Caring for the environment

The landscape here in Cumbria is special.
 
For centuries, it has inspired artists, romantics and adventurers. And while we are eager to share it with you, we are equally committed to doing what we must to ensure that this stunning landscape for future visitors.

The Lake District National Park was awarded UNESCO World Heritage Status in 2017, making it Cumbria’s second World Heritage site after Hadrian’s Wall and the first national park to be so honoured.
 
One of the considerations in the decision to grant this status was conservation. The Lake District was the birthplace of the conservation movement, with such famous pioneers as Beatrix Potter leading the fight to protect our beautiful landscape.
 
World Heritage sites are assessed according to their global significance and uniqueness. UNESCO calls these criteria 'Outstanding Universal Values'.

For the Lake District the Outstanding Universal Values are Identity, Inspiration and Conservation.
 
View more information about the Lake District National Park's World Heritage status, and some of the best attractions that you can experience in this very special part of the UK.
 

Respect, Protect, Enjoy

The Countryside Code sets out a simple and easy to use code of conduct to help you get the most out of visitng the area whilst respecting others, protecting the environment and enjoying your visit.

The three main points are summarised below:

Respect
Consider the local community and other people enjoying the outdoors.

Please respect the needs of local people and visitors alike.
Co-operate with people at work in the countryside, such as farmers.
Leave gates and property as you find them and follow paths unless wider access is available

Farmers will normally close gates to protect and keep farm animals in, so please leave gates as you find them.
If unsure, then please check, there may be a sign nearby with instruction.

 
Protect
Leave no trace of your visit and take your litter home. In Cumbria, we have a unique and beautiful landscape, with fells and coastline alike. Please ensure that if camping, you take all possessions and litter home with you. Likewise any cooking equipment and water bottles.

If you are planning on getting out on the water, be sure to follow the Greener Boating Code and keep our lakes clean and healthy for everyone to enjoy!

Keep dogs under effective control. The Cumbrian countryside can be a great place to let your dog have a run, but please ensure the safety of all animals, be considerate to other people and keep your dog controlled and on a lead whenever you are near farm land with livestock. Please always be considerate and clean up after your dog.

 
Enjoy
Enjoy the outdoors. Cumbria is an amazing area for all types of outdoor pursuits. Make the most of the breathtaking landscape and superb range of activities on offer.

Plan ahead and be prepared. Its always best to make sure you have an up-to-date map or guidebook when you go out exploring the county. Be mindful of weather conditions and remember they can change suddenly, especially on mountains, and this can leave you disorientated if you are not sure of your route. Check weather forecasts before you leave home and never be afraid to turn back.

When visiting the coast, check tide times and don't risk getting cut off by rising tides.

Getting away from it all and finding a remote corner of the county all to yourself is appealing, but remember mobile phone signals can be patchy in some areas so always let someone know where you are going and when you expect to return.

More information on safety when enjoying the great outdoors can be found here.

Download a printable pdf copy of the Countryside Code.
 

Here is a list of organisations around Cumbria that are working to help conserve and protect the landscape, rivers and wildlife of the Lake District and Cumbria.
 

National Trust

The initial public love for the Lake District ignited a drive to protect and conserve the landscape, inspired by the thinking of William Wordsworth and John Ruskin, and sparked the foundation of the National Trust.
 

Lake District National Park

The governing body responsible for caring for and maintaining the Lake District National Park, ensuring over 3,100km of paths and bridleways are maintained and improved.

Lake District Foundation

An organisation ensuring the Lake District is an example of sustainable development in action, and a place where a prosperous economy, world-class visitor experiences and vibrant communities come together to sustain its spectacular landscape, wildlife and cultural heritage.

Fix the Fells

A team of skilled rangers and volunteers who repair and maintain the mountain paths in the Lake District with funding from donations and partners. This work reduces erosion scars and also helps protect the ecology and archaeological heritage of our beautiful landscape.

Cumbria Wildlife Trust

A voluntary organisation devoted solely to the conservation of the wildlife and wildplaces of Cumbria;  seeking to raise environmental awareness and conserve the full range of the UK's habitats and species.

RSPB Leighton Moss

Set in the beautiful and magnificent Arnside and Silverdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty overlooking Morecambe Bay, Leighton Moss is the largest reedbed in North West England and home to some special breeds such as Breeding Bitterns, Bearded Tits and Marsh Harriers. Part of the wider RSPB, Leighton Moss conserves and protects the site for the benefit of all it's wildlife and enjoyment of visitors.