Two Friends of the Lake District, Cumbrian-based, conservation workers and a project in Threlkeld have been shortlisted for @CPRE awards!
Read all about the awards and the nominations here: friendsofthelakedistrict.org…
We’re delighted that we've been shortlisted for @CPRE Centenary National Awards! 🙌
Not once but thrice! Well done to former staff member (now volunteer) Jack, our engagement trainee Steph and to everyone involved with Dam Mire Wood! Details here:
cpre.org.uk/cpre-awards-meet…
A warm welcome to our new Chief Executive Colin Walker! In this short video, Colin pays a visit to Dam Mire Wood in Threlkeld (land cared for by Friends) where he introduces himself and speaks a little bit about the issues and opportunities that lie ahead in the coming year.
Happy birthday @fixthefells! 🎉This week, we met up with the professional rangers, the amazing volunteers, partners, staff and supporters to celebrate 25 years!
@NTlakedistrict @lakedistrictnpa@lakesfoundation@NECumbria
Following recent news reports, we're gathering details of people's concerns about #popupcampsites in the #LakeDistrict. Are you aware of a temporary campsite near you? If so, send us the details using the link at the bottom this blog
loom.ly/Qg4QWOY
We're excited to introduce you to our new CEO! Colin Walker, who lives near Penrith, joins us from the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit, where he has been responsible for their transport policy.
friendsofthelakedistrict.org…#LakeDistrict#News
Read why Friends of the Lake District believes that the new five-year plan for the Lake District National Park, due to be adopted on 24 June, represents a step backwards in relation to its ambitions for transport.
#LakeDistrict#transportloom.ly/4gSesOk
We wanted to take a moment to give a big shout out to the amazing #volunteers who are helping with the #rainforest woodland restoration in Rusland. Here's a little video about two of 'em.
Happy #EarthDay! We're so excited to be part of this year's #EarthRaise from #BigGive. We're raising money to help restore temperate rainforest woodland in the Rusland Valley, Lake District - and you can double the difference this week with every pound you donate!
Plans for 2026? Come & join us for some volunteering. Fresh air, good company and of course - cake! All in stunning Cumbrian locations in glorious (if sometimes wet) weather.
#winterblues#volunteering#opportunities#landscape
Photos: George Carr Media
There's still time to #HaveYourSay on the future of the #LakeDistrict!
The Lake District National Park Partnership is developing a new five year management plan. You’re invited to have your say on whether you think the objectives for the draft plan are the right priorities.
Want to get out into the great #Cumbrian#landscape but live too far away or just can't make it outside during this icy weather? Then make a brew, sit back and explore some of the land that we look after using our virtual tours!
Amazing work by Aerial Artwork.
Thanks to all our members, supporters, donors and volunteers for everything they have done this year! Our offices are now closed until 5 Jan. If you need to contact us urgently please email our info at address (see our website). Otherwise we'll see you in 2026!
📸Chris Howe
On the 6th of Dec we had 11 trainees out with us at Lockbank Farm, learning to lay an advanced hedge with trainers Pete and John.
If you're interested in training with us or want to find out more about our Hedgerow Heroes project, see our website.
#HedgerowHeroes#CPRE#hedge
The last workparty volunteer day of 2025 took place on the Helm near Oxenholme this week. Big thanks to the some 310 people who have given us around 2,000 hours of time on our land this year!
#volunteers#bigthanks#cumbria#joinus
We're looking for a Finance & Operations Controller to provide direction and management of all our finance and central resources functions.
#jobs#recruitment#finance#workforus
In December 2015 #StormDesmond wrought devastating damage on the landscapes and communities of #Cumbria. We commissioned a short film to show the impact of flooding events on a community. Watch the full film on our YouTube channel.
Get fit, have fun and feel great! Join our hedge planting #volunteer days. 💪🌿 Tuesday 9 Dec at Eden Yard Farm, a family run mixed farm near Penrith and Cumbria’s first producer of cold-pressed extra virgin rapeseed oil, for which they recently won a British #Farming Award.
Volunteer opportunity this Saturday! Help looks after Rusland wood - no experience needed. You may get wet and muddy, but they'll be cake, conversation and some good views (if you're lucky!)
#weekend#volunteers#woodlands
Proud to be supporting a new short course with the @CumbriaUni: develop your skills in collaborative land management - from nature recovery to flood management - with the University's Collaborative Practices in Land Management course
#courses#landmanagement#Cumbria
New Year, New Job? ⚠️ We're looking for a Finance & Operations Controller to provide direction and management of all our finance and central resources functions.
#jobs#recruitment#finance#workforus
Jan reveals volunteer efforts in woods, tree planting, seed propagation, and poetic connections to landscape in her latest blog - including a fascinating visit to Gosling Sike nursery as part of an important seed bank project.
#latestblog#seedbank#volunteer#landscape_joy
64% of our butterfly species can be found in hedgerows - bees, moths, beetles & other insects rely on hedges for nectar, food, and overwintering sites.
This winter we’re planting 2,300 m of new native hedgerows (that's 14,000 new trees). #NationalTreeWeek@cpre @treecounciluk
Recruitment ⚠️ We're looking for a Finance & Operations Controller to provide direction and management of all our finance and central resources functions.
#jobs#recruitment#finance#workforus
Hedgerows are critically important to 130 endangered species in the UK, including the song thrush & hedgehog.
This winter we’re planting 2,300 m of new native mixed species hedgerows (that's 14,000 hedge plants = new trees). #NationalTreeWeek#HedgerowHeroes@cpre @treecounciluk
We welcome the news that Mayors will be empowered to introduce an overnight stay charge to mitigate the impacts of tourism.
#thelakedistrict#budget2025#visitorlevy
Victory as planning permission for a resort at Roanhead is denied, safeguarding ecological sites and cherished landscapes for future generations!
Well done 👏 to everyone involved in this wonderful result!
#saveroanhead#landscapematters#natterjacktoads
As we await a possible decision on the Roanhead development at the end of November, here's an interview with some folks from Save Roanhead - published in last year's Conserving Lakeland magazine... see thread...
#SaveRoanhead#landscapematters#natterjacks
#volunteer for us - a chance to meet new people, learn new skills and help look after the land we care for
11/11/25: Dam Mire Wood (near Keswick), General Management
19/11/25: Gillside Wood (near Ambleside), Woodland Management
🔔Apologies if you were hoping to join us and the Cockermouth Astro Society this weekend in Keswick. Due to, among other things, forecasted cloud cover and the state of the park after recent rain, this event has been cancelled. 😪 We'll be back!
CPRE are currently running a survey about how best to connect young people who are part of the CPRE network! If you are a member with us or with CPRE and between the ages 18-35, please fill free to fill it out and share your ideas.
#youngpeople#FriendsoftheLakeDistrict#CPRE
Illegal parking is a massive problem but ever more #carparks are not the answer. We need an approach that looks at travel and transport strategically and ensures decisions bring us closer to a sustainable, integrated transport system.
It’s #TrusteesWeek! The time of year when we celebrate the amazing contribution made by trustees for their charities and recognise the difference they make. Thanks to all our trustees who #volunteer their time to help us thrive!
🔔Missed our Gift in Will webinar? Learn about the importance of leaving a Will, how gifts in Wills can help with your tax bill, and how you can help look after Lake District and Cumbria landscapes for generations to come.
#lastingimpact#thelakedistrict#giftsinwills
Good news? 🤞 It's been recommended that the planning application for a 150 space carpark at Ullock Moss, near Portinscale, be refused when it comes before the Lake District National Park Authority next week.
#campaign4parks#nationaltrust#woodlandtrust#friendsoftheearth
We're appealing for #volunteers of all ages to come and help plant nearly one kilometre of hedges to help nature friendly farmers and landowners create new native #hedgerows. It all starts at Alpacaly Ever After at Basecamp North in November. 💪🌿
Watch our latest #webinar. Emma Kelly, a solicitor at Thomson Hayton Winkley, discusses the importance of leaving a Will and how to go about doing so in the best possible way - including advice on how leaving a gift can help reduce your tax bill.
If the Lake District has played a special part in your life, consider leaving a gift in your Will to Friends of the Lake District, to ensure the Cumbrian landscape remains a place of adventure, inspiration, and tranquillity for future generations to enjoy: loom.ly/KAqykRk
ALT Photograph of Loweswater. In the foreground is a bench, overlooking Loweswater and the mountainside in the distance. Lush green fields, and blue skies with white clouds. Along the bottom, written in white on a blue background is “Your love letter to the Lakes”.
569 bats! That's how many were recorded in just one night on our land at Dam Mire near Threlked. These little creatures are important pollinators and a vital part of our ecosystem.
loom.ly/cbIlmMc
A gift in your Will is a donation that costs nothing today, but has a lasting impact beyond our lifetimes. Join us for this free lunchtime webinar on 22 October to discuss the this important topic.
#lastingimpact#thelakedistrict#giftsinwills
The Elterwater judicial review ruling is a setback but we remain steadfast in our mission to campaign for a #thelakedistrict that is tranquil, rich in cultural heritage & environmentally healthy. We'll fight on and hope you'll stand alongside us. ❤️
#news#landscapematters
The only information you need to include Friends of the Lake District in your Will is our name, address, and charity number. Find out more about how to help this landscape bloom with a gift in your Will: loom.ly/KAqykRk
ALT Photograph of a hay meadow on our land at High Borrowdale. In the foreground are oxeye daisies and red clover. In the background a hillside. The sky is blue with white clouds. Along the bottom, written in white on a blue background is “Your love letter to the Lakes”.
Today is #WorldMentalHealthDay
Our conservation volunteering days are brilliant for mental health!
- meet new people & engage with others
- get some physical exercise at the 'Green Gym'
- take some positive environmental action
... & there's always cakes, coffee & camaraderie!
A gift in your Will, no matter the size, is a donation that costs nothing today, but has a lasting impact beyond our lifetimes. Join us for this free lunchtime webinar on 22 October to discuss the this important topic.
#lastingimpact#thelakedistrict#giftsinwills
Every year charities miss out on £560m in unclaimed Gift Aid tax relief. Think of how much more can be achieved if you #TickTheBox Help us to do more, and gift aid your donation #GiftAidAwarenessDay
ALT Text, written in pink and dark grey, features graphic illustrations. Your donation – money box, with a white heart on the front has a coin being inserted into it. Tick the box - a pink tick in a box. 25% extra free - pink and grey present, with a pink bow and white heart. The text reads: “Gift Aid it. Your donation + tick the box = 25% extra free. All you have to do is # tick the box. It doesn’t cost you a penny extra to # tick the box and it will help us to help more.”
Today is #GiftAidAwarenessDay Thank you to all our donors who #TickTheBox making their donation go further. Donate with Gift Aid and the government will add 25% to your donation for FREE - it won’t cost you a penny. All you have to do is #TickTheBox
ALT Photo of a hand holding a pen and a pink tick in a black outlined box. The text reads: “Remember to tick the box. Gift Aid Awareness Day. All you have to do is # tick the box”
Earlier this week, we released findings of a poll by YouGov of over 2,000 people. It shows support for a charge on visits to the Lake District is high among both residents and visitors!
#visitorlevy#lakedistrict#debate
In this week's blog, Jan talks about our work to help the #redsquirrel population thrive and then heads out to a wet High Borrowdale to do a bit of sorting out.
Big thanks to Rosamund Macfarlane for the squirrel photograph!
🎨 Local resident Rex Marsden turned to painting as a form of therapy after an illness and has created a series of oil paintings inspired by his love of the Lakes. Thanks for sharing your beautiful work with us Rex 🖌️#LocalArtist#ArtTherapy
ALT Scanned image of a printing photograph - oil painting of Slater's Bridge, with a fox at the rivers edge.
ALT Scanned image of a printing photograph - oil painting of a robin on a branch in a bush, with three baby birds. The bush has white flowers and green leaves.
ALT Scanned image of a printing photograph - oil painting of a heron stood on a stone in the middle of a river.
Did you know, gifts in Wills funds 50% of the work we do, to conserve and enhance the Cumbrian landscape? Find out how you can leave a gift in your Will and ensure the Lake District landscape remains rich in cultural heritage and environmentally healthy: loom.ly/KAqykRk
ALT Photograph of three people repairing a dry stone wall on our land at High Borrowdale. Along the bottom, written in white on a blue background is “Your love letter to the Lakes”.
🍽️🥗🍃Feast & Foraging #Hedgerow Event
Join expert forager Abbi Lawson visiting some of Low Sizergh Barn's fantastic hedgerows on Fri 10 October for a Feast & #Foraging Hedgerows event. We'll also sample some products made from hedgerow produce.
🍽️🥗🍃Feast & Foraging #Hedgerow Event
Join expert forager Abbi Lawson visiting some of Low Sizergh Barn's fantastic hedgerows this Fri 10 October for a Feast & #Foraging Hedgerows event. We'll also sample some products made from hedgerow produce.
A new poll run by YouGov of over 2,000 people shows that support for a charge on visits to the Lake District is high among both residents and visitors.
Image: Cars parked on Elterwater common (Malcolm Lamb).
We've now planned out 2km of new hedges to plant - that's a whopping 12,000 new trees! It's thanks to all our generous members and supporters that this is possible but there's still so much to do. Please support our hedges and edges today:
loom.ly/rDfrGbU
Have a read of the latest blog from our land manager. As the nights draw in, Jan shares exciting news about Dam Mire Wood's nocturnal residents, before heading to Sweden Wood where some incredible views await!
#bats#land#naturewriting#volunteers
Now available to watch on our YouTube channel! Learn about the exciting work planned over the coming months to enhance Cumbria's wonderful hedgerows.
#cumbria#naturerecovery#hedgerowheroes
Only 6 out of 10 people have an up to date Will. A Will is essential to ensure your estate goes to those closest to you, and important causes. Learn more about gifts in Wills and how you can support the Lake District landscape: loom.ly/KAqykRk
ALT Photo of one of our work party group. 6 people, wearing woolly hats and outdoor clothing are stood behind a dry stone wall. In the background is a wooden area. Along the bottom, written in white on a blue background is “Your love letter to the Lakes”.
🍽️🥗🍃Feast & Foraging #Hedgerow Event
Join expert forager Abbi Lawson visiting some of Low Sizergh Barn's fantastic hedgerows on Fri 10 October for a Feast & #Foraging Hedgerows event. We'll sample some products made from hedgerow produce, at Growing Well.
Do you feel unrepresented by the policy and planning decisions made here in Cumbria?
Then join our Youth Voice!📣
Find out more about this exciting opportunity on our website
#youthvoice#haveyoursay#Cumbria#LakeDistrict
Join us tomorrow for our #Hedges & Edges webinar on Weds 24 Sept, to hear about what we’ve got planned over the coming months to enhance our wonderful hedgerows! @cpre