The Partnership's Plan - Lake District National Park

• 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.
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