Lakes group wants your views - BLRP
Lake District Still Waters Partnership
- Bassenthwaite Lake Restoration Programme
Widespread measures to boost water and landscape quality in and around Windermere and nearby lakes and tarns are being rolled out to the community.A million pound bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) for a possible 22 projects to get people living and working in the area involved is currently being drawn up.
And to find out what people think about a package of landscape management, learning, skills and training opportunities – all designed to increase awareness - four public sessions have been organised.
Dave Muir is leading the bid process for Windermere Catchment Restoration Programme, a multi agency partnership dealing with the main lake, plus Grasmere, Rydal Water, Elterwater, Esthwaite, Loughrigg and Blelham Tarns and their surroundings.
He explained: “We are looking at a large area of lakes, tarns, rivers, streams and the iconic surroundings. Our work will be extensive. We want to balance people’s needs with the spectacular landscape.
“It’s crucial we find out what people think and want so views can be incorporated in our community landscape programme, Windermere Reflections. This will mirror the hugely successful initiative at Bassenthwaite, which has encouraged large numbers to get involved. That high level of involvement from the widest possible range of people is essential if this project is to succeed.
“We will be holding drop in sessions in July from 3 to 7pm at each of four venues – Hawkshead Market Hall on the 6th, Langdale Village Hall (Chapel Stile) on the 8th, Grasmere Village Hall on the 12th and The Hydro Hotel, Windermere on the 14th. A larger public meeting will follow the last of the drop ins from 7pm on 14th July at the Hydro Hotel. I hope as many people as possible will join us for informal chats and idea exchanges or to contribute to the open forum.”
HLF has already accepted the first phase of the Windermere bid and is expected to make a decision on the future of the three-year plan for Windermere Reflections in March 2011.
Dave added: “This is a unique opportunity to protect some of the most precious, yet vulnerable, parts of the Windermere landscape. With the community’s help we can achieve benefits now and for future generations.”
Anyone wanting further information should contact him via email - dave.muir@environment-agency.gov.uk (opens in new window) or ring 015394 40263.
Bassenthwaite Lake Restoration Programme
This programme is part of the Still Waters Partnership, made up of the Lake District National Park Authority, Environment Agency, National Trust, United Utilities, Forestry Commission, Natural England, Cumbria Tourism and Cumbria County Council.
For further information visit Bassenthwaite Lake Restoration Programme website (opens in new window) or telephone John Pinder on 01768 215731
