The Strategy and Rangers service leads the strategic thinking for the Lake District National Park Authority as well as delivering projects on the ground to improve what the National Park has to offer everyone. We do this by focusing on our natural and historic environment, maintaining and improving access and recreation opportunities and by supporting the Fix the Fells project. We also develop and deliver sustainable transport projects, create the conditions for sustainable development to support economic growth through the Local Plan, and lead on managing the carbon budget for the National Park.
We are always considering the National Park’s future, with influence nationally and internationally; to monitor how the National Park is faring; and to support and develop the unique Lake District National Park Partnership.
Read Emily's blog when she spent the day with Field Rangers, Den and Finn, on Orrest Head, Windermere. A Day in the Life of a Field Ranger
Visitor Services help more than three million people discover, explore and enjoy the Lake District National Park every year. We welcome them to the Park through visitor centres, information centres and visitor facilities. We encourage visitors to come to sites like Brockhole on Windermere and Coniston Boating Centre, and to park at Lake District National Park car parks. This means that we are able to generate funds for the Park to be able to re-invest in other projects.
Our Visitor Services team is made up of key areas of work:
We aim to generate capital to invest in new developments at Coniston, Brockhole and our Information Centres.
This small team provides legal advice to the Authority and Executive Board in order to ensure compliance with all legal matters, safeguard the National Park Authority's interests and to support its decision-making processes.
Legal compliance and best practice for procedures for the Authority is far ranging and diverse in nature. It covers subjects such as:
The Member Services Coordinator, part of the Legal team, oversees the LDNPA Members. Our Members represent the public interest and are appointed either in their duty as local councillors or by the Secretary of State to represent the national interest.
Our Communications and Engagement team inform, inspire and engage with people as they visit, live or work in this spectacular National Park and UNESCO World Heritage Site. We do this through inspirational storytelling, talking in an open and honest voice, creating inspirational branding and delivering award-winning campaigns.
In line with our values, you will find our Communications and Engagement teams to be forward-thinking, empowered and incredibly proud of what we do for the National Park. Services include media relations, online content and digital information, social media, partnership support, internal communications, customer services and learning and engagement.
The Resources Service is accountable for the effective management of the Authority’s assets (land, buildings, ICT equipment, and cash), the provision of high quality support services to our internal customers (health and safety, financial, facilities, ICT, GIS, performance/risk management and business/service planning) and for planning, deploying and managing our key commercial programmes.
In carrying out these tasks the Service is structured into four integrated sub teams as follows:
Finance manage the Authority finances and governance processes responsible for all current and longer term financial planning, capital and revenue. They also provide advice and coaching to all other services on finance and performance matters and management of Authority insurance matters.
ICT manage our ICT services, both hardware and software and our future IT strategy and development. They also provide internal IT helpdesk services, the provision of “in-house” IT system development and the provision of high quality GIS support across the Authority.
The Programmes team give programme leadership for the commercial development programme, including Brockhole and Coniston Boating Centre redevelopments, the Greenside mine management plan, other new large projects and support for continuous business process improvement. It also provides Authority lead and co-ordination on Health and Safety, Project management and Business/Service planning matters.
The Property team give effective management and maintenance of the Authority property portfolio, including the management of all our leases and tenant relationships and our ongoing Property review programme. They also provide facilities services for our owned properties and the provision of expertise and leadership around carbon reduction.
The People Service is responsible for supporting our employees, managers, and volunteers. We want to ensure that everyone who works for the Lake District National Park Authority in any role is well supported and feels engaged and part of the organisation.
The People team are a small team of human resource and organisational development (OD) professionals who are responsible for the management of our employees. This involves ensuring that staff have an engaging and rewarding experience while employed with us. The People team:
The Volunteers team are the hub for our many volunteers who support our work in so many ways, including maintaining paths on the fells to welcoming first-time visitors in popular villages. They ensure volunteers are inducted and trained so they can carry out their roles safely and knowing how their contribution helps the national park. Thankyou events and get togethers are run by the Volunteers team.
The National Park Young Rangers are also coordinated by the Volunteers team, who collaborate with other organisations to provide an annual calendar of practical work days in the fells.
We help people with the planning advice they need and manage the applications they make to carry out work in line with national planning legislation - as the Local Planning Authority for the Lake District.
Our work includes assessing proposals with our planning policies, which seek to achieve the Vision for the Lake District and taking planning decisions. We advise our Development Control Committee on significant casework and take action when unacceptable work is carried out without permission. You can find out more about what we do, helpful guides, advice, who we are and how to contact us on our planning webpages.
Development Management is a hard working, professional team of qualified planners, a Woodlands Officer who looks after trees and woodlands in the national park and a core dedicated data management support team.
As Chief Executive, Gavin is responsible and accountable for the day-to-day operations of the Authority, providing strong leadership, fostering a culture of innovation and excellence, promoting environmental stewardship, and contributing to the overall conservation, enjoyment, and sustainable development of the Lake District National Park.
He plays a pivotal role in setting the vision and strategy of the LDNPA working closely with the Authority Members, Executive Board and other key stakeholders. By developing and implementing comprehensive strategies, he ensures that the National Park's objectives are aligned with its partnership agreed vision and long-term sustainability goals.
Gavin is passionate about increasing understanding of the National Park and promoting access to, and enjoyment of, the natural environment.
Born in Brough and educated at Kirkby Stephen Grammar School, Gavin began his career as a Public Relations Officer with both Cumbria County Council and Capita. He then spent 11 years with Carlisle City Council in Policy, Community Service, and Contract Management roles.
He joined the LDNPA in 2018 as Head of Programmes and Resources and was appointed Director of Visitor Services and Resources in 2022, before stepping into the Chief Executive role on 1 October 2024.
Outside of work Gavin enjoys mountain biking, running, and exploring the great outdoors with his family.
Leads the planning profession for the Authority. Advises on strategy and policies, facilitating the delivery of the Vision for the National Park. Committed to working with partners, having established the Lake District National Park Partnership. Directs Development Management, Park Management and Strategy and Partnerships.
Born in North Wales and moved to the Lake District in 2005.
Having graduated as a planner, Steve spent the earlier part of his career at Suffolk Coastal District Council.
Interests include gardening, sea kayaking and canoeing, running, community life in Witherslack and being a family man.
This role leads the Authority’s visitor services, commercial activities and corporate support functions.
Gavin Capstick held this role until 1 October 2024, when he became the Authority’s Chief Executive. The Director duties are currently being carried out by the Strategic Leadership Team whilst recruitment takes place.
Our Strategic Leadership Team (SLT) report into the Executive Board.
