Menu12 June, 2025
Steve Ratcliffe, Director of Sustainable Development for the Lake District National Park Authority, said:
“The Lake District is a unique cultural landscape of global significance, shaped by humans over 1,000 years of traditional upland farming, including the rearing of hefted native sheep and indigenous breeds fell ponies, and cattle, alongside the collective management of common land. This unique farming system is recognised as one of the National Park's 13 "special qualities", alongside wildlife, habitats and recreation, and is key to its UNESCO World Heritage Site status. We work hard to balance the diverse interests of this working landscape by collaborating with communities and partners.
“We recognise the urgent challenges facing biodiversity, climate and farming. Whilst changes in land management are necessary to support nature recovery and climate resilience, this should take place with consideration to the area’s cultural heritage to ensure every effort is made to maintain the farming traditions and communities of our National Park, whilst improving outcomes for nature. The 22 organisations in the Lake District National Park Partnership champion farmer-led nature recovery – a collaborative approach to nature recovery that can benefit both the environment and livelihoods of local communities. For example, we have provided £4.9million to the Lake District farming community over the last four years through the Farming in Protected Landscapes programme. We continue to advocate for an improved policy landscape and adequate agri-environment funding, so that local farming communities can be part of the solution to all three crises and ensuring the Lake District remains a cherished place for all.”
