Trailpike - A Lake District Fell Running Film

Trailpike: noun:: /Lakeland Dialect/ :A wanderer: a vagabond of dubious reputation and/ or appearance.

Watch it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5PXRt7wnpWQ

View more of our featured film club films here

Latest

2023 – Cumbria Good Lighting Technical Advice Note is launched
11 Sept 2024: Woodlands and watering cans

Autumn has arrived and so Jan and our volunteers head to Greenbank Wood in Ambleside, where they discover a few hidden treasures in the undergrowth.
Our History

Friends of the Lake District began at a rally in a park in Keswick in 1934, initially to campaign for the creation of a Lake District National Park, which they achieved in 1951. Many other battles have been fought since and continue today, to protect the landscapes of Cumbria.
Postcard From the Lakes: September 2024

This month our CEO jumps aboard a community run bus in Ullswater. We also news of many forthcoming events, such as a hedgerow planting volunteer day, mammal and track training, and our annual Kirby Lecture.

The Ambleside and Grasmere Big Switch Off 2023 Film

A short film of our Big Switch Off event in Ambleside and Grasmere - to save energy and see more stars. Residents and businesses took part by turning off their own lights, along with over 200 street lights switched off by Cumbria County Council on the night.
Legendary Films and Stories of the Westmorland Dales

Short films of three local legends set in the landscape of the Westmorland Dales, retold and illustrated by local children, have just been released online. The films were premiered at a storytelling event for local families in Kirkby Stephen on Wednesday 25th January.
What did Farming ever do for us?

A project led by Lois Mansfield of the University of Cumbria which is documenting the farming cultural heritage of the Lake District, funded by the National Park’s Farming in Protected Landscapes programme.
Protecting Cumbria’s dark skies: new Dark Skies and wildlife friendly street lighting

We are working with the County Council and Thorn Lighting to install new Dark Skies and wildlife friendly road lighting across Cumbria. A short film featuring some of the work so far.
Shepherding in the Howgills

Mark Curr, a third generation farmer at Bowderdale Head, explains how and why sheep are 'gathered' from the fell, and brought down to the farm.
By Packhorse Through Lakeland, Bob Orrell

A fantastic trip through the lakes, Bob Orrell takes us on a packhorse journey through the Lake District from Ravenglass to Shap, back in 1977.
Dark Skies Winter Celebration

Local schools took part in an art project with artists Rob and Harriet Fraser. See their work and watch their video creations featuring the unique landscapes of the Westmorland Dales.
Get Outside in the Westmorland Dales

Presenter Debbie North promotes outdoor adventures for all in a new film Get Outside in the Westmorland Dales.
Lesley Wiliams, author of ‘The Tour of the Lake District’ walking guide

Lesley Williams of Cicerone guidebooks in conversation with Andrew Tait of Friends of the Lake District, discussing her latest book, Walking the Tour of the Lake District.
Darkness: The Half-Remembered habitat

Most of the world's land species are nocturnal. In this short film Bob Mizon of the Commission for Dark Skies talks about why we need to protect the night.

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?