World Heritage Day 2023

This year’s World Heritage Day theme is ‘Heritage Changes’, so in this blog we’ll explore how cultural heritage conservation is driving climate action in the Lake District.

Climate change threatens our cultural heritage

The Lake District’s historic environment – its coastal, upland and lowland archaeology, remains of historic upland quarry and mining sites, and vernacular landscape features and buildings, are key components of the World Heritage Site. Similarly, the vibrancy of farm businesses and heritage in the Lake District is central to the integrity of World Heritage Site.

One of the most significant and fastest growing threats we face, climate change also threatens our cultural heritage and World Heritage Sites, impacting their Outstanding Universal Value, their integrity and the potential for economic and social development at the local level.

Finding the balance

One of the challenges in addressing climate change, becoming more resilient, and protecting the cultural heritage of the Lake District, is finding the balance between measures to address the effects of climate change and protecting the features and practices which contributed to making the Lake District a World Heritage Site.

Adaptation and mitigation interventions like tree planting, fencing and natural flood management schemes, help our landscape respond to climate change. At the same time, we need to preserve the character of the landscape, historic environment and the agro-pastoral farming system.

Local communities are leading the way

Ullswater Catchment Management Community Interest Company

A not for profit community interest company based in Ullswater, they combine sustainable farming, conservation and natural flood management.

New wildlife pond in Dockray

With funding from local charity Another Way, a wildlife pond above Ullswater was recently completed. The site is already a haven for small birds and amphibians, but the completion of the pond will now also benefit dragonflies, swallows, ducks and other ground nesting birds.

Rotational grazing in Penruddock

Several farmers in the area are moving to a rotational or "mob" style of grazing. This style of grazing gives the land longer rest periods.

Understanding our World Heritage Site

It’s critically important that there is a shared understanding of what is special about the World Heritage Site, and knowing what needs to be protected whilst at the same time can inform necessary works to protect our communities and infrastructure.

Come along to Brockhole on 18 April to find out more about World Heritage and what communities are doing to contribute to mitigate future climate change risks and impacts.