10-year celebration for Lake District environment scheme

The wild open fells, rugged mountain peaks, and sheltered valleys of the Lake District were in the spotlight today, as representatives of the Cumbrian farming community, government, and key rural organisations gathered to celebrate ten years of the Lake District Environmentally Sensitive Areas (ESA) scheme.

Environment Minister Elliot Morley joined invited guests including farmer and former NFU County Chairman Will Cockbain, Regional Director of the National Trust Tiffany Hunt, and Paul Tiplady, National Park Officer with the Lake District National Park Authority, to mark the scheme's achievements in Cumbria over the past decade.

Successes include the completion of nearly 200km of dry stone walls, the renovation of 250km of hedgerows, and the restoration of nearly 1,000 traditional buildings. As well as preserving and enhancing the characteristic Lakes landscape, the improvements have employed of the skills of local builders, dry stone wallers, hedgelayers, and other traditional craftsmen.

The Defra scheme supports areas of national environmental significance by encouraging farmers to adopt environmentally friendly farming practices. At 245,390 hectares (947 sq miles) the Lake District is the largest of the twenty two ESAs in England, and brings over £10m into Cumbria annually though payments to farmers.

It is also noted for its diverse plant and animal life, including around 25 species listed on the UK Biodiversity Action Plan.

Speaking from the Rheged Conference Centre at Penrith, Environment Minister Elliot Morley commented: "The achievements we celebrate today are a testament to a vital partnership. Nature alone does not create a landscape this glorious; sound farm management is also at its heart.

"I congratulate the individuals and organisations whose skills and energy have maintained and improved this landscape over the first decade of the Environmentally Sensitive Areas scheme. We can all look forward to the benefits that another ten years of investment in one of the country's most prized landscapes will bring."

Much of the Lake District ESA scheme falls with the National Park boundary. The Lake District National Park Authority has supported it throughout its first ten years.

(gmcg)