Lake District Habitats
Broadleaved woodlands are scattered throughout the Lake District. These are often made up of traditional British tree species such as oak and ash. In contrast to the artificial forest of foreign trees planted for commercial reasons by the Forestry Authority and private landowners, these are of local species and are vital for the survival of certain types of flower, plant and animal.
Grassland is an important Lake District habitat. The quality of the soil and the climate determine what type of grass thrives and this, in turn, affects the species it can support. Of special importance is the once-common, old fashioned hay meadow, rich in various species - especially wild flowers and butterflies.
The moorlands of the Lake District mountains and fells, which are carpeted in plant species such as heather and sphagnum moss, support eagles, peregrines and red deer. It is important in upland areas to try to maintain the quietness and wildness so crucial to the survival of animals like these.
Gill scrambling has become a popular outdoor activity for some visitors. This can endanger rare and sensitive plants which thrive in the humid conditions of the steep-walled gills - protected by their situation from destruction by sheep grazing.
Coastal habitats are also to be found in a small section of the Lake District National Park. For example, the sand dunes at Ravenglass estuary are a breeding ground for natterjack toads and the sand dunes at Drigg Nature Reserve support one of the country's largest breeding colonies of black-headed gulls.
And, of course, the landscape of the Lake District would be incomplete without the lakes and tarns. These are particularly important for wildlife conservation and are very different in character - some are very busy with visitors while some remain fairly quiet and undisturbed.
When discussing conservation there is a danger of limiting it to consideration of natural resources. Man-made features may also require careful treatment if we are to save our heritage. Some buildings, settlements, archaeological sites and monuments may be given conservation status. If this happens they should then be protected from further damage and decay.
The Lake District has a number of monuments of national importance, such as standing stone circles and other historic sites: for example, Neolithic stone axe factories and the remains of woodland industries such as charcoal burning.
Industrial remains such as ancient lead mines at Greenside, near Ullswater, Duddon Iron Furnace and Stott Park Bobbin Mill are of historic importance and many such traditional buildings require very careful treatment to retain their character.
As with nature conservation, the LDNPA works closely with other organisations in archaeological conservation. English Heritage and the National Trust are examples of two organisations committed to the conservation of our national heritage.
The conservation of each of these aspects described above could be studied individually. Please contact the LDNPA's Education Service at the address below for a reference list:
Lake District National Park Authority Education Service
National Park Visitor Centre
Brockhole, Windermere
Cumbria LA 23 1LJ
