2008 Exhibition – What people said
In April and May 2008 the Lake District World Heritage Exhibition visited 23 Cumbrian
towns and visitors. It was an opportunity to discuss the proposed bid in more detail. We
also held 11 World Heritage workshops during this period.
What People Said
Great idea in principle – questions (tension?) between it being established and concerns
for the environment, perhaps paradoxically! – Anon, Kendal
Reply: This is clearly a genuine cause of concern among some people, but other very
popular World Heritage Sites have also faced this issue and many are using their status
for economic gain. We believe that the broad partnership of organisations that support
the bid, will bring together an even wider perspective to this debate and help to
effectively decide where the balance should lie between conservation and economic
development. The Partnership intends to use World Heritage Status to move forward not
backwards.
A brilliant idea, excellent exhibition – do hope the bid is successful – Anon, Kendal
Very informative about potential application for a world heritage site. There is lots to
achieve and agree before then, Anon, Kendal
Save my favourite place for future people, Kenneth Traim, Yorkshire
Lake District a place of great beauty, A great idea. Anon, Kendal
Whatever the management plan says, I believe that its important to involve community
groups. I also believe that the main thrust of this should be about social development,
environmental/ecological conservation and not for a private profit. – J. Bailey, Kendal
Reply: There will opportunities to create public/private partnerships to draw in new
funding, which in turn can benefit the wider community. Our government has signed a
convention to protect all World Heritage Sites, and has pledged to provide adequate
resources for their protection. At a time when funding for rural England is under
significant pressure, the government (and its agencies) would consequently find it harder
to ignore funding appeals from an area which has World Heritage status. The cultural
strategy produced by the North West Regional Development Agency and the North West
Cultural Forum has highlighted support for an increase in the number of World Heritage
Sites in the region as part of image and tourism promotion and their role in public and
community life.
My main concern is that it would mean a rise in tourism numbers to the Lake District and
we wouldn’t be able to cope, especially the transport infrastructure. V. Marrs Kendal
Reply: No, bringing additional visitors to Cumbria through World Heritage status is not a
specific aim. But it is true that being ranked alongside the Grand Canyon and the Taj
Mahal is likely to make a wider audience aware of the Lake District’s cultural landscape.
It is more probable that World Heritage Status will be useful in attracting higher
spending, longer staying national and international tourists who respect the landscape
and explore Cumbria more.
I think it is a great idea, I also think that we should be more popular - Adele, age 10,
Kendal
Very useful and informative and well worth supporting. I suggest you visit the Coniston
Launch Ferries to Brantwood, they are environmentally friendly, running on solar power,
and quiet. - Anon, Kendal
Good idea, especially the “influence” of the area on cultural thought and ideas. Also the
National Park boundaries need to be re-assesed, they may have been logical in the
1950’s but not now.- Martin Purdy, Kendal
Reply: The area covered by the bid has yet to be decided. The application site could
include all of the National Park, or just part of it. The project is moving forward on this
basis and the nomination documentation and management planning process will remain
flexible to change as various options are tested.
Thanks for your useful information and friendly helpful staff manning the exhibition. – J.
Hetherington, Kendal
Protect the green areas in the lake district before it becomes over built and spoilt.
Visitors come to see the natural beauty not a lot of modern villages. – Peter Train,
Staveley.
Good Luck with UNESCO, John Grant, Woodford
Heritage status aims to support the look and form of the lakekland landscape. This
comes from how people live & earn on that landscape. It therefore needs community
support and needs to support the community. Factors that are important are the
retention of the village school, shop, post office and church to keep nucleal communities
alive. More fully occupied houses in villages by full time residents (active residency).
Less dependency on cars – more public transport. A living landscape retains locally
based talent and business. Stuart Forbes, Ross-Shire, Highlands.
Reply: There will opportunities to create public/private partnerships to draw in new
funding, which in turn can benefit the wider community. Our government has signed a
convention to protect all World Heritage Sites, and has pledged to provide adequate
resources for their protection. At a time when funding for rural England is under
significant pressure, the government (and its agencies) would consequently find it harder
to ignore funding appeals from an area which has World Heritage status. The cultural
strategy produced by the North West Regional Development Agency and the North West
Cultural Forum has highlighted support for an increase in the number of World Heritage
Sites in the region as part of image and tourism promotion and their role in public and
community life.
We recently had an area designated a World Heritage Site, The Rideau Canal and Fort
Henry in Kingston, Ontario. The Canal goes between Ottawa and Kingston in the
province of Ontario. A lot of effort was put into aquiring the designation and we are
happy for it. WM. T. Murdoch, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
I am not in favour of World Heritage Status, as I feel it will add to further beauracracy
and restrictions for local people and businesses and stifle employment and development
opportunities for young residents. A.M Gorton, Windermere.
Reply: At the moment we don't believe World Heritage status will impose new planning
restrictions, the application process will remain the same. With the help of the Royal
Institute of Town Planners and the Royal Institute of British Architects we are
investigating this in more detail. UNESCO will only be concerned that the outstanding
universal value on which a site is given World Heritage Status is not damaged. The
majority of World Heritage Sites in the UK and around the world are protected by
planning regulations which are actually less stringent than those of a National Park. You
can read The Lake District National Park Authority statement about planning and World
Heritage Status in the documents section.
World Heritage Status will create stronger partnerships in Cumbria with the public and
private sectors working together to maintain an internationally significant site.
The planning application process will not change because of World Heritage Status and
there are no plans to create any new organisation as part of the World Heritage bid.
Support the idea if it will support local farmers to maintain the traditional methods of of
hill farming. However how will it effect the building of affordable housing for local people
– Gill, Kendal
Reply: At the moment we don't believe World Heritage status will impose new planning
restrictions, the application process will remain the same. With the help of the Royal
Institute of Town Planners and the Royal Institute of British Architects we are
investigating this in more detail. UNESCO will only be concerned that the outstanding
universal value on which a site is given World Heritage Status is not damaged. The
majority of World Heritage Sites in the UK and around the world are protected by
planning regulations which are actually less stringent than those of a National Park. You
can read The Lake District National Park Authority statement about planning and World
Heritage Status in the documents section.
I support the World Heritage Bid because I support hill farming and if we want hill
farming to survive and the lakes to continue to look and produce what they do then this
will definitely help! – Anon, Kendal
Reply: There will opportunities to create public/private partnerships to draw in new
funding, which in turn can benefit the wider community. Our government has signed a
convention to protect all World Heritage Sites, and has pledged to provide adequate
resources for their protection. At a time when funding for rural England is under
significant pressure, the government (and its agencies) would consequently find it harder
to ignore funding appeals from an area which has World Heritage status. The cultural
strategy produced by the North West Regional Development Agency and the North West
Cultural Forum has highlighted support for an increase in the number of World Heritage
Sites in the region as part of image and tourism promotion and their role in public and
community life. You can read more on the Benefit for All pages.
A good thing for the area. I have visited many from USA to Vietnam. But don’t forget to
include the east area at least up to the motorway (Borrowdale, either ridge north and
south). – Anon, Kendal
I would like to see the Lake District as a World Heritage Site, it would mark this place
place as special for not just people in Cumbria but the whole world. We have a unique
environment of mountains and lakes on a smaller scale than found elsewhere “small is
beautiful”. C. Butland, Grasmere
Reply: This is clearly a genuine cause of concern among some people, but other very
popular World Heritage Sites have also faced this issue and many are using their status
for economic gain. We believe that the broad partnership of organisations that support
the bid, will bring together an even wider perspective to this debate and help to
effectively decide where the balance should lie between conservation and economic
development. The Partnership intends to use World Heritage Status to move forward not
backwards.
I have concerns about WH in danger. Places in Australia, like the Great Barrier Reef are
both being degraded without apparently effective deterrents. S Garnett, Sedbergh
Reply: This is clearly a genuine cause of concern among some people, but other very
popular World Heritage Sites have also faced this issue and many are using their status
for economic gain. We believe that the broad partnership of organisations that support
the bid, will bring together an even wider perspective to this debate and help to
effectively decide where the balance should lie between conservation and economic
development. The Partnership intends to use World Heritage Status to move forward not
backwards.
The Wold Heritage Site should cover all Cumbria to benefit all aspects of life in our
county - Anon, Sedbergh
Sort out the toilets and the road system before trying to get World Heritage Status.
Elwyn Bradshaw, Ambleside.
The World Heritage Site should cover all Cumbria to benefit all aspects of life in our
county. – Anon, Ambleside
Lets get on with it. The Lake District needs and deserves World Heritage Status.
Hadrian Wall and the Derwent Valley have definitely benefited from designation. R
Martakies, Ambleside
I think it is time that the Lake District joins the list of World Heritage Sites. I think the
partnership between all these Cumbria organisations is very positive and would support
whatever decision they reach for our National Park. – Anon, Ambleside
I live in Hawkshead as a district nurse I am aware that this community needs to have
affordable housing. Without this we will lose the young people from the community
which will threaten the viability of the school. We already have difficulties in this area in
providing service for the elderly at home as carers employed by agencies cannot afford
to live here. This can mean that elderly residents have to move away into residential
care. Affordable housing is key to preserving the community. – Liz Butterworth,
Hawkshead
Reply: There will opportunities to create public/private partnerships to draw in new
funding, which in turn can benefit the wider community. Our government has signed a
convention to protect all World Heritage Sites, and has pledged to provide adequate
resources for their protection. At a time when funding for rural England is under
significant pressure, the government (and its agencies) would consequently find it harder
to ignore funding appeals from an area which has World Heritage status. The cultural
strategy produced by the North West Regional Development Agency and the North West
Cultural Forum has highlighted support for an increase in the number of World Heritage
Sites in the region as part of image and tourism promotion and their role in public and
community life. You can read more on the Benefit for All pages.
Benefits need to be quantified and costs disclosed and understood. So far I am
unconvinced by your exhibition. David Shaw, Hawkshead
Reply: There will opportunities to create public/private partnerships to draw in new
funding, which in turn can benefit the wider community. Our government has signed a
convention to protect all World Heritage Sites, and has pledged to provide adequate
resources for their protection. At a time when funding for rural England is under
significant pressure, the government (and its agencies) would consequently find it harder
to ignore funding appeals from an area which has World Heritage status. The cultural
strategy produced by the North West Regional Development Agency and the North West
Cultural Forum has highlighted support for an increase in the number of World Heritage
Sites in the region as part of image and tourism promotion and their role in public and
community life. You can read more on the Benefit for All pages.
Experience from other World Heritage Site bids has led us to believe that we need to set
aside a budget of £134,000 per year for three years to complete the application process.
I feel the lakes should be available for everyone to use and share. I think the speed limit
put on Windermere was wrong as that was the only lake that you could waterski on or
else motor at speed. I recommend that the lake be made free for all. – Andy Burt,
Thorton Clevelys
The Lake District deserves the special “World Heritage Status”, if only to protect it, in
order that future generations can experience and enjoy ALL that is has to offer for ALL
AGES and ALL interests. Even those who just need to stand, stare and recharge their
souls ! – Mrs H. Johnson, Penrith
It is the most beautiful National Park in the UK, and should be a World Heritage Site. –
R. Newton, Penrith
Penrith rules! Look after our lake District and protect our sheeps, trees and the world. –
Stefano Deligia, Age 14, Penrith
Would love to see Lakes a World Heritage Site – but would not like to see it spoiled by a
lot of wind farms just outside the park. – Marjorie Emery, Matterdale
I fully support the World Heritage Bid. – Anon, Penrith
The Lake District definitely deserves to be a World Heritage Site and should be
preserved. – Valerie Mitchell, Geneva, Switzerland
Lake District is a wonderful place to live all lakes and mountains, best Park in Britain. –
Tony Grover, Shap
Lake District failed in its last bid for World Heritage because of, Military and Air Activity,
Quarrying, Road Structure and other spoiling. Success this time would hopefully give
protection. – Anon, Shap
Reply: The Lake District World Heritage Site Status submission will go in under the
category of Cultural Landscape. The UNESCO Operational Guidelines (Revised
February 2005) define cultural landscapes as representing “the combined works of
nature and of man” and “they are illustrative of the evolution of human society and
settlement over time, under the influence of the physical constraints and/or opportunities
presented by their natural environment and of successive social, economic and cultural
forces, both external and internal”.
There is no guarantee the bid will succeed this time, the Lake District will be evaluated
by international experts. Over 30 sites around the world are considered for inclusion
each year. Our bid in 1985 under the Natural Area category was deferred as the Lake
District does not pass the test of “natural integrity” because it is a living, working
landscape. Following on from that deferment UNESCO took a look at its criteria and
developed the new category of “cultural landscape” for areas like the Lake District.
Questions were also raised about Cumbria’s ability to deliver a World Heritage Site
Management Plan, as there was no local management of agriculture and forestry.
However that issue has now been remedied with the introduction of the Environmentally
Sensitive Area scheme and the development of Forest Design Plans.
Collaborative partnerships and thinking together with an improved world reputation the
lake districts future requires the essential status. Good Luck!!! – R.A Temple, Crosby
Ravensworth.
Hopefully World Heritage Status will strengthen the protection of the Lake District
against unwelcome developments. – Anon, Shap
Reply: This is clearly a genuine cause of concern among some people, but other very
popular World Heritage Sites have also faced this issue and many are using their status
for economic gain. We believe that the broad partnership of organisations that support
the bid, will bring together an even wider perspective to this debate and help to
effectively decide where the balance should lie between conservation and economic
development. The Partnership intends to use World Heritage Status to move forward not
backwards.
Finance the farmers to retain the area as it is. Stop villages dying through retaining
homes for locals!! – Bunker, Carlisle
Reply: There will opportunities to create public/private partnerships to draw in new
funding, which in turn can benefit the wider community. Our government has signed a
convention to protect all World Heritage Sites, and has pledged to provide adequate
resources for their protection. At a time when funding for rural England is under
significant pressure, the government (and its agencies) would consequently find it harder
to ignore funding appeals from an area which has World Heritage status. The cultural
strategy produced by the North West Regional Development Agency and the North West
Cultural Forum has highlighted support for an increase in the number of World Heritage
Sites in the region as part of image and tourism promotion and their role in public and
community life.
The Lake District is not just about farming & scenery. Lots of people run business here
with no subsidies at all. This county is a place where lots of people live & work & not just
a holiday area, although farming & tourism are an important sector there are a lot more.
- Mrs Dearden, Low Whinnow.
I really fail to see what benefit WH status would have on the local community here in
West Cumbria. I have not been impressed by visits to other sites. – M Newport,
Maryport
Reply: There will be an opportunity to use World Heritage Site status within Cumbria to
promote the benefits of the whole county. The status must be used as a tool to make a
fragile economy and environment more robust, sustaining our communities for future
generations.
14,000 years habitation? 12,000 years habitation? When? Where’s the evidence. I
think these details matter. Otherwise a good exhibition – Anon
It is a populated area and a farmed landscape, but it is a degraded area due to
overgrazing by sheep. Grazing pressure should be dramatically reduced in order to
allow natural regeneration of heather, wild plants and trees. – Richard Watson,
Cockermouth
Reply: This is clearly a genuine cause of concern among some people, but other very
popular World Heritage Sites have also faced this issue and many are using their status
for economic gain. We believe that the broad partnership of organisations that support
the bid, will bring together an even wider perspective to this debate and help to
effectively decide where the balance should lie between conservation and economic
development. The Partnership intends to use World Heritage Status to move forward not
backwards.
The Lake District needs world recognition to ensure a London-centric Government looks
outside its own area. – Anon
Reply: There will opportunities to create public/private partnerships to draw in new
funding, which in turn can benefit the wider community. Our government has signed a
convention to protect all World Heritage Sites, and has pledged to provide adequate
resources for their protection. At a time when funding for rural England is under
significant pressure, the government (and its agencies) would consequently find it harder
to ignore funding appeals from an area which has World Heritage status. The cultural
strategy produced by the North West Regional Development Agency and the North West
Cultural Forum has highlighted support for an increase in the number of World Heritage
Sites in the region as part of image and tourism promotion and their role in public and
community life.
With all this extra advertising and all the extra interest, I am wondering how you would
regulate/control the traffic/transport and accommodation? – Jane Long, Sheffield
Reply: Bringing additional visitors to Cumbria through World Heritage status is not a
specific aim. But it is true that being ranked alongside the Grand Canyon and the Taj
Mahal is likely to make a wider audience aware of the Lake District’s cultural landscape.
It is more probable that World Heritage Status will be useful in attracting higher
spending, longer staying national and international tourists who respect the landscape
and explore Cumbria more.
I am instinctively against the idea, having been born here and making my home here. It
looks like a whole extra layer of bureaucracy and an opportunity to get on another gravy
train. – Anon
Reply: At the moment we don't believe World Heritage status will impose new planning
restrictions, the application process will remain the same. With the help of the Royal
Institute of Town Planners and the Royal Institute of British Architects we are
investigating this in more detail. UNESCO will only be concerned that the outstanding
universal value on which a site is given World Heritage Status is not damaged. The
majority of World Heritage Sites in the UK and around the world are protected by
planning regulations which are actually less stringent than those of a National Park. You
can read The Lake District National Park Authority statement about planning and World
Heritage Status in the documents section.
World Heritage Status will create stronger partnerships in Cumbria with the public and
private sectors working together to maintain an internationally significant site.
The planning application process will not change because of World Heritage Status and
there are no plans to create any new organisation as part of the World Heritage bid.
Lake District is already well protected as National Park & LDPPB. No harm with World
Heritage status but there’s little capacity for more visitors. Spin-off for nearby areas (e.g.
Cockermouth) might be good. – Phil Davies
Reply: Bringing additional visitors to Cumbria through World Heritage status is not a
specific aim. But it is true that being ranked alongside the Grand Canyon and the Taj
Mahal is likely to make a wider audience aware of the Lake District’s cultural landscape.
It is more probable that World Heritage Status will be useful in attracting higher
spending, longer staying national and international tourists who respect the landscape
and explore Cumbria more.
The area needs preserving so that “everyone” can enjoy it – need to be sustainable in
any developments. - Anon
LESS car parking & subsidised bus services, cycle routes on busy ‘A’ roads, if you want
to preserve the peace & quiet! (if you want cheap cafes – go to Blackpool!) – Mike Willis,
Kirkbride
Strong support for this world – class countryside. – Anon
I would like to support the application for a World Heritage site of the Lake District. To
support the local activities and life of the Lake District and particularly its residents to
provide improved facilities and communication – including the Penrith to Keswick
Railway. – John Lishman, Renwick, Cumbria
The local people should not be forgotten but this beautiful area should be preserved for
future generations to experience & enjoy. – P. Young
I am in favour of World Heritage Designation for the Lake District. The balance between
increased visitors & the increased traffic in its wake will need to be carefully considered.
– Caroline Morris
Reply: Bringing additional visitors to Cumbria through World Heritage status is not a
specific aim. But it is true that being ranked alongside the Grand Canyon and the Taj
Mahal is likely to make a wider audience aware of the Lake District’s cultural landscape.
It is more probable that World Heritage Status will be useful in attracting higher
spending, longer staying national and international tourists who respect the landscape
and explore Cumbria more.
A lot more of the UK population need to be made aware of the beauty of the whole of
Cumbria and if the World Heritage Project can achieve this then it must be granted. – Mr
& Mrs T. Hall, Tadworth, Surrey
English Heritage need to revisit Appleby & support opening up Appleby Castle for all to
benefit. – Wilson, Appleby
Appleby Castle should be open to the public. Shame on National Heritage – S. R.
Howard, Appleby
I like the idea of World Heritage Site – but the Lake District also needs to be a vibrant
business & social community not just a stop off for high spenders on holiday. We need
to be able to enjoy living & working here, as well as providing facilities for the extra
visitors. – Richard Hanage
Reply: This is clearly a genuine cause of concern among some people, but other very
popular World Heritage Sites have also faced this issue and many are using their status
for economic gain. We believe that the broad partnership of organisations that support
the bid, will bring together an even wider perspective to this debate and help to
effectively decide where the balance should lie between conservation and economic
development. The Partnership intends to use World Heritage Status to move forward not
backwards.
More should be done to protect our landscape, please do all you can.- Mr Lindsay,
Lancaster
Reply: This is clearly a genuine cause of concern among some people, but other very
popular World Heritage Sites have also faced this issue and many are using their status
for economic gain. We believe that the broad partnership of organisations that support
the bid, will bring together an even wider perspective to this debate and help to
effectively decide where the balance should lie between conservation and economic
development. The Partnership intends to use World Heritage Status to move forward not
backwards.
I like the Lake District with its countryside and wildlife. We will definitely come back. Sarah W, Strathaven
Great. – Sarah Bain, Lancaster
More parking would be great. – Mrs Muir, Edinburgh
Have lived in the Lake District for forty years, yes it’s great and beautiful but it has been
spoilt with development during this time, - have worked and been chairperson of
Ambleside Civic Trust. Although I love the area it does not compare with other sites
throughout the world. I do not think it should be a World Heritage Site. – Hazel Kent,
Arnside
Reply: The Lake District World Heritage Site Status submission will go in under the
category of Cultural Landscape. The UNESCO Operational Guidelines (Revised
February 2005) define cultural landscapes as representing “the combined works of
nature and of man” and “they are illustrative of the evolution of human society and
settlement over time, under the influence of the physical constraints and/or opportunities
presented by their natural environment and of successive social, economic and cultural
forces, both external and internal”.
Would like to see more parking facilities and also more lower priced restaurants and
café’s. – Mr Harold Wells, Edinburgh
Please enclose in world preservation list. I specifically come to England to enjoy this
beautiful area. Thanks for preserving it! – Marjorie Coban, Pettsfield, 01201 USA
As a Cumbrian, I am all for it. It would help farmers to continue to look after the beauty
of the area through farming. – M. Hartley, Carlisle
Lived in Cumbria all my life. It should be a World Heritage Site and its culture preserved
for future generations. – Sylvia Bulman, Carlisle
Rather surprised to find it isn’t already a World Heritage site – it certainly should be. –
Richard Hunt, Carlisle
Good public transport needed throughout the park to all main tourist attractions.
Excessive car parking can be a blot on the landscape. – James Nevell – Ashton-underLyne, Lancs.
Safeguarding of Heritage must go hand in hand and be compatible with social &
economic development. Perhaps the National Park/LDPB/Local Gov etc could explain
how turning the Lake District into a retirement home for the wealthy squares with this?
Half the houses in some areas are now occupied for less than half the year. Meanwhile
children born here are forced to move away. – Tony Jones
I worry that all the attention is given to the Lake District and the rest of Cumbria is
forgotten – Anon
Reply: There will be an opportunity to use World Heritage Site status within Cumbria to
promote the benefits of the whole county. The status must be used as a tool to make a
fragile economy and environment more robust, sustaining our communities for future
generations.
Definitely an important step for Lakeland conservation & tourism. Challenge to ensure
that District & County planners don’t compromise the landscape at the boundaries
before NP expansion & heritage status are achieved. – Andy Chant, Kendal
I am positive about the application. – Mike Crawford, Hale, Altrincham, Cheshire
Let’s see fewer trips made by car. More cycle ways beside road routes – that would
preserve our heritage to some degree. Good luck. – Richard Suddaby, Keswick
Rebuild the railway for rapid transit. Use free buses for all – Heslop
Cool, bit more for young kids or teens – Mr Kiggins, Cleator Moor
Reply: There will opportunities to create public/private partnerships to draw in new
funding, which in turn can benefit the wider community. Our government has signed a
convention to protect all World Heritage Sites, and has pledged to provide adequate
resources for their protection. At a time when funding for rural England is under
significant pressure, the government (and its agencies) would consequently find it harder
to ignore funding appeals from an area which has World Heritage status. The cultural
strategy produced by the North West Regional Development Agency and the North West
Cultural Forum has highlighted support for an increase in the number of World Heritage
Sites in the region as part of image and tourism promotion and their role in public and
community life.
Go for it! Any additional funding that helps maintain/develop a national ‘treasure’ can
only be beneficial – R. Bryson, Carlisle
Reply: There will opportunities to create public/private partnerships to draw in new
funding, which in turn can benefit the wider community. Our government has signed a
convention to protect all World Heritage Sites, and has pledged to provide adequate
resources for their protection. At a time when funding for rural England is under
significant pressure, the government (and its agencies) would consequently find it harder
to ignore funding appeals from an area which has World Heritage status. The cultural
strategy produced by the North West Regional Development Agency and the North West
Cultural Forum has highlighted support for an increase in the number of World Heritage
Sites in the region as part of image and tourism promotion and their role in public and
community life.