Thursday, July 10, 2014 by elguest
Freddie Tedstone
The environment is an essential part of life in the Lake District and like most popular areas; it needs constant care to maintain the beautiful surroundings. Freddie Tedstone, a student from the Wirral, has been challenged with the question ‘Who should care for the environment?’
The Lake District is renowned for its breath-taking scenery, including the traditional towns and villages that are centres of regional culture and history. The lakes can provide stunning reflections on a still day yet are used for sailing when there’s a breeze. There were more than 1.2 million boat cruise passengers in 2012 which shows how well-used these wonderful resources are. Along the mountains of the Lake District National Park are many of the UK’s best walking routes and are used all year round come rain or shine. If these valuable natural sights are used by so many, who should look after them?
Locals and tourists both have a part to play in ensuring a healthy environment in the beautiful Lake District particularly as they both share the same resources. The famous lakes are clean enough for swimming and water sports which are common especially with events such as the Great North Swim, and the environment agency tests the waters regularly. However the numerous footpaths and hiking routes can be more difficult to manage. Nature reserves are also a point of focus for environment clean-up projects and are worked on by local volunteers and charities.
For 16 years English Lakes has been a proud supporter of Nurture Lakeland by using the Visitor Giving Scheme; an initiative that adds one pound to each bill which goes to vital conservation projects around the Lake District and Cumbria area.
Nurture Lakeland is an environment charity which describes itself as:
‘A unique, award winning organisation inspiring people to care for Cumbria’s natural environment through responsible tourism.’
Between April 2013 and March 2014, £12,623 was raised and since we started supporting Nurture Lakeland in 1998, £147,356 has been donated to various developments.
Recent projects in Barkbooth Lot have involved extending the range of the reserve to twice its size and also repairing large lengths of wall and fence boundaries. As well as this, path and fence maintenance are going to be regular requirements as well as continuing to clear bracken which allows a larger variety of plant species to flourish. Wildflower seeds have also been sown and planted to increase biodiversity in Howbarrow Meadow. Dragonflies have been monitored and bird boxes have been cleaned out, as well as further specie surveys due to be carried out soon.
I believe the donations from English Lakes guests are really important to preserve the beautiful Lake District National Park. I’m impressed by the joint commitment to such a worthwhile cause that will ensure the area is such a great place for future visitors.
- Written by Freddie Tedstone, student from Wirral Grammar School
