Save Our Lake District (SOLD)

Zip wires, recreational 4x4s and motorbikes, gondolas or poorly considered path surfaces are all symptoms of a wider problem. We now find the Lake District National Park being ridiculed in the press and enough was enough. It is time for action.

Attend the first event

The Big Day Out!

So that's why it's called the Lake District!!! The rain didn't let us down today but it was never going to dampen the support or the spirit of many hundreds of people attending the Big Day Out protest march in Grasmere

Both a celebration of a proposal to put holiday boats on Grasmere being withdrawn and a show of strength calling for an end to inappropriate development in the Lake District National Park.

Well done to Andy Astle and the team behind the Houseboats-off-Grasmere campaign for organising this amazing event, for putting in such an incredible effort, making the day such a huge success and helping to send such a powerful message.

The march through Grasmere ended at the lake's edge with hundreds gathering - some taking a dip! - to hear speeches from film maker Terry Abraham, Tim Farron, MP for Westmorland and Lonsdale and our Chief Executive Douglas Chalmers talking about our Save Our Lake District' campaign and why we have launched it. www.saveourlakedistrict.org.uk

The images might give you an idea of the incredible turn out in challenging conditions in Grasmere earlier today. We were delighted to see that as well as those braving the rain and wind and making their voices heard, there were some hardier souls who thought it was a perfect opportunity for a dip in the lake measured at a balmy 5.4C!

YOUR LAKE DISTRICT IS AT RISK
Right now, the Lake District – your National Park - is under siege and up for grabs. Its landscapes are exploited for commercial gain without anything being given back in return. Commercialisation without conservation can only lead to permanent damage to this fragile, beautiful place; especially in these times of climate and environmental emergency.

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Latest

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.
Leaders' Landscape Training: The Westmorland Dales: its natural and cultural heritage

The Westmorland Dales has been described as one of the best preserved prehistoric archaeological landscapes north of Salisbury Plain. The landscape has been hugely influenced by the way people have exploited and managed it for thousands of years. The walk will explore this, attempting to decipher the layers in the landscape.
Leaders' Landscape Training: Understanding Tranquillity

Tranquillity is one of many components that come together to create the overall character of a landscape, and it is something that many visitors to the Lake District and Cumbria come to enjoy but it is often misunderstood or not fully understood even by those tasked with protecting it.
Leaders' Landscape Training: The Thirlmere Resilience Project

The Thirlmere catchment, characterised by steep sided, wooded slopes, is an iconic part of the Lake District. A new style of progressive land management around Thirlmere, is balancing the pressures of recreation, farming, and conservation in hostile upland environments.

Campaign Update 3

We launch our 'I want to be in the Lake District' photo appeal, Houseboats of Grasmere celebrate success and we look forward to a new National Park Management Plan being consulted upon this summer.
Campaign Update 2

BMC support the campaign, 'Big Day Out' a big success, Dark Skies Festival celebrates our national park, campaign supporters make the difference
Campaign Update 1

Update on campaign actions for period: Monday January 20th to Friday January 24th
Save Our Lake District

We have today announced the launch of a campaign to ‘Save Our Lake District’ (SOLD). In a statement issued today we explain why.

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. Take a VIRTUAL TOUR