Lake District appeal

This is a landscape of mountains, valleys, lakes and rivers, farms, fields and footpaths. Places which find a way into our hearts. We’re here, working to protect all that you care about now and for the future.

The view from Brackenthwaite Hows towards Crummock Water. — The view from Brackenthwaite Hows, acquired with gifts in 2019

Farm tenants at Seatoller Farm in Borrowdale, Lake District. — Tenant farmers help us care for the Lake District - and so can you

Help to protect the Lakes

Today we’re facing a unique challenge. A healthy landscape is critical for the people who visit, live and work here. Our 90 tenant farmers in the Lakes play a vital role in this, producing food and looking after the landscape for people and the wildlife that depend on it. But time and weather are taking a toll on the old farmhouses, barns and dry stone walls which these farmers depend on. Many are falling into disrepair and need vital, skilled restoration, to keep them fit for use. We need your help to protect these places forever.

How the appeal adds up

Our farmers look after the Trust’s 21,000 Herdwick sheep, a breed native to the Lake District
Gifts and legacies help us look after 62,000 hectares of fields and fells
Every year we spend around £500,000 on regular countryside conservation

Walkers at Wasdale, Cumbria, with the vast expanse of Wastwater in the distance

Wardens and volunteers maintaining dry stone walls around Wasdale, Cumbria

Caring for the landscape

Year round and in all weathers, over 70 rangers help to look after the Lakes - from path repairs to litter picking.

Farms, fields and flowers

Gifts to this appeal help repair traditional buildings, plant hedges, and restore upland meadows

Repairing historic walls

Skilled local people, rangers and volunteers work continuously to maintain the dry-stone walls which snake across fells and define the landscape.

Donate to Lake District appeal

Please select an amount

£3

£5

£10

£20 could help to buy seeds and plug plants to restore upland meadows

£50 could help to create two metres of accessible path so more people can enjoy these places

£100 could rebuild two metres of traditional dry-stone walls that stretch across fields and fells and are intrinsic to the farmed landscape

Or enter your own amount

" I work in the Lake District every day, but sitting here I still feel a spiritual sense of the universe and my place in it, surrounded by nature and a sublime beauty.’"

The valleys of the Lakes

The Lake District is made up of 13 valleys, each unique in their own right. Discover the history behind some of the places which make up this World Heritage Site.

early morning view of Tarn Hows looking north west

Our principles for looking after the Lakes

Nearly 100 years since the Great Gift, discover how we look after the Lakes today and why we still need your help.

The Lake District was the inspiration for Beatrix Potter's children's stories

Remember your special places in the Lakes

With a gift in your Will to the Lake District, you too can make a lasting difference here.

Video

Enjoy the freedom of the Lakes today

In 2017 the Lake District was awarded UNESCO World Heritage Site status, recognising this place as a globally significant cultural landscape. This film produced by Terry Abraham, features Scafell summit and the many places we care for today.

Why give to the National Trust?

As a charity, we rely on the generosity of supporters to look after the outdoor spaces in our care. Not only do our supporters help to conserve beautiful landscapes and protect precious plants and wildlife. But they also ensure that future generations have places they can find freedom from everyday life, reconnect with the natural world and make memories to treasure. Your donation will go towards this project and other vital conservation work in the outdoors at this special place. With your support, we can continue to protect the irreplaceable. For everyone, for ever.

Fundraising Regulator

Donate now