23
Lake District World Heritage Bid 2016lakesworldheritage.co.uk #lakedistrictbid
Nigel Wilkinson, Local businessman and resident
“ It’s one of the best parts of the world. We shouldn’t take it for granted.”
The Lake District UNESCO World Heritage Bid
The Lake District UNESCO World Heritage Bid
Why is the Lake District special?
The Lake District UNESCO World Heritage Bid
IDENTITY
Dramatic panoramas, valleys, mountains and lakes and more than 1,000 years of farming and industry – shape a unique place, captivating people for generations.
The Lake District UNESCO World Heritage Bid
INSPIRATION
The Lake District inspired Picturesque and Romantic thought and millions continue to seek out its serene wonders.
The Lake District UNESCO World Heritage Bid
CONSERVATION
The birth of conservation: the Lake District remains at the forefront of environmental issues globally.
The Lake District UNESCO World Heritage Bid
INSPIRATION CONSERVATION
IDENTITY
The Lake District UNESCO World Heritage Bid
OUV attributes in the Coniston Valley
The Lake District UNESCO World Heritage Bid
Ullswater from Gowbarrow Hill
Phot
o: J
ohn
Hod
gson
The Lake District UNESCO World Heritage Bid
Windermere from the south
Phot
o: S
i Hom
fray
In 2016 the Lake District will be bidding for World Heritage Site status, positioning us alongside destinations such as the Taj Mahal, the Tower of London and the Great Barrier Reef under the category ‘Cultural Landscape’.
The Lake District UNESCO World Heritage Bid
The Lake District UNESCO World Heritage Bid
Places or buildings of global importance
• World Heritage sites are inscribed under the UNESCO Operational Guidelines for the Implementation of the World Heritage Convention.
• Sites must demonstrate Outstanding Universal Value (OUV)
• Cultural landscapes category agreed in 1992 - there are now 85 WHS cultural landscapes
What is a World Heritage site?
“combined works of nature and of man”…
The Lake District UNESCO World Heritage Bid
What is a Cultural landscape?
Cultural landscapes are cultural properties and represent the
The Lake District UNESCO World Heritage Bid
WHO’S SUPPORTING THE BID?• Action with Communities in Cumbria• Allerdale Borough Council• Barrow Borough Council• Brantwood• Carlisle City Council• Copeland Borough Council• Country Land and Business Association• Cumbria Association of Local Councils• Cumbria County Council• Cumbria Local Nature Partnership• Cumbria Rural Enterprise Agency• Cumbria Tourism• Cumbria Wildlife Trust• Defra• Eden District Council• Environment Agency• Fells and Dales Leader+• Forestry Commission• Friends of the Lake District• Herdy• Herdwick Sheep Breeders Association• Historic England
(formerly English Heritage) • International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) UK
• Invest in Cumbria• James Rebanks
– Farmer and Author• Lake District Local
Access Forum• Lake District National
Park Authority• Lake District National Park
Partnership’s Business Task Force• Lakeland Arts Trust• Lancaster University• Local Enterprise Partnership, Cumbria• National Farmers’ Union• National Trust• Natural England• Nurture Lakeland• Royal Society for the Protection of Birds• South Lakeland District Council• South Lakes Development Trust• United Utilities• University of Cumbria• Wordsworth Trust• World Commission on Protected Areas UK
The Lake District UNESCO World Heritage Bid
HERDY
Herdy is the lovable, responsible brand from the English Lake District that creates gift, homeware and accessories that are made to make you smile. As the lead commercial collaboration partner a unique ‘united by herdy’ special purpose brand marque has been created and licensed for the bid campaign representing the three themes of identity, community and conservation. The warm and friendly face of Herdy will now be used to encourage visitors, residents and everyone who loves the Lake District to unite in their pride and back the bid.
The Lake District UNESCO World Heritage Bid
TimelineIn 2016 the Lake District National Park will apply to become a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This is the timeline for our activities in the lead-up to our bid.
1986 and 1989 The Lake District’s bid started with it’s first nominations
1992 The Cultural Landscape category is introduced
JAN 2014 The Government names the Lake District as the 2016 UK nomination
MAY 2015 Partnership and Authority meetings officially endorse the dossier
1 FEB 2016 The nomination dossier is finalised and submitted to UNESCO
1 MAR 2016 UNESCO confirm application is accepted
31 JUL 2017 Decision made by UNESCO World Heritage Committee
The Lake District UNESCO World Heritage Bid
INVESTMENTCOMMUNITY
CIVIC PRIDE
How will it benefit us?
The Lake District UNESCO World Heritage Bid
The farming community?
Change is permissible, for the landscape has evolved and will continue to do so if it is to survive…(UNESCO)
A stronger marketing tool?
A tool for arguing for agri-environment grant against a background of CAP reform and diminishing resources?
...but it’s what we make of it
The overall objective is to maintain the essential nature of the traditional rural farming landscape as a working system.
The Lake District UNESCO World Heritage Bid
The business community?Industry, farming and businesses are entwined in the World Heritage story.
...but it’s what we make of it
Just one percent increase in cultural visitors could boost our economy by £20 million
World Heritage status will offer the chance to develop new products and services reaching new markets
The World Heritage brand will have an international profile, helping to attract and retain talent, and draw in investment.
The Lake District UNESCO World Heritage Bid
Visitors
...but it’s what we make of it
Global recognition will make visitor information even more accessible in the UK and internationally.
Economic boost in the area will lead to improved infrastructure and travel in the area.
Potential for increased offer from leisure and hospitality providers who are using the World Heritage status in their marketing.
Having an internationally recognised World Heritage Site on their doorstep will create a sense of pride amongst UK visitors.
10 Reasons Leaflet
The 10 Reasons leaflet presents 10 important qualities of the Lake District which contribute to the case for World Heritage.
Information is presented in an easy to digest concertina format.
8 8 89L A K E D I S T R I C T W O R L D H E R I TAG E B I D GU IDEL INES
10 Reasons Leaflet
5. E X A M P L E S
ConservationThe recognition and appreciation of the spectacular beauty of the Lake District by visitors in the 18th century soon led to the desire to protect the area. As a result, The Lake District became the birthplace of a landscape conservation movement which has had global infl uence and includes the origins of the National Trust.
LandscapeThe Lake District has been modifi ed by people for thousands of years. It is a fantastic example of a ‘cultural landscape’ in which nature has been modifi ed by farming and industry to produce a landscape of spectacular beauty.
Complex GeologyDuring the last Ice Age the Lake District was shaped by glaciers which carved U-shaped valleys, some of which fi lled up with water to form lakes. The valleys radiate out from the centre of the Lake District like the spokes of a wheel, refl ecting the movement of the glaciers. The rocks of the Lake District are varied and refl ect many geological periods.
ArchaeologyHumans have lived in the Lake District for more than 10,000 years. The archaeological traces of this long period include Neolithic stone circles and rock art, Bronze and Iron Age settlements, Roman roads and forts, mediaeval pele towers and monasteries, and the remains of past industries.
Farming HeritageHill farming has helped to shape the Lake District for over a thousand years and still defi nes the character of the area today. Our farming heritage includes shepherds meets, local dialect and traditional sports and shows. The Lake District fells are home to two indigenous breeds of sheep, the Herdwick and the Rough Fell.
Common LandThe Lake District is farmed in a distinctive way with small inbye fi elds in the valley bottoms, intake fi elds on the valley sides and unenclosed, communal grazing land on the higher fells. Much of the open fi le is Common Land, and in fact the Lake District has the largest area of Common Land in Europe. The fi elds in the central Lake District are bounded by stone walls, many of which were built centuries ago and have been rebuilt many times.
ConservationThe recognition and appreciation of
the spectacular beauty of the Lake
District by visitors in the 18th century
soon led to the desire to protect the
area. As a result, The Lake District
became the birthplace of a landscape
conservation movement which has
had global infl uence and includes the
origins of the National Trust.
LandscapeThe Lake District has been modifi ed by
people for thousands of years. It is a
fantastic example of a ‘cultural landscape’
in which nature has been modifi ed
by farming and industry to produce
a landscape of spectacular beauty.
Complex Geology
During the last Ice Age the Lake District was
shaped by glaciers which carved U-shaped
valleys, some of which fi lled up with water
to form lakes. The valleys radiate out from
the centre of the Lake District like the spokes
of a wheel, refl ecting the movement of the
glaciers. The rocks of the Lake District are
varied and refl ect many geological periods.
ArchaeologyHumans have lived in the Lake District for
more than 10,000 years. The archaeological
traces of this long period include Neolithic
stone circles and rock art, Bronze and Iron
Age settlements, Roman roads and forts,
mediaeval pele towers and monasteries,
and the remains of past industries.
Farming Heritage
Hill farming has helped to shape the Lake
District for over a thousand years and still
defi nes the character of the area today.
Our farming heritage includes shepherds
meets, local dialect and traditional sports
and shows. The Lake District fells are home
to two indigenous breeds of sheep, the
Herdwick and the Rough Fell.
Common Land
The Lake District is farmed in a distinctive way
with small inbye fi elds in the valley bottoms,
intake fi elds on the valley sides and unenclosed,
communal grazing land on the higher fells.
Much of the open fi le is Common Land, and
in fact the Lake District has the largest area
of Common Land in Europe. The fi elds in the
central Lake District are bounded by stone
walls, many of which were built centuries ago
and have been rebuilt many times.
ConservationThe recognition and appreciation of
the spectacular beauty of the Lake
District by visitors in the 18th century
soon led to the desire to protect the
area. As a result, The Lake District
became the birthplace of a landscape
conservation movement which has
had global infl uence and includes the
origins of the National Trust.
LandscapeThe Lake District has been modifi ed by
people for thousands of years. It is a
fantastic example of a ‘cultural landscape’
in which nature has been modifi ed
by farming and industry to produce
a landscape of spectacular beauty.
Complex Geology
During the last Ice Age the Lake District was
shaped by glaciers which carved U-shaped
valleys, some of which fi lled up with water
to form lakes. The valleys radiate out from
the centre of the Lake District like the spokes
of a wheel, refl ecting the movement of the
glaciers. The rocks of the Lake District are
varied and refl ect many geological periods.
ArchaeologyHumans have lived in the Lake District for
more than 10,000 years. The archaeological
traces of this long period include Neolithic
stone circles and rock art, Bronze and Iron
Age settlements, Roman roads and forts,
mediaeval pele towers and monasteries,
and the remains of past industries.
Farming Heritage
Hill farming has helped to shape the Lake
District for over a thousand years and still
defi nes the character of the area today.
Our farming heritage includes shepherds
meets, local dialect and traditional sports
and shows. The Lake District fells are home
to two indigenous breeds of sheep, the
Herdwick and the Rough Fell.
Common Land
The Lake District is farmed in a distinctive way
with small inbye fi elds in the valley bottoms,
intake fi elds on the valley sides and unenclosed,
communal grazing land on the higher fells.
Much of the open fi le is Common Land, and
in fact the Lake District has the largest area
of Common Land in Europe. The fi elds in the
central Lake District are bounded by stone
walls, many of which were built centuries ago
and have been rebuilt many times.
ConservationThe recognition and appreciation of the spectacular beauty of the Lake District by visitors in the 18th century soon led to the desire to protect the area. As a result, The Lake District became the birthplace of a landscape conservation movement which has had global infl uence and includes the origins of the National Trust.
LandscapeThe Lake District has been modifi ed by people for thousands of years. It is a fantastic example of a ‘cultural landscape’ in which nature has been modifi ed by farming and industry to produce a landscape of spectacular beauty.
Complex GeologyDuring the last Ice Age the Lake District was shaped by glaciers which carved U-shaped valleys, some of which fi lled up with water to form lakes. The valleys radiate out from the centre of the Lake District like the spokes of a wheel, refl ecting the movement of the glaciers. The rocks of the Lake District are varied and refl ect many geological periods.
ArchaeologyHumans have lived in the Lake District for more than 10,000 years. The archaeological traces of this long period include Neolithic stone circles and rock art, Bronze and Iron Age settlements, Roman roads and forts, mediaeval pele towers and monasteries, and the remains of past industries.
Farming HeritageHill farming has helped to shape the Lake District for over a thousand years and still defi nes the character of the area today. Our farming heritage includes shepherds meets, local dialect and traditional sports and shows. The Lake District fells are home to two indigenous breeds of sheep, the Herdwick and the Rough Fell.
Common LandThe Lake District is farmed in a distinctive way with small inbye fi elds in the valley bottoms, intake fi elds on the valley sides and unenclosed, communal grazing land on the higher fells. Much of the open fi le is Common Land, and in fact the Lake District has the largest area of Common Land in Europe. The fi elds in the central Lake District are bounded by stone walls, many of which were built centuries ago and have been rebuilt many times.
ConservationThe recognition and appreciation of
the spectacular beauty of the Lake
District by visitors in the 18th century
soon led to the desire to protect the
area. As a result, The Lake District
became the birthplace of a landscape
conservation movement which has
had global infl uence and includes the
origins of the National Trust.
LandscapeThe Lake District has been modifi ed by
people for thousands of years. It is a
fantastic example of a ‘cultural landscape’
in which nature has been modifi ed
by farming and industry to produce
a landscape of spectacular beauty.
Complex Geology
During the last Ice Age the Lake District was
shaped by glaciers which carved U-shaped
valleys, some of which fi lled up with water
to form lakes. The valleys radiate out from
the centre of the Lake District like the spokes
of a wheel, refl ecting the movement of the
glaciers. The rocks of the Lake District are
varied and refl ect many geological periods.
ArchaeologyHumans have lived in the Lake District for
more than 10,000 years. The archaeological
traces of this long period include Neolithic
stone circles and rock art, Bronze and Iron
Age settlements, Roman roads and forts,
mediaeval pele towers and monasteries,
and the remains of past industries.
Farming Heritage
Hill farming has helped to shape the Lake
District for over a thousand years and still
defi nes the character of the area today.
Our farming heritage includes shepherds
meets, local dialect and traditional sports
and shows. The Lake District fells are home
to two indigenous breeds of sheep, the
Herdwick and the Rough Fell.
Common Land
The Lake District is farmed in a distinctive way
with small inbye fi elds in the valley bottoms,
intake fi elds on the valley sides and unenclosed,
communal grazing land on the higher fells.
Much of the open fi le is Common Land, and
in fact the Lake District has the largest area
of Common Land in Europe. The fi elds in the
central Lake District are bounded by stone
walls, many of which were built centuries ago
and have been rebuilt many times.
ConservationThe recognition and appreciation of the spectacular beauty of the Lake District by visitors in the 18th century soon led to the desire to protect the area. As a result, The Lake District became the birthplace of a landscape conservation movement which has had global infl uence and includes the origins of the National Trust.
LandscapeThe Lake District has been modifi ed by people for thousands of years. It is a fantastic example of a ‘cultural landscape’ in which nature has been modifi ed by farming and industry to produce a landscape of spectacular beauty.
Complex GeologyDuring the last Ice Age the Lake District was shaped by glaciers which carved U-shaped valleys, some of which fi lled up with water to form lakes. The valleys radiate out from the centre of the Lake District like the spokes of a wheel, refl ecting the movement of the glaciers. The rocks of the Lake District are varied and refl ect many geological periods.
ArchaeologyHumans have lived in the Lake District for more than 10,000 years. The archaeological traces of this long period include Neolithic stone circles and rock art, Bronze and Iron Age settlements, Roman roads and forts, mediaeval pele towers and monasteries, and the remains of past industries.
Farming HeritageHill farming has helped to shape the Lake District for over a thousand years and still defi nes the character of the area today. Our farming heritage includes shepherds meets, local dialect and traditional sports and shows. The Lake District fells are home to two indigenous breeds of sheep, the Herdwick and the Rough Fell.
Common LandThe Lake District is farmed in a distinctive way with small inbye fi elds in the valley bottoms, intake fi elds on the valley sides and unenclosed, communal grazing land on the higher fells. Much of the open fi le is Common Land, and in fact the Lake District has the largest area of Common Land in Europe. The fi elds in the central Lake District are bounded by stone walls, many of which were built centuries ago and have been rebuilt many times.
IndustryThe Lake District has been the setting for a number of important industries based on abundant raw materials. Rocks and minerals, timber and charcoal from local woodlands, wool and fl ax, and power from the powerful rivers and becks. More recently the Lake District was busy with mining and quarrying, iron smelting and gunpowder manufacture. Traditional Lake District farmhouses were built from local rock and roofed with local slate.
Natural EnvironmentThe natural backdrop of the Lake District includes rich fl ora and fauna. Signifi cant habitats range from the coast to high mountains and include lakes, wetlands, peat bogs and native woodland. Signifi cant local wildlife includes freshwater mussels, native fi sh including Arctic charr and vendace, natterjack toads and red squirrels. Many of these have both national and European importance.
Villas, Parks & GardensThe early tourists were quickly followed bypeople of means who wished to live in thearea and construct picturesque villas anddesigned landscapes. Examples include the house on Belle Isle in Windermere and Lyulph’s Tower, both built in the mid-18th century. The arrival of the railway at Windermere in 1847 opened the way for more visitors and Lake District towns began to cater for mass tourism.
Artistic InspirationThe Lake District landscape attracted artists from the 18th century onwards. Initial interest was in the sublime and picturesque, followed by the romantic poets including William Wordsworth and Samuel Taylor Coleridge. Wordsworth’s poetry celebrated the special qualities of the Lake District and helped to set the scene for the early conservation movement. Painters who visited the Lake District include JMW Turner, John Constable and Thomas Gainsborough.
Reasons why the Lake District is an evolving masterpiece
The Lake District is a special place that that has inspired generations of artists, writers, industrialists, entrepreneurs and farmers to shape the world around them. It is continually changing as communities, visitors and businesses all work together to produce an evolving masterpiece.’
In 2016 the Lake District will be bidding for World Heritage Site status.
Tell us your story atlakesworldheritage.co.uk
The 10 Reasons leaflet presents 10 Lake
District attributes that make it worthy of
World Heritage status.
Information is presented in an easy to
digest concertina format.
8 98 8 L A K E D I S T R I C T W O R L D H E R I TAG E B I D G U I D E L I N E S
8 8 89L A K E D I S T R I C T W O R L D H E R I TAG E B I D GU IDEL INES
10 Reasons Leaflet
5. E X A M P L E S
ConservationThe recognition and appreciation of the spectacular beauty of the Lake District by visitors in the 18th century soon led to the desire to protect the area. As a result, The Lake District became the birthplace of a landscape conservation movement which has had global infl uence and includes the origins of the National Trust.
LandscapeThe Lake District has been modifi ed by people for thousands of years. It is a fantastic example of a ‘cultural landscape’ in which nature has been modifi ed by farming and industry to produce a landscape of spectacular beauty.
Complex GeologyDuring the last Ice Age the Lake District was shaped by glaciers which carved U-shaped valleys, some of which fi lled up with water to form lakes. The valleys radiate out from the centre of the Lake District like the spokes of a wheel, refl ecting the movement of the glaciers. The rocks of the Lake District are varied and refl ect many geological periods.
ArchaeologyHumans have lived in the Lake District for more than 10,000 years. The archaeological traces of this long period include Neolithic stone circles and rock art, Bronze and Iron Age settlements, Roman roads and forts, mediaeval pele towers and monasteries, and the remains of past industries.
Farming HeritageHill farming has helped to shape the Lake District for over a thousand years and still defi nes the character of the area today. Our farming heritage includes shepherds meets, local dialect and traditional sports and shows. The Lake District fells are home to two indigenous breeds of sheep, the Herdwick and the Rough Fell.
Common LandThe Lake District is farmed in a distinctive way with small inbye fi elds in the valley bottoms, intake fi elds on the valley sides and unenclosed, communal grazing land on the higher fells. Much of the open fi le is Common Land, and in fact the Lake District has the largest area of Common Land in Europe. The fi elds in the central Lake District are bounded by stone walls, many of which were built centuries ago and have been rebuilt many times.
ConservationThe recognition and appreciation of
the spectacular beauty of the Lake
District by visitors in the 18th century
soon led to the desire to protect the
area. As a result, The Lake District
became the birthplace of a landscape
conservation movement which has
had global infl uence and includes the
origins of the National Trust.
LandscapeThe Lake District has been modifi ed by
people for thousands of years. It is a
fantastic example of a ‘cultural landscape’
in which nature has been modifi ed
by farming and industry to produce
a landscape of spectacular beauty.
Complex Geology
During the last Ice Age the Lake District was
shaped by glaciers which carved U-shaped
valleys, some of which fi lled up with water
to form lakes. The valleys radiate out from
the centre of the Lake District like the spokes
of a wheel, refl ecting the movement of the
glaciers. The rocks of the Lake District are
varied and refl ect many geological periods.
ArchaeologyHumans have lived in the Lake District for
more than 10,000 years. The archaeological
traces of this long period include Neolithic
stone circles and rock art, Bronze and Iron
Age settlements, Roman roads and forts,
mediaeval pele towers and monasteries,
and the remains of past industries.
Farming Heritage
Hill farming has helped to shape the Lake
District for over a thousand years and still
defi nes the character of the area today.
Our farming heritage includes shepherds
meets, local dialect and traditional sports
and shows. The Lake District fells are home
to two indigenous breeds of sheep, the
Herdwick and the Rough Fell.
Common Land
The Lake District is farmed in a distinctive way
with small inbye fi elds in the valley bottoms,
intake fi elds on the valley sides and unenclosed,
communal grazing land on the higher fells.
Much of the open fi le is Common Land, and
in fact the Lake District has the largest area
of Common Land in Europe. The fi elds in the
central Lake District are bounded by stone
walls, many of which were built centuries ago
and have been rebuilt many times.
ConservationThe recognition and appreciation of
the spectacular beauty of the Lake
District by visitors in the 18th century
soon led to the desire to protect the
area. As a result, The Lake District
became the birthplace of a landscape
conservation movement which has
had global infl uence and includes the
origins of the National Trust.
LandscapeThe Lake District has been modifi ed by
people for thousands of years. It is a
fantastic example of a ‘cultural landscape’
in which nature has been modifi ed
by farming and industry to produce
a landscape of spectacular beauty.
Complex Geology
During the last Ice Age the Lake District was
shaped by glaciers which carved U-shaped
valleys, some of which fi lled up with water
to form lakes. The valleys radiate out from
the centre of the Lake District like the spokes
of a wheel, refl ecting the movement of the
glaciers. The rocks of the Lake District are
varied and refl ect many geological periods.
ArchaeologyHumans have lived in the Lake District for
more than 10,000 years. The archaeological
traces of this long period include Neolithic
stone circles and rock art, Bronze and Iron
Age settlements, Roman roads and forts,
mediaeval pele towers and monasteries,
and the remains of past industries.
Farming Heritage
Hill farming has helped to shape the Lake
District for over a thousand years and still
defi nes the character of the area today.
Our farming heritage includes shepherds
meets, local dialect and traditional sports
and shows. The Lake District fells are home
to two indigenous breeds of sheep, the
Herdwick and the Rough Fell.
Common Land
The Lake District is farmed in a distinctive way
with small inbye fi elds in the valley bottoms,
intake fi elds on the valley sides and unenclosed,
communal grazing land on the higher fells.
Much of the open fi le is Common Land, and
in fact the Lake District has the largest area
of Common Land in Europe. The fi elds in the
central Lake District are bounded by stone
walls, many of which were built centuries ago
and have been rebuilt many times.
ConservationThe recognition and appreciation of the spectacular beauty of the Lake District by visitors in the 18th century soon led to the desire to protect the area. As a result, The Lake District became the birthplace of a landscape conservation movement which has had global infl uence and includes the origins of the National Trust.
LandscapeThe Lake District has been modifi ed by people for thousands of years. It is a fantastic example of a ‘cultural landscape’ in which nature has been modifi ed by farming and industry to produce a landscape of spectacular beauty.
Complex GeologyDuring the last Ice Age the Lake District was shaped by glaciers which carved U-shaped valleys, some of which fi lled up with water to form lakes. The valleys radiate out from the centre of the Lake District like the spokes of a wheel, refl ecting the movement of the glaciers. The rocks of the Lake District are varied and refl ect many geological periods.
ArchaeologyHumans have lived in the Lake District for more than 10,000 years. The archaeological traces of this long period include Neolithic stone circles and rock art, Bronze and Iron Age settlements, Roman roads and forts, mediaeval pele towers and monasteries, and the remains of past industries.
Farming HeritageHill farming has helped to shape the Lake District for over a thousand years and still defi nes the character of the area today. Our farming heritage includes shepherds meets, local dialect and traditional sports and shows. The Lake District fells are home to two indigenous breeds of sheep, the Herdwick and the Rough Fell.
Common LandThe Lake District is farmed in a distinctive way with small inbye fi elds in the valley bottoms, intake fi elds on the valley sides and unenclosed, communal grazing land on the higher fells. Much of the open fi le is Common Land, and in fact the Lake District has the largest area of Common Land in Europe. The fi elds in the central Lake District are bounded by stone walls, many of which were built centuries ago and have been rebuilt many times.
ConservationThe recognition and appreciation of
the spectacular beauty of the Lake
District by visitors in the 18th century
soon led to the desire to protect the
area. As a result, The Lake District
became the birthplace of a landscape
conservation movement which has
had global infl uence and includes the
origins of the National Trust.
LandscapeThe Lake District has been modifi ed by
people for thousands of years. It is a
fantastic example of a ‘cultural landscape’
in which nature has been modifi ed
by farming and industry to produce
a landscape of spectacular beauty.
Complex Geology
During the last Ice Age the Lake District was
shaped by glaciers which carved U-shaped
valleys, some of which fi lled up with water
to form lakes. The valleys radiate out from
the centre of the Lake District like the spokes
of a wheel, refl ecting the movement of the
glaciers. The rocks of the Lake District are
varied and refl ect many geological periods.
ArchaeologyHumans have lived in the Lake District for
more than 10,000 years. The archaeological
traces of this long period include Neolithic
stone circles and rock art, Bronze and Iron
Age settlements, Roman roads and forts,
mediaeval pele towers and monasteries,
and the remains of past industries.
Farming Heritage
Hill farming has helped to shape the Lake
District for over a thousand years and still
defi nes the character of the area today.
Our farming heritage includes shepherds
meets, local dialect and traditional sports
and shows. The Lake District fells are home
to two indigenous breeds of sheep, the
Herdwick and the Rough Fell.
Common Land
The Lake District is farmed in a distinctive way
with small inbye fi elds in the valley bottoms,
intake fi elds on the valley sides and unenclosed,
communal grazing land on the higher fells.
Much of the open fi le is Common Land, and
in fact the Lake District has the largest area
of Common Land in Europe. The fi elds in the
central Lake District are bounded by stone
walls, many of which were built centuries ago
and have been rebuilt many times.
ConservationThe recognition and appreciation of the spectacular beauty of the Lake District by visitors in the 18th century soon led to the desire to protect the area. As a result, The Lake District became the birthplace of a landscape conservation movement which has had global infl uence and includes the origins of the National Trust.
LandscapeThe Lake District has been modifi ed by people for thousands of years. It is a fantastic example of a ‘cultural landscape’ in which nature has been modifi ed by farming and industry to produce a landscape of spectacular beauty.
Complex GeologyDuring the last Ice Age the Lake District was shaped by glaciers which carved U-shaped valleys, some of which fi lled up with water to form lakes. The valleys radiate out from the centre of the Lake District like the spokes of a wheel, refl ecting the movement of the glaciers. The rocks of the Lake District are varied and refl ect many geological periods.
ArchaeologyHumans have lived in the Lake District for more than 10,000 years. The archaeological traces of this long period include Neolithic stone circles and rock art, Bronze and Iron Age settlements, Roman roads and forts, mediaeval pele towers and monasteries, and the remains of past industries.
Farming HeritageHill farming has helped to shape the Lake District for over a thousand years and still defi nes the character of the area today. Our farming heritage includes shepherds meets, local dialect and traditional sports and shows. The Lake District fells are home to two indigenous breeds of sheep, the Herdwick and the Rough Fell.
Common LandThe Lake District is farmed in a distinctive way with small inbye fi elds in the valley bottoms, intake fi elds on the valley sides and unenclosed, communal grazing land on the higher fells. Much of the open fi le is Common Land, and in fact the Lake District has the largest area of Common Land in Europe. The fi elds in the central Lake District are bounded by stone walls, many of which were built centuries ago and have been rebuilt many times.
IndustryThe Lake District has been the setting for a number of important industries based on abundant raw materials. Rocks and minerals, timber and charcoal from local woodlands, wool and fl ax, and power from the powerful rivers and becks. More recently the Lake District was busy with mining and quarrying, iron smelting and gunpowder manufacture. Traditional Lake District farmhouses were built from local rock and roofed with local slate.
Natural EnvironmentThe natural backdrop of the Lake District includes rich fl ora and fauna. Signifi cant habitats range from the coast to high mountains and include lakes, wetlands, peat bogs and native woodland. Signifi cant local wildlife includes freshwater mussels, native fi sh including Arctic charr and vendace, natterjack toads and red squirrels. Many of these have both national and European importance.
Villas, Parks & GardensThe early tourists were quickly followed bypeople of means who wished to live in thearea and construct picturesque villas anddesigned landscapes. Examples include the house on Belle Isle in Windermere and Lyulph’s Tower, both built in the mid-18th century. The arrival of the railway at Windermere in 1847 opened the way for more visitors and Lake District towns began to cater for mass tourism.
Artistic InspirationThe Lake District landscape attracted artists from the 18th century onwards. Initial interest was in the sublime and picturesque, followed by the romantic poets including William Wordsworth and Samuel Taylor Coleridge. Wordsworth’s poetry celebrated the special qualities of the Lake District and helped to set the scene for the early conservation movement. Painters who visited the Lake District include JMW Turner, John Constable and Thomas Gainsborough.
Reasons why the Lake District is an evolving masterpiece
The Lake District is a special place that that has inspired generations of artists, writers, industrialists, entrepreneurs and farmers to shape the world around them. It is continually changing as communities, visitors and businesses all work together to produce an evolving masterpiece.’
In 2016 the Lake District will be bidding for World Heritage Site status.
Tell us your story atlakesworldheritage.co.uk
The 10 Reasons leaflet presents 10 Lake
District attributes that make it worthy of
World Heritage status.
Information is presented in an easy to
digest concertina format.
8 98 8 L A K E D I S T R I C T W O R L D H E R I TAG E B I D G U I D E L I N E S
The Lake District World Heritage Bid
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