Environmental Charter

FOR OUTDOOR USERS IN THE LAKE DISTRICT NATIONAL PARK

The Lake District is a unique area of natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage which has inspired artists, writers, naturalists and outdoor enthusiasts for many years. It is Britain’s largest national park, an area of national significance established to conserve the spectacular landscapes and wildlife and to provide opportunities for quiet enjoyment. It offers dramatic and varied environments for outdoor activities and many young people gain their first experience of mountains, lakes, rivers and woods on visits to the Lake District. For some, it is an experience that inspires lifelong interests.

With the growth in popularity of outdoor activities there is an urgent need to protect the area, not only for future generations but for its own intrinsic value.

Adventure brings freedom but also a responsibility to respect and conserve the environment. Outdoor leaders can be an important influence on their groups and can do much to encourage environmental awareness and the sustainable use of the countryside.

As outdoor users you are asked to adopt the following code of good environmental practice:

		Promote an awareness and respect for the natural environment and a responsible attitude to all outdoor activities in the Lake District.
		Introduce groups to the concept of the National Park and issues affecting it.
		Give groups an understanding of how the landscape, plants, animals and humans are interrelated.
		Recognise the importance and fragility of habitats. Tread lightly and cause as little disturbance as possible to plants, animals and rocks.
		Recognise that all land is special and respect rights of way, local byelaws and access agreements.
		Place any temporary equipment so as to minimise disturbance and do not leave any permanent structures in the countryside.
		Work with small groups, encourage them to travel quietly and respect the interests of people who live and work in the countryside.
		Consider your use of transport to a site and respect land ownership, other users and the environment when parking and during activities.
		Co-operate with the National Park Authority and other conservation bodies and consult with them on your use and management of sites.
		Promote good environmental practice in your organisation and encourage groups to take an active role in caring for the environment and adopting more sustainable practices.

This Charter has been produced by the Adventure and Environmental Awareness Group and is endorsed by the Lake District National Park Authority, the National Trust, Field Studies Council, John Muir Award, English Nature and Friends of the Lake District.

Established in 1984, the Adventure and Environmental Awareness Group is made up of a wide range of outdoor enthusiasts and representatives of national and regional environmental and recreation organisations. Its aim is to “encourage awareness, understanding and concern for the natural environment amongst those involved with adventure, education and recreation.” The Group believes that direct experience in the outdoors encourages an interest in conservation and at the same time greater awareness of the richness and interrelatedness of the environment enhances the outdoor experience.

For many people areas such as the Lake District have a timeless essence of intangible beauty. The sense of awe and wonder that results can easily be harmed by thoughtless behaviour.

For a free leaflet copy of this Charter contact:

LDNPA Education Service
Brockhole
Windermere
Cumbria
LA23 1LJ.
Tel: 015394 46601.