The Partnership's Plan - Lake District National Park

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The Low-carbon Lake District work complements the Cumbria Climate Change Action Plan (2009-2014) produced by Cumbria County Council and the Cumbria Strategic Partnership. Focusing solely on the Lake District, it expands on Local Development Framework Core Strategy policies about climate change. It analyses what is being done to reduce carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions. Lastly, it puts forward medium term recommendations for a Low-carbon Lake District . Based on this and other research, there are six areas where we intend to make a difference by reducing our own emissions and inspiring others: 1. We will work to develop community energy solutions, with small-scale energy generation linked to other energy saving measures. 2. A sustainable transport strategy will offer a workable alternative to private car travel, which would bring other benefits, including reduced congestion and parking problems. 3. In diversifying employment we will develop a green business hub well related to or in a rural service centre, encouraging low-carbon businesses and services to locate in the National Park. 4. We will position the Lake District as an environmental enabler – inspiring visitors to take action on climate change. 5. We will join other National Parks to encourage holidays at home – low-impact domestic tourism. 6. And we will look at evolving landscapes – joining together debates about conservation and climate change, to examine how the landscape and biodiversity of the Lakes will change over time, and how it can best adapt to future climate change. 3.14.4 Key partners This Low-carbon Lake District activity, whilst commissioned and branded by the National Park Authority, has been supported by the Lake District National Park Partnership. The report shows how tackling climate change can help realise the Vision. Other partners undertaking work on mitigation and adaptation include National Trust, Forestry Commission, Cumbria Wildlife Trust, Environment Agency, National Farmers Union, ACT ( through its work supporting and developing the NW Upland Farming Forum ) and the Royal Society for Protection of Birds. 3.15 Landscape, biodiversity and ecosystem services 3.15.1 Facts and challenges • The individual character of each Lakeland valley reflects the topography, land use and local materials available. It is this unique mix which gives each area a visual and cultural distinctiveness of its own, as well as a diversity of flora and fauna which contributes to the quality of the National Park as a whole. It is the existing landscape character and local distinctiveness which is taken into account in land use and land management decisions. The landscape has evolved over time and the process of change will continue. 60
• We have: o 36,420 hectares of European sites designated for their biodiversity o 41,810 hectares of Sites of Special Scientific Interest o 14,080 hectares of Local Wildlife sites o 16 European Protected Species and o 173 priority species and 35 priority habitats identified by the UK Biodiversity Action Plan. • Eighteen per cent of the National Park is designated as Sites of Special Scientific Interest of which 87.4 per cent is in favourable condition or unfavourable but recovering (2009). This is a dramatic improvement compared to 2003 when only 48.1 per cent were in favourable or recovering condition. More than 30 per cent of local wildlife sites are being managed positively for conservation. • The way we use, manage and develop land significantly affects wildlife. Despite the number and extent of our designated sites we have witnessed a considerable decline of some habitats and species since the 1940s. Some Sites of Special Scientific Interest are degraded and we are losing our biodiversity, particularly farmland birds, haymeadows and iconic indicator species such as golden eagle and black grouse. • Landscape change has brought its challenges. Poor design can introduce an inappropriate suburban element to a rural setting. Small changes in sensitive locations, such as installation of telecommunications masts, can spoil the scene. Inappropriate or excessive lighting can deny views of the night sky. Large numbers of visitors in one area can affect tranquillity. • Water management of river basins and the lakes is central to our landscape. Water quality has been declining due to diffuse agricultural pollution, erosion and detergent use. This affects bathing and safety and is a symptom of failing ecosystems. The drought conditions of 2010 highlighted the impact of excessive drawdown of lakes used for water supply. There were profound effects on biodiversity, views and recreation. Water supply security can affect development and sustainable water use needs to be promoted. We will address concerns about naturalising rivers and future flood-proofing. The landscape will continue to change as we seek to protect the ‘Lakes’ brand. 3.15.2 Recent activity and successes Habitats provide many of the products and services that are essential for well-being and economic prosperity such as clean water and air, high quality food, wood products and locking up carbon. When these habitats are in good condition they provide better quality and quantity of these products and services. We call these products and services from the environment ecosystem services. In 2010, Natural England started a one year project as one of three national pilots to better understand the ecosystem services of the Bassenthwaite catchment and develop land management options. Charismatic species-based projects are also being delivered. For example, the Osprey Project at Bassenthwaite attracts up to 100,000 visitors a year to see the only naturally colonised breeding pair of ospreys in England. Red Squirrel conservation attracts huge local support and voluntary effort. In 2007, the National Park Authority established the Windermere Lake User Forum, to advise and guide delivery of the Windermere Management Strategy. 61
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Partnership The Partnership’s Pla
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Contents Page Foreword 1 Welcome to
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Foreword Having been Chairman on th
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Why is the Plan different and what
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Guiding principles for the Partners
Page 12 and 13:
Links to the Local Development Fram
Page 15 and 16: PART ONE - What the Lake District l
Page 17 and 18: History of tourism and outdoor acti
Page 19 and 20: PART TWO - Where we want to be This
Page 21 and 22: 2.2 Financial commitments All our w
Page 23 and 24: World class visitor experiences The
Page 25: Spectacular landscape, wildlife and
Page 28 and 29: What does it look like now - Specia
Page 30 and 31: • There are also challenges from
Page 32 and 33: There needs to be a supply of local
Page 34 and 35: • Identify, develop and initiate
Page 36 and 37: 3.4 Prosperous economy - Actions fo
Page 38 and 39: Action No. Action How Complete by L
Page 40 and 41: World class visitor experience - Is
Page 42 and 43: Underlining these five priority act
Page 44 and 45: 3.6 Education, access and outdoor r
Page 46 and 47: Interpretation is more than informa
Page 52 and 53: • Cumbria Fells and Dales Local A
Page 54 and 55: • There is immense pressure on ou
Page 56 and 57: 3.11.2 Recent activity and successe
Page 58 and 59: 3.13 Vibrant communities - Actions
Page 62 and 63: Spectacular landscape, wildlife and
Page 66 and 67: Cumbria Freshwater Invasive Non Nat
Page 68 and 69: • English Heritage’s Scheduled
Page 70 and 71: The Cumbrian Fells have provided ac
Page 72 and 73: 3.5 Spectacular landscape - Actions
Page 81 and 82: PART FOUR - Implementing and monito
Page 83 and 84: 13 Maintain the number of settlemen
Page 85 and 86: Annex A Statement of Outstanding Un
Page 87 and 88: Wordsworth’s Romantic vision, sha
Page 89 and 90: Annex B The Lake District National
Page 91: Annex C National Park Profile (2009
Page 94: A Renewed Focus on Achieving the Pa
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The Partnership's Plan - Lake District National Park

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