Plea to drop 'abused' Lake District Unesco world heritage title
A conservationist is campaigning to get the Lake District's world heritage status revoked, claiming too many tourists are damaging the land. Ecologist Lee Schofield, who owns farmland near Haweswater, has written to Unesco saying the area is being "abused" by increased tourism, second-home ownership and unsustainable sheep farming.The area was given the status by the United Nations agency in 2017, with its beauty, thriving farming businesses and inspiration for artists and writers being praised. Tim Farron, Liberal Democrat MP for Westmorland and Lonsdale, said losing the status would be a "hammer blow" to tourism and farming. Unesco has been approached for comment.
The Lake District was the 31st place in the UK and overseas territories to be put on the heritage list, joining the likes of the Grand Canyon, the Taj Mahal and Machu Picchu. About 18 million people visit the area each year, spending a total of £1.2bn and providing about 18,000 jobs.It is home to England's largest natural lake - Windermere - and highest mountain - Scafell Pike.
Mr Schofield said: "Some areas need a rest, maybe for quite a long period of time to allow the habitat to recover again and then it will be able to support more livestock again in the future. "The designation is also really damaging in terms of tourism, it's a much bigger contributor to the rural economy than farming is but it reaches a point when it has a really damaging impact on wildlife and the communities that live in these places."He also said there was a "massive problem" with second-home ownership driving up property prices, meaning locals could not afford to buy homes. Julia Aglionby, professor of protected areas from the University of Cumbria, disputed the claim there was "over-tourism".She said it was important it was managed properly and that was the role of the "hard-working" Lake District National Park Authority.
Hannah Wadsworth, who helps run Lakeland Maze Farm Park, near Kendal, said the status had boosted her business.She said: "The World Heritage Status has been really helpful for us bringing people into the farm park."If it was to go it would be really unfortunate and [we] would really struggle to maintain our livelihood."Other UK Unesco sites include Stonehenge, Durham Castle and Cathedral, and the city of Bath.
Farron said he was against the campaign and that it was a "misguided and poorly judged attack" on hill farmers.He said: "Stripping the Lake District of the status and removing sheep from the fells would be hammer blow for Cumbria's tourism and farming sectors - both of which are utterly vital to our economy. "It would also be damaging to our heritage and diversity."Mr Schofield added: "I'm one of many people who have raised these concerns - this is not a personal campaign, I'm certainly not alone in this."
Follow BBC Cumbria on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Sun
an hour ago
- The Sun
Beachfront lido that's free to use to close this summer ahead of major renovation
ONE of the UK's best free lidos will close in the height of summer to undergo renovation works. Shoalstone Seawater Pool has experienced cracking due to harsh tides and will be closed off to visitors in a matter of weeks. 4 4 Shoalstone Pool in Brixham announced in 2024 that it had received Government funding to go towards a £750,000 pool upgrade. The pool's managers said the work would include the reconstruction of the north west corner after waves crashing against the pool caused cracks to appear. Sadly, work on the pool means that it will close to swimmers. David Thomas, operations manager said: "We'll be closing the pool in August for essential upgrades. "Thanks to a government grant, we'll be installing a new deep end, a raised deck, replacing railings, and reinforcing the walls to ensure safety for future generations." The website states that the pool could be closed off as soon as July to prepare for the repairs. An official date for the closure is yet to be announced. The swimming pool is 53 metres long making it one of the largest tidal pools in the world and sits on the edge of Shoalstone Beach in Devon. There is no entry charge, but they do ask for a voluntary donations. It asks for donations of £3.50 per swim, or £8 per family to help cover running costs. As well as regular swimming sessions, there are other activities like pooch-friendly swims, wellbeing days, fun days, twilight and night swims. New £4million lido to open in UK next year 4 On the side, the pool offers sessions of yoga and tai chi. They also hold Santa Runs and Beer Festivals for the people of Brixham and Torbay. The pool is tidal and relies on the sea to fill it, so it's always best to visit in the hours either side of low tide during the summer months. Shoalstone Pool is considered a gem for locals and visitors alike. One visitors wrote on Tripadvisor: "This venue is truly unique. A beautiful, well cared for seawater pool. I have spent many sunny days swimming in the pool, as an adult and child." Another added: "Why doesn't Brixham shout about this place? It's awesome! We found out about it by accident, from someone in a shop. It's a little further away from the harbour - but I always think the best places are the ones off the beaten track." A third said: "I had the best time in Shoalstone pool. So invigorating. Would definitely go again when next in beautiful Brixham. Easy to park and the views are amazing." Plus, here are the UK's best outdoor water parks and lidos – as temperatures are set to rise over the weekend. And another lido that's set to reopen this summer after three years – and an £8.75 million upgrade.
The Sun
an hour ago
- The Sun
Aldi shoppers flocking to middle aisle for bargain camping and festival gear – & prices start at £4
ALDI customers are rushing to the middle aisle to snap up bargain camping and festival essentials – with prices starting from just £4. Shoppers across the UK have been praising the latest SpecialBuys range, which landed in stores this week and includes everything from children's camping chairs to electric coolboxes, sleeping bags and even hammocks with stands. 4 4 4 In one popular Facebook post, a thrilled shopper wrote: 'Kids camping chairs now at ALDI as part of this week's SpecialBuys in store, £7.99 each.' The new drop, part of Aldi's ADVENTURIDGE brand, has already created a buzz in stores. Big-ticket items include a Foldable Handcart for £39.99, a Hammock Chair at £44.99, and a Portable Hammock with Stand, also priced at £44.99 – ideal for lounging at campsites or music festivals. For those preparing for overnight stays, there's a Sleeping Bag at £16.99, a Self Inflating Mat for £14.99, and a 4-in-1 Airbed by BESTWAY for £24.99. Staying warm and dry is easy with a Camping Poncho Blanket costing £19.99, while the Electric Coolbox, priced at £34.99, keeps food and drinks fresh. There's also plenty for little adventurers, including a Children's Tent for £12.99, a Children's Sleeping Bag at £14.99 and a Kids Light Assortment priced at just £2.99. The popular Children's Camping Chair, highlighted on Facebook, is available for £7.99. Fans flocked to the comments. One user said: 'Will have to buy the kids some for the summer holidays.' Another added: 'Popping to the shops now.' Others tagged their friends to spread the word. Budget-conscious shoppers can still stock up on handy extras, such as Microwave Containers at £4.99, Tent Essentials for £4.99, and a range of Camping Accessories from £4.49. Other practical picks include Electric Camping Extensions at £19.99, an Insulated Bottle for £6.99, and a Multi Purpose Floor Mat at £12.99. With summer holidays and festival season in full swing, the range is flying off shelves – and as with all SpecialBuys, once they're gone, they're gone.
Daily Mail
2 hours ago
- Daily Mail
Flights are 'almost always cheaper' if you depart on two specific days of the week reveals travel expert
A travel expert has revealed the best days of the week to fly to secure a cheap flight. Dawn Morwood, co-director of Cheap Deals Away, says that travelling on two specific days will help tourists save money on their flight. Speaking to the Express, the expert reveals that flying mid-week could help travellers snap up a bargain flight. Dawn says: 'Tuesday and Wednesday departures are almost always cheaper than weekend flights.' Many British travellers try to maximise their time away by flying at the weekend so prices are generally highest on Saturday. If you're able to be flexible with your departure date, it's worth checking the price of your flight across different days. Dawn also claims that booking a flight at the earliest date possible isn't always the best way to save money. She says: 'I've seen people book flights 10 months early thinking they've got a bargain, only to watch the same route drop by £200 per person just weeks before departure. 'Airlines use dynamic pricing, which means they're constantly adjusting based on demand predictions.' However, the expert adds that booking a flight last-minute is also a risky way to travel. She explains that tourists could face 'inflated prices' and 'limited availability' as well as being forced to 'compromise' on 'accommodation quality' if they book late. According to Dawn, the ideal time to book a short-haul flight to Europe is six to eight weeks before departure. When it comes to a long-haul flight, it's best to book eight to 12 weeks ahead of travel.
