Oak beams at the Footprint Centre copyright Paula Allen
Oak beams at the Footprint Centre

Sustainable Development Fund

Supporting our vibrant communities

Update 26 March 2013: The SDF is now closed. We expect to re-launch in the autumn. It will be used to help deliver priorities for the Lake District National Park Partnership, identified through the annual review of the Partnership's Plan.

For funding support towards community projects, please take a look at our Lake District Communities Fund.

Recently funded SDF projects

January 2013: YHA Blacksail

£20,000 towards the refurbishment of this iconic hostel in the Ennerdale Valley. The project includes green build elements such as a living roof and a wood burner.

November 2012: Westmorland and Penrith and District Red Squirrel societies

A total of £15,000 towards grey squirrel control work in order to protect the native red squirrel population. These projects also had funding support through our Lake District Communities Fund

July 2012: Windermere Reflections

£4,900 towards their School workshop Programme, focusing on environmental messages relating to managing water quality.

May 2012: Carbon Woodlands report

£3,900 towards a research project led by Cumbria Woodlands. This highlights carbon stores within the existing woodlands and then indicates what effect management choices could have to carbon stores.

May 2012: Farmer Network (Cumbria)

£2,170 towards a touring display. This was to educate the public, including residents and visitors, at local shows, events and markets. of the role farming plays in Cumbria and the Lake District. This unit will also be promoting the role of the LDNPA in supporting farming.

April 2012: Platty+ Watersports activity Centre, Keswick

£2,000 towards a photovoltaic roof unit for the boat house. This will reduce bottled gas use to run a generator by up to 40 per cent.

April 2012: Muncaster Cycle Hire

£5,000 towards establishing a cycle hire and maintenance hub including electric bikes. Based at Muncaster Castle it will service the Eskdale Valley and surrounding area.

What is sustainable development?

Sustainable development is based on the idea that the quality of people's lives and the state of our communities, is affected by economic, social and environmental factors. The links between them influences our quality of life now and in the future.

What is the Lake District Sustainable Development Fund?

With help from Defra we have a grant scheme to support projects that combine economic, social and environmental benefits and have positive impact on future generations.

Projects that help support the Vision for the National Park, consider new ways of living and working that look after the Lake District National Park or projects that increase understanding and enjoyment of the Lake District’s special qualities are particularly suited to funding.

How does the SDF link with climate change?

In line with the Vision for the National Park and our Climate Change Action Plan, the SDF is keen to encourage projects that recognise and address the effects of global warming and increasing energy consumption.

Climate change is directly linked to the increase of carbon in the atmosphere. Our actions in everyday life, from using electric and gas at home, to driving to work all have a direct impact. However we can all take steps to reduce our carbon footprint. Find our more in our Climate change section.

Useful links

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