Countryside and Coast
South Lakeland has a rich natural heritage of high
quality landscapes together with coastal areas of international
wildlife importance.
We work in partnership with many public and voluntary
organisations to promote conservation, access, interpretation and
enjoyment of its countryside and coast for health, recreation and
for its importance to tourism and the rural economy.
Those parts of South Lakeland within the national parks are
the responsibility of the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales
National Park authorities. We are the planning authority for the
rest of the district, including that part of the Arnside-Silverdale
AONB within South Lakeland.
We are an active partner in the following initiatives:
- Arnside-Silverdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
(AONB)
The Arnside-Silverdale AONB Countryside Management Service (CMS)
has been funded and managed for over 20 years by a successful
partnership comprising relevant district, parish and county
councils and the Countryside Agency. Following the introduction of
the Countryside and Rights of Way Act (CROW) 2000 the service has
been broadened to take on board a wide range of additional advisory
functions which assist the social and economic development of the
area as well as protect its high quality environment. A new
Management Plan is being prepared to set priorities and guide
activities. In addition a new programme of works is underway to
repair limestone walls, improve access, and restore kilns and
ponds. This is benefiting from a Heritage Lottery Grant of £600,000
over five years.
Contact Lucy Barron, AONB Officer, Station Building, Arnside,
01524 761034 www.arnsidesilverdaleaonb.org.uk
- British Trust for Conservation (BTCV)
BTCV undertake a wide range of practical countryside
conservation work in South Lakeland with local volunteers. We are
represented on a Steering Group, which seeks to promote and develop
this work in South Cumbria.
Contact Charlotte Robinson, Brockhole, Windermere, 015394
43098
- Furness Greenways Partnership
The Furness Greenways Demonstration Project was one of seven
national demonstration projects set up by the Countryside Agency to
explore the planning and development of Greenways high quality
routes for walkers, cyclists and where possible, horse riders and
the disabled.
We are a principle partner in the project with Cumbria County
Council and Barrow Borough Council, which is overseen by a
wide-ranging steering group representing relevant interests. Its
aim is to create a linked network throughout the Furness peninsula.
A successful pilot Greenway was constructed on Walney Island in
2001 and the Westfield Trail route (south east of Barrow ) will be
complete in 2003.
For information contact Sue Hotchkiss, Project Coordinator
CAPITA, Barrow Town Hall on 01229 894348.
- Morecambe Bay and Duddon Estuary
Partnerships
South Lakelands extensive coastline mainly comprises the two
estuaries of Morecambe Bay and the Duddon, both of which are sites
of international importance for nature conservation. In each case
their good management is promoted by wide ranging partnerships of
relevant interests, of which we are an active member.
South Lakelands extensive coastline mainly comprises the two
estuaries of Morecambe Bay and the Duddon, both of which are sites
of international importance for nature conservation. In each case
their good management is promoted by wide ranging partnerships of
relevant interests, of which we are an active member.
Cumbria County Council is responsible for maintaining the
public rights of way network.
We have promoted several medium distance footpath routes, for
which leaflets are available from the Districts Tourist Information
Centres:
- Limestone Link (Arnside to Kirkby Lonsdale)
- Cistercian Way (Grange to Barrow-in-Furness)
- Lancaster Canal Towpath Walk (Kendal to Lancaster)
- Cumbria Coastal Way (South Lakeland Section)
- Cumbria Way (Ulverston to Carlisle)
We are active in promoting the development of local and national
cycleroutes, working with Sustrans (the national cycling charity),
Cumbria County Council (the highway authority) and local groups.
Current proposals include:
- Developing a regional coast to coast cycle route from Barrow to
Sunderland, to benefit the economy of the villages and rural areas
through which it will pass.
Contact Julie Tait , Sustrans Cumbria Area Manager, 01539 6780
taitfinl@aol.com