Protecting the Lake District
What does the Lake District need protecting from?
In a word - people! Because the landscape of the area is so beautiful and spectacular, careful thought must be given to any development which might change the character of the landscape, which is important for natural and historic reasons.
A development might be a new building, road or power pylon. Any person or company wanting to develop in these or other ways must first put plans to the Lake District National Park Authority. The Members of the National Park Authority consider the plans and decide whether or not the development can be allowed. This provides the LDNPA with its strongest method of protecting the landscape from developments which might spoil the beauty of the area.
Though most man-made changes happen in the lower valleys, the fells and mountains do not escape the effects of human use. Walkers and climbers and other pleasure-seekers all have an effect: paths become worn, vegetation may be destroyed, nesting birds and animals may be disturbed and water courses can become polluted.
The traditional hill farming of the Lake District also has an affect on the landscape. The sheep on the upper fells keep the grass short and eat the other vegetation, which includes young saplings. Without this, a lot of the Lake District would change back to woodland.
Smaller areas of the Lake District, have kind of habitats supporting various species of plants and animals. The LDNPA carries out surveys to find important habitats throughout the National Park. These include open fell, farmland, village ponds and even neglected wasteground. In addition to identifying these habitats, other areas which may be suitable for wildlife are sought.
