The Lake District National Park Authority is preparing to safely welcome visitors back to enjoy all the health and wellbeing benefits the Lake District has to offer, which are now more important than ever.
The Authority is working with partners to ensure that visitors are offered the warm Lake District welcome they expect and that local communities are supported throughout the coming months.
The SaferLakes.co.uk website, launched last year, will go live again on 29 March to let people plan their day trip in advance by seeing what areas of the park are quietest. Visitor welcome volunteers will be on hand to offer advice on local walks and facilities in key areas throughout the park.
Although lockdown restrictions are being eased in England from Monday 29 March, overnight stays will not be permitted until 12 April, and only then in limited circumstances.
Lake District National Park Authority Chief Executive, Richard Leafe said: “We know how important the Lake District is going to be in the coming months to help with people’s health and wellbeing. Our message is whether coming for the first or 50th time, is: plan ahead, try to discover somewhere that’s new to you and enjoy your time here, but please leave no trace.
“By working together and planning ahead for the return of more people coming to the county, we’re equipped for managing potential challenges while ensuring a warm welcome to new and returning visitors.
“This includes creating area-specific action plans to help manage issues experienced during summer 2020 such as local parking issues, fly-camping and anti-social activities. Our proactive approach ensures we can respond to the latest challenges and support communities, visitors, businesses and our vital local healthcare services.”
There are now more than 100 Safer Lakes volunteers patrolling the park every day, supporting the communities and working with police to report issues, and share information on which facilities are open, such as toilets and attractions.
Extra temporary car parks have been set up for 2021 in key areas where there was a shortage of parking in 2020.
The Authority is also recruiting a number of Welcome Volunteers to offer help and advice to visitors and are working with other National Parks and other agencies to refresh the Countryside Code so that visitors are as equipped as they can be, before they reach the park. For more information on volunteering opportunities visit Visitor Support Volunteer : Lake District National Park.
