Every year, over 18 million people visit the Lake District, one of the UK's most beloved landscapes. The National Trust spends £10 million annually on projects, maintenance and staffing to support farming, wildlife, and tourism across this iconic World Heritage Site. As the effects of climate change bring with it more storms and extreme weather patterns, we need your help more than ever to continue this vital conservation work.
From ancient oaks lining the shores of Coniston Water to England’s tallest Grand Fir in Troutbeck, we're protecting ancient woodlands and expanding and connecting new forests. Your support helps us to plant more trees and safeguard these critical habitats, especially in areas like Borrowdale, which is home to one of England’s last remnants of temperate rainforest.
We care for iconic mountains such as Scafell Pike and Great Gable, and Fix the Fells rangers and volunteers work tirelessly in all weathers to improve access across these popular walking routes and high peaks. Home to rare wildlife such as the mountain ringlet butterfly and alpine flowers, these landscapes aren’t just beauty spots and our conservation work helps to protect them as precious wildlife habitats. Support us in caring for this unique landscape so that we can ensure it is resilient to climate change and the pressures of tourism.
We manage 24 lakes and tarns, including Wastwater, Buttermere and Crummock Water, ensuring they remain healthy and accessible. These bodies of water are vital habitats for rare species and must be protected for future generations to visit and enjoy. We also safeguard public access to iconic spots on the shores of Ullswater, Windermere, Coniston Water and Derwent Water, amongst many other tarns. Your support helps us balance public access with environmental protection.
Meadows and species-rich grasslands are an essential habitat and are vital for biodiversity and carbon storage. They’re a key part of the farm ecosystem, providing hay for livestock in the winter, and also help to trap carbon in the soil.
With only 500 hectares left in Cumbria, we’re working with our partners to grow a network of wildflower-rich meadows and grasslands, to provide food and nesting sites for birds and pollinating insects like bees and butterflies. Your help is crucial in helping us to make more of these habitats.
Improving waterways to prevent flooding and support wildlife is a priority, especially as we face into a future of more extreme weather events and heavy rainfall. Our Riverlands programme in the Lake District has transformed many rivers, but 99% still need our help. We're auditing all 683km of rivers on National Trust land in Cumbria to continue this essential work, aiming to stabilise banks and create habitats for otters, vendace and Atlantic salmon. Your donation can make a difference.
Our 10-year strategy involves collaborating with other landowners and organisations to restore landscapes on a wider scale. Together, we can improve the environment for both people and nature.
Help to continue the work of the National Trust in conserving the Lake District for future generations. Support our efforts to improve water quality, plant trees, seed wildflower meadows and sustain fell farming. Whatever you're able to give, your donation will make a difference.