4th - LATRIGG RALLY: What are National Parks for?
• Sunday 5th – A LAKE DISTRICT VOLCANO: A Tale of Borrowdale Geology
• Monday 6th – RED SQUIRRELS: Conservation and Monitoring (morning and evening sessions)
• Tuesday 7th – WINDERMERE SUNSET CANOEING
• Wednesday 8th – LEARN THE ART OF DRY STONE WALLING
• Thursday 9th – FAMILY NATURE EXPLORATION TRAIL
• Friday 10th - REWILDING PEOPLE: Woodland Yoga, Oak Basket Weaving in the Woods and more.

All events are free but booking is essential. For more information or to book see our events page.