Unesco awards Lake District World Heritage Site status

[Blackleaf]

The Lake District has joined the likes of the Grand Canyon, the Taj Mahal and Machu Picchu by being awarded Unesco World Heritage Site status.

The national park was one of 33 sites around the world to be discussed by the Unesco committee in Krakow, Poland.

The committee praised the area's beauty, farming and the inspiration it had provided to artists and writers.

Unesco awards Lake District World Heritage Site status

BBC News
9 July 2017

About 18 million people visit the Lake District each year

The Lake District has joined the likes of the Grand Canyon, the Taj Mahal and Machu Picchu by being awarded Unesco World Heritage Site status.

The national park was one of 33 sites around the world to be discussed by the Unesco committee in Krakow, Poland.

The committee praised the area's beauty, farming and the inspiration it had provided to artists and writers.

It is the 31st place in the UK and overseas territories to be put on the Unesco World Heritage List.

The committee suggested the impact of tourism be monitored and requested improvements in conservation efforts.

The delegates heard the 885 sq-mile Lake District had been trying to obtain the Unesco status since 1986.

Lord Clark of Windermere, chairman of the Lake District National Park Partnership which put together the bid, described the decision as "momentous".

Windermere is England's largest natural lake

"A great many people have come together to make this happen and we believe the decision will have long and lasting benefits for the spectacular Lake District landscape, the visitors we welcome every year and for the people who call the National Park their home," he added.

Steve Ratcliffe, director of sustainable development at the Lake District National Park, said the application had been a "long time in the making" and he was "incredibly proud" of the landscape which has been shaped by nature, farming and industry.

He told the committee: "The Lake District now becomes an international and global property and we look forward to working with you and our communities to make sure this site inspires future generations around the world."

Steve Ratcliffe said it "has taken millennia to become the evolving masterpiece it is today"

About 18 million people visit the Lake District each year, spending a total of £1.2bn and providing about 18,000 jobs.

It is home to England's largest natural lake - Windermere - and highest mountain - Scafell Pike.

The Lake District has inspired artists and writers

Nigel Wilkinson, managing director of Windermere Lake Cruises, said he was hopeful the Unesco status would put the Lakes on an international level.

"What we really hope is it will act as an economic driver and will grow the value, not the volume, of tourism by giving people more... reasons to make day visits and sustained visits."

Harriet Fraser, a writer and patron of Friends of the Lake District, said: "It's the most beautiful district but it has a very deep culture which is largely hill farming but also conservation."

Other UK Unesco sites include Stonehenge, Durham Castle and Cathedral, and the city of Bath.

The city of Bath

Unesco awards Lake District World Heritage site status - BBC News

 

[petros]

You do realize that means they are defaulting on loans and are handing over control of the site to the World Bank?

 

[Blackleaf]

You do realize that means they are defaulting on loans and are handing over control of the site to the World Bank?

 

[petros]

It's no joking matter. You just gave a chunk of the UK away.

 

[Danbones]

What we really hope is it will act as an economic driver and will grow the value, not the volume, of tourism by giving people more

They spelt "taking more for the same old same old" wrong.

Having said that, I am a big fan of rivers and lakes.

 

[Blackleaf]

It's no joking matter. You just gave a chunk of the UK away.

4% of the Lake District is owned by the National Park. The rest is owned by organisations such as the National Trust, United Utilities, Forestry Commission and other private landowners.

You will also be surprised to learn that, despite its vast geographical size, Canada isn't in the Top 10 of countries with most UNESCO World Heritage Sites:

China: 53
Italy: 52
Spain: 45
France: 42
Germany: 41
India: 35
Mexico: 34
UK: 31
Russia: 26
US: 23

Canada ties in 15th place (with Greece) with 18.

 

[Johnnny]

4% of the Lake District is owned by the National Park. The rest is owned by organisations such as the National Trust, United Utilities, Forestry Commission and other private landowners.

You will also be surprised to learn that, despite its vast geographical size, Canada isn't in the Top 10 of countries with most UNESCO World Heritage Sites:

China: 53
Italy: 52
Spain: 45
France: 42
Germany: 41
India: 35
Mexico: 34
UK: 31
Russia: 26
US: 23

Canada ties in 15th place (with Greece) with 18.

We don't need to be top 10 because then the whole country would be designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

 

[Curious Cdn]

We don't need to be top 10 because then the whole country would be designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

.. and that's the truth!

 

[darkbeaver]

It's not a big deal. Whole bunch of puff for nothing. The Ununited Nations are a global insult to humanity. The fact is much of Britians still stands intact proof of it's recent origins chronologicallly speaking.

 

[Curious Cdn]

It's not a big deal. Whole bunch of puff for nothing. The Ununited Nations are a global insult to humanity. The fact is much of Britians still stands intact proof of it's recent origins chronologicallly speaking.

Britain was naturally dense hardwood rain forest and what you see now is completely artificial and the result of 6-7000 years of agriculture, there. Dartmoor would be a thick oak forest if wild ponies weren't grazing it.

 

[darkbeaver]

That sounds reasonable to me.

 

[Blackleaf]

Britain was naturally dense hardwood rain forest and what you see now is completely artificial and the result of 6-7000 years of agriculture, there. Dartmoor would be a thick oak forest if wild ponies weren't grazing it.

A largely man-made environment, and stunning it is. Britain is the most beautiful country in the world. Lush, green countryside dotted with hills, mountains, meadows, drystone walls, medieval villages, medieval pubs, narrow country lanes, cottages. It's unbeatable.

 

[Curious Cdn]

... but so small and claustrophobic.

 

[Danbones]

Ficking Rgers internet at 1 or 2 megs per second when it should be way higher really sucks.
If you like photos, do not get Rgers internet.

Yes Canadians can appreciate room to stretch out in.

 

[Blackleaf]

16 photos that prove the Lake District is the most beautiful place in Britain

10 July 2017
The Telegraph

The Lake District has been named Britain's 31st World Heritage Site. Here we reveal our favourite spots.

Tarn Hows

Oliver Berry, our Lake District experts, says: "This wooded tarn is one of the national park’s top beauty spots, but it’s actually a man-made creation: a local landowner decided to enhance the view by combining three pools here in the mid 19th century. It’s now owned by the National Trust, and its lakeshore paths are ideal for a leisurely afternoon stroll."

Langdale and Blea Tarn

"A hallowed name amongst fellwalkers, Great Langdale is home to some of the Lake District’s most iconic hikes. Most people choose to tackle the Langdale Pikes, a spiky chain of hills on the valley’s northern side, but more experienced hikers might feel up to the challenging circuit along the Crinkle Crags and Bowfell. Whichever you choose, the views are guaranteed to be stirring."

Buttermere and Borrowdale

"With its green fields, cob cottages, drystone walls and rolling fells, Borrowdale seems to sum up the spirit of the Lake District landscape. Neighbouring Buttermere feels altogether wilder and emptier; its twin lakes, Buttermere and Crummock Water, are overlooked by a string of dramatic fells, including Alfred Wainwright’s favourite mountain, Haystacks, where his ashes were scattered following his death in 1991."

Newlands Valley

"Most people make a beeline for Borrowdale and Buttermere, but relatively few detour west into the Newlands Valley. There’s precious little to see other than miles of empty fells and open countryside, but that’s the attraction. The Newlands Round makes a classic 10-mile loop around the valley’s main summits, and it stays fairly quiet even in the height of summer. The shortest route begins in the tiny village of Little Town, but it’s easier to park in Keswick and walk southwest through Brandelhow Park."

Castlerigg Stone Circle

"Pick up a gourmet picnic from Pumpkin (01768 775973; 19 Lake Road), Keswick’s classiest artisan café, then stroll up to the Castlerigg Stone Circle, dramatically sited on a hilltop just outside the town. Location was just as important to prehistoric builders as it is today: the wraparound view of the surrounding fells is a knockout."

Windermere

"Stretching for over 10 miles between Ambleside and Newby Bridge, Windermere is not only the largest lake in the Lake District, it’s the largest lake anywhere in England. It has been a major tourist attraction since the arrival of the railway in the mid-19th century, and it remains one of the national park’s busiest sights."

Honister Pass

"The windswept Honister Pass is home to one of the Lake District’s last working slate mines, where you can take a 1.5-hour guided tour of the underground shafts of the old Kimberly Mine. Longer tours of the 11-mile long Cathedral Mine also run on Friday evenings by arrangement, and specialist wildflower and industrial history tours run during the high season."

Ullswater

South-west of Penrith, long and winding Ullswater is lined with pretty villages, including Glenridding, the starting point for hikes to the summit of Helvellyn, Pooley Bridge and Howtown. It is popular boating location – Donald Campbell even broke the world water speed record here in 1955.

Aira Force

Mentioned in three of Wordsworth's poems, the spectacular Aira Force waterfall lies to the western side of Ullswater. A small bridge spans the falls, allowing visitors a clear view to the bottom.

Derwentwater

"It was said to be Beatrix Potter’s favourite lake," says Oliver Berry. "Cruisers putter across the lake from the jetties beside Hope Park, or there are traditional wooden rowing boats if you want to explore at your own pace."

Cathedral Cavern

Christopher Somerville, in his guide to the Lake District's best-kept secrets, writes: "Nothing can prepare you for the feeling of wonder you experience inside Cathedral Cavern, yet it is just one of many extraordinary slate mine caverns in Cumbria, cut by hand hundreds of years ago. The main chamber could swallow a parish church, and is lit by several roof “windows” – old access routes above, leading to the outside. Most impressive is a balcony with a sheer drop-off and giddy views down to the main chamber.

Tongue Pot, Eskdale

The best spot in the Lakes for a wild swim? "Tongue Pot forms a long emerald pool beneath a waterfall in the cleft of a mountain beck," says Christopher Somerville. "Just beneath a mountain packhorse bridge, where the Lingcove Beck joins the Esk, a pebble beach shelves down on one side and an oak tree overhangs, its knobbly roots making good handholds. Up and downstream, Esk Falls, Kail Pot and Lingcove Beck form yet more pools, the grey rocks streaked with sinuous white quartz veins. When the sun is shining there is no better place on earth to be. Close by are the Roman Fort and narrow road pass at Hardknott."

Innominate Tarn

Found just below the peak of Haystacks. The ashes of Alfred Wainwright, author of A Pictorial Guide to the Lakeland Fells, were scattered here.

Shap Abbey

This ruined tower is all that remains of Shap Abbey, built in 1199.

Grasmere

Close to this picturesque lake are two key Lake District attractions, Dove Cottage and Rydal Mount, two of William Wordsworth’s homes.

Great Gable and Scafell Pike

Oliver Berry writes: "If there’s one peak everyone wants to tick off their list, it’s Scafell Pike, England’s highest mountain at 3,209ft. The mountain is well within the reach of most walkers, but it’s a long climb to the top, and can be tricky to navigate in bad weather, so save it for a clement day. From the top, you’ll be treated to a wonderfully wild vista across the valley of Wasdale. It’s a round-trip of about seven miles from the car-park at Wasdale Head; expect to spend at least six hours on the mountain."

Lakes16 | 16 photographs that prove the Lake District is Britain's most beautiful place - Travel

 

[Dixie Cup]

Truly beautiful pictures. Unfortunately, I can't afford to go there. sigh....

 

[petros]

16 photos that prove the Lake District is the most beautiful place in Britain

10 July 2017
The Telegraph

The Lake District has been named Britain's 31st World Heritage Site. Here we reveal our favourite spots.

Tarn Hows

Oliver Berry, our Lake District experts, says: "This wooded tarn is one of the national park’s top beauty spots, but it’s actually a man-made creation: a local landowner decided to enhance the view by combining three pools here in the mid 19th century. It’s now owned by the National Trust, and its lakeshore paths are ideal for a leisurely afternoon stroll."

Langdale and Blea Tarn

"A hallowed name amongst fellwalkers, Great Langdale is home to some of the Lake District’s most iconic hikes. Most people choose to tackle the Langdale Pikes, a spiky chain of hills on the valley’s northern side, but more experienced hikers might feel up to the challenging circuit along the Crinkle Crags and Bowfell. Whichever you choose, the views are guaranteed to be stirring."

Buttermere and Borrowdale

"With its green fields, cob cottages, drystone walls and rolling fells, Borrowdale seems to sum up the spirit of the Lake District landscape. Neighbouring Buttermere feels altogether wilder and emptier; its twin lakes, Buttermere and Crummock Water, are overlooked by a string of dramatic fells, including Alfred Wainwright’s favourite mountain, Haystacks, where his ashes were scattered following his death in 1991."

Newlands Valley

"Most people make a beeline for Borrowdale and Buttermere, but relatively few detour west into the Newlands Valley. There’s precious little to see other than miles of empty fells and open countryside, but that’s the attraction. The Newlands Round makes a classic 10-mile loop around the valley’s main summits, and it stays fairly quiet even in the height of summer. The shortest route begins in the tiny village of Little Town, but it’s easier to park in Keswick and walk southwest through Brandelhow Park."

Castlerigg Stone Circle

"Pick up a gourmet picnic from Pumpkin (01768 775973; 19 Lake Road), Keswick’s classiest artisan café, then stroll up to the Castlerigg Stone Circle, dramatically sited on a hilltop just outside the town. Location was just as important to prehistoric builders as it is today: the wraparound view of the surrounding fells is a knockout."

Windermere

"Stretching for over 10 miles between Ambleside and Newby Bridge, Windermere is not only the largest lake in the Lake District, it’s the largest lake anywhere in England. It has been a major tourist attraction since the arrival of the railway in the mid-19th century, and it remains one of the national park’s busiest sights."

Honister Pass

"The windswept Honister Pass is home to one of the Lake District’s last working slate mines, where you can take a 1.5-hour guided tour of the underground shafts of the old Kimberly Mine. Longer tours of the 11-mile long Cathedral Mine also run on Friday evenings by arrangement, and specialist wildflower and industrial history tours run during the high season."

Ullswater

South-west of Penrith, long and winding Ullswater is lined with pretty villages, including Glenridding, the starting point for hikes to the summit of Helvellyn, Pooley Bridge and Howtown. It is popular boating location – Donald Campbell even broke the world water speed record here in 1955.

Aira Force

Mentioned in three of Wordsworth's poems, the spectacular Aira Force waterfall lies to the western side of Ullswater. A small bridge spans the falls, allowing visitors a clear view to the bottom.

Derwentwater

"It was said to be Beatrix Potter’s favourite lake," says Oliver Berry. "Cruisers putter across the lake from the jetties beside Hope Park, or there are traditional wooden rowing boats if you want to explore at your own pace."

Cathedral Cavern

Christopher Somerville, in his guide to the Lake District's best-kept secrets, writes: "Nothing can prepare you for the feeling of wonder you experience inside Cathedral Cavern, yet it is just one of many extraordinary slate mine caverns in Cumbria, cut by hand hundreds of years ago. The main chamber could swallow a parish church, and is lit by several roof “windows” – old access routes above, leading to the outside. Most impressive is a balcony with a sheer drop-off and giddy views down to the main chamber.

Tongue Pot, Eskdale

The best spot in the Lakes for a wild swim? "Tongue Pot forms a long emerald pool beneath a waterfall in the cleft of a mountain beck," says Christopher Somerville. "Just beneath a mountain packhorse bridge, where the Lingcove Beck joins the Esk, a pebble beach shelves down on one side and an oak tree overhangs, its knobbly roots making good handholds. Up and downstream, Esk Falls, Kail Pot and Lingcove Beck form yet more pools, the grey rocks streaked with sinuous white quartz veins. When the sun is shining there is no better place on earth to be. Close by are the Roman Fort and narrow road pass at Hardknott."

Innominate Tarn

Found just below the peak of Haystacks. The ashes of Alfred Wainwright, author of A Pictorial Guide to the Lakeland Fells, were scattered here.

Shap Abbey

This ruined tower is all that remains of Shap Abbey, built in 1199.

Grasmere

Close to this picturesque lake are two key Lake District attractions, Dove Cottage and Rydal Mount, two of William Wordsworth’s homes.

Great Gable and Scafell Pike

Oliver Berry writes: "If there’s one peak everyone wants to tick off their list, it’s Scafell Pike, England’s highest mountain at 3,209ft. The mountain is well within the reach of most walkers, but it’s a long climb to the top, and can be tricky to navigate in bad weather, so save it for a clement day. From the top, you’ll be treated to a wonderfully wild vista across the valley of Wasdale. It’s a round-trip of about seven miles from the car-park at Wasdale Head; expect to spend at least six hours on the mountain."

Lakes16 | 16 photographs that prove the Lake District is Britain's most beautiful place - Travel

Keep this Brexit thing going and whole lot will be lost to defaulting on debt.

 

[Blackleaf]

Keep this Brexit thing going and whole lot will be lost to defaulting on debt.

So Brexit means not only widespread famine, economic collapse and World War III - as we were told during the referendum campaign - but it'll also mean the loss of hundreds of square miles of forests, mountains and lakes?

It's hard to believe that the Remoaners think most Britons will believe this claptrap.