The Partnership's Plan - Lake District National Park

Authenticity
The Lake District contains extensive archaeological remains of the prehistoric, Roman and
early medieval periods. We can trace Medieval origins in the existing stonewalled field
systems, village plans and ecclesiastical architecture. The farming landscape of the 18th
century with its distinctive farmhouses, barns, field walls and native woodland survives
alongside the remains of important local industries.
The tradition of upland hill farming in the Lake District is based on the indigenous Herdwick
sheep and other local breeds and has a rich cultural heritage that survives to the present day.
This is in large part due to the continuity of farming families in the Lake District over long
periods of time.
There are a number of important examples of villas and designed landscapes built as a result
of the Picturesque interest in the Lake District. Many tree planting schemes of that period
survive. The farming landscape and stunning natural features which inspired the Romantic
poets can be seen today alongside key residences, collections and places with important
artistic and literary associations.
The successes and failures of early environmental battles to protect the Lake District are
reflected in the landscape. The National Trust owns and manages 25 per cent of the National
Park which includes some of the Trust's earliest acquisitions. And the1951 National Park
boundary encompasses all the attributes which exemplify Outstanding Universal Value.
Integrity
The boundary of the proposed World Heritage Site matches the National Park boundary.
When designated, the National Park included the landscapes that characterised the special
qualities of the Lake District. These align with the elements of Outstanding Universal Value
and the boundary would guarantee the integrity of the World Heritage Site.
The continuing tradition of upland farming and the slow pace of change in the Lake District
have underpinned the survival of the historic elements of the farming landscape that were in
place by the end of the 18th century. The farming infrastructure of stone walls and buildings is
maintained by a farming community which takes pride in the skills that make this possible.
The same applies to managing the hefted flocks of local sheep. Traditional methods of
shepherding have been passed down over many generations. This has been assisted by the
purchase and protection of key farms by the National Trust, financial investment in wall and
building repairs and through agri-environment grant schemes. The majority of the buildings of
the late 16th and early 17th century have survived in their original form and maintenance and
repairs have been carried out using traditional materials and techniques.
The system of development management and planning control implemented by the National
Park Authority ensures that new development is appropriate to its context.
The residences, collections and associated landscape features of the Romantic poets have
also been maintained through a combination of traditional management by the local
community and by the National Trust and other conservation organisations. The Wordsworth
Trust manages Dove Cottage and its collection of over 80 per cent of William Wordsworth’s
original manuscripts. And the Brantwood Trust manages and conserves Ruskin’s house and
grounds at Brantwood near Coniston Water.
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