23 July 2019
Millions of visitors love the Lake District and explore this beautiful part of the world every year. This #LakeDistrictSummer we’re asking everyone to help make the Lake District an even better place to live, visit and work by playing a part to help look after this world-class national park and World Heritage Site.
Whether it’s choosing more environmentally-friendly ways to travel, taking your litter home or being more prepared when exploring the fells, together we can all look after this special place, both now and forever.
The Lake District’s fells and lakes are exciting places to explore, from low level walks to high fell adventure, there is something to suit everyone. However, too often we see avoidable accidents. Ask yourself three questions before you head out.
Read our blog from Patterdale Mountain Rescue team as they share their advice on how to be prepared on the fells this summer.
Play your part: Adventure smart this summer
Help us look after the environment and ease traffic and parking by leaving the car at home. Many of the roads in the national park are narrow and winding and are vital for farmers and landowners to use in their everyday work. So please keep them clear and park considerately in designated parking areas.Explore your National Park in the best way we know how - by bike, foot, bus, train or boat. Plan your green adventure with a little help from Paddy the dog!
Ditch the car this summer
Our many lakes and tarns are a wonderful place to enjoy all sorts of activities. From swimming to sailing, kayaking to paddle-boarding, there are many ways to make a splash this summer. If you are out swimming, make sure boat users can see you, wear a visible cap and a tow float. If you own a boat, remember to check your life jackets and your CO2 detector.
Watch our safety videos or follow our lake rangers on Twitter for some top tips and dates for our life jacket clinics.
Be water wise this summer
Leaving litter and poo bags behind not only spoils the view for others, but can have a lasting impact on our wildlife and countryside, help us keep this place special by taking it home with you. You can start making a change today by picking up litter you spot on your Lake District adventures, so our wildlife can flourish and future visitors can enjoy exploring.
Help reduce litter in the National Park.
For many people, the Lake District is the place to sit back and enjoy the natural life. With happy campers exploring the Lake District every weekend during the summer months and the ground possibly getting drier, the Lake District and our fellow National Parks are at risk of potential fires. Most landowners no longer allow campfires or barbecues because of the real risk of fire getting out of control. Instead, we encourage you to enjoy a picnic or food from the many cafes and pubs in the Lake District.
If you smoke, please ensure all cigarettes are fully extinguished and removed from the site appropriately. Find out more about wild camping in the Lake District.
Fires can easily get out of control. Think before lighting!
There are 100 million tonnes of plastic in our oceans, and the wildlife need our help! You can start by making small changes to your lifestyle by reducing, reusing and recycling. Pick up your biodegradable, reusable bottle and coffee cups from our visitor centres in Ullswater, Keswick, Bowness and in Brockhole on Windermere.
Reduce your plastic this summer.
After thousands of feet treading on the fells every day, and people exploring off the beaten track, the landscape starts to pay for it. Hours, days and weeks go into repairing eroded paths and our Fix the Fells rangers and volunteers do an amazing job at repairing the damage. Take simple steps to stick to the paths and help play your part in looking after this beautiful place. Find out more about the great work our Fix the Fells team do.
Stick to the path to help reduce erosion.
Together, we can make a change. Share with us how you have been helping look after your park with us on Twitter and Instagram using #LakeDistrictSummer
