Lake District National Park Authority
Strategy for Access to Lakes Rivers and the Coast 1
STRATEGY FOR ACCESS TO LAKES RIVERS AND THE COAST
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 The Lake District has the greatest concentration of inland waters and the greatest length of rivers in England. It also includes 26 miles of the Cumbrian coastline and estuaries. Water related access and recreation is a key part of the activities the Lake District offers, contributing to the world class visitor experience and the vibrant communities within this spectacular landscape.
1.2 A target within the Lake District National Park Authority Business Plan 2009-12 is to develop ‘A strategic framework for access and recreational opportunities for lakes, rivers and the coast’. This document outlines our vision and aims for water related recreation over the next ten years and an associated action plan.
2. BACKGROUND
2.1 One of our priorities is to provide opportunities for all, especially non-traditional visitors and local people, to find out what is special about the national park and how they can benefit from it. Water, whether in lakes and tarns, running waterfalls and rivers or our coast-line plays an important part in the spectacular landscape of the Lake District. As such, water related activities are an important means by which we can encourage greater connectivity with the landscape enabling people to get closer to, and appreciate, the landscape around them. There are also significant physical and mental health benefits for those taking part in water related recreation.
2.2 Another key aim is to enable provision of an integrated sustainable transport network which offers attractive alternatives to the car. The four navigable lakes within the Lake District provide opportunities to develop sustainable transport networks, using water-buses and ferries to provide transport services and link into other transport providers, as well as being attractions in their own right.
2.3 Water related recreation is also an important economic driver in the Lake District, with many outdoor sport, education and recreation providers located in the North West due to the abundance of natural resources including its lakes, rivers and coastline (Cumbria Vision, 2008)[1]. Several water related sports have been recognised as having significant potential to expand, including relatively low cost sports such as paddle sports. County-wide initiatives such as Adventure Capital, lead by Cumbria Tourism, focus on developing the region as the leader in the UK for adventure based/adrenaline activities including many water sports (Cumbria Tourism, 2009)[2]. The draft Local Development Framework for the Lake District also recognises the need for some limited lakeshore development to support lake services and facilities that rely on a lakeshore location.
2.4 These water resources are also vitally important for wildlife. Many water bodies are designated as sites of special scientific interest or special areas of conservation and all contribute to its spectacular wildlife. Water related access and recreation can have an impact on the water resources they use, and careful management is required to ensure use does not impact on them.
3 RESEARCH
3.1 In 2008/2009 Faber Maunsell on behalf of the Lake District National Park Authority (LDNPA) undertook research with the public, organisations and land managers with an interest in water-related access and recreation to find out more about current use, and needs and preferences of users (Faber Maunsell, 2009)[3]. This work has informed the development of the Vision and Aims of the Access to Lakes Rivers and Coast Strategy and associated Action Plan. A summary of the research findings is in Annex 2
4. THE LAKE DISTRICT
4.1 The Lake District is internationally recognised as providing excellent opportunities for outdoor recreation, with its natural environment of lakes, tarns and rivers flowing out to sea, host to many water based activities. Taking a cruise on Lake Windermere is one of the top visitor attractions in the UK, and high numbers of visitors also take trips on Ullswater, Derwentwater and Coniston. There are numerous water-based activity centres including marinas and outdoor activity centres which cater for visitors and locals. Box 3 details the main water sports hire providers in the Lake District area.
4.2 In addition, many individuals either independently or as part of a club utilise water for activities. Particular sports have been recognised as having potential to expand including angling and canoeing which, needing less equipment and facilities than many other activities could be more accessible, particularly for novices and samplers. Outdoor swimming has also seen a big increase in interest and participation in the Lake District, as a result of greater publicity and the Great North Swim in Windermere, and there is potential for this to increase in the future.
4.3 The draft Lake District National Park Local Development Framework Core Strategy identifies 5 distinctive areas in the National Park. These have been used to describe water related activities and current use within the National Park (see Annex 2).
5. THE VISION
5.1 To enhance the accessibility and opportunities by which local people and visitors can enjoy the lakes and tarns, rivers and the coast line of the Lake District. This will be achieved whilst protecting and, where possible enhancing, the sustainability of the water environment.
5.2 We will work in partnership with the wide variety of clubs, organisations and other agencies to achieve this by 2020. We will monitor actions towards this vision annually with a full review in 2015.
6. THE AIMS
6.1 Aim 1: Enhance accessibility to the lakes, rivers and the coast.
Measure 1.1 Extend, improve and protect access on, to, and alongside lakes, rivers and the coast.
Measure 1.2 Address needs and preferences of user-groups, where compatible with National Park purposes.
Targets to demonstrate these aims:
· Improvements in access at two sites relating to water-based access and recreation, and development of two rights of way improvement plan projects in the next two years.
· An increase in usage of less-able access boats based within the Lake District.
· Develop and implement the Marine and Coastal Access Act within the Lake District.
6.2 Aim 2: Promote the diverse opportunities available for enjoyment of lakes, rivers and the coast.
Measure 2.1 Provide clear, accessible and up-to-date information and interpretation to
enable informed responsible and safe participation.
Measure 2.2 Widen participation to water based access and recreation through the
promotion of activities and development of beginner/dabbler activities.
Measure 2.3 Continue to support and enhance the diverse range of water based
access and recreation which take place within the Lake District National Park.
Targets to demonstrate these aims:
· Increase in people downloading canoe trail information from canoe hire sites/tourist information centres.
· Monitoring of ‘Have a Go’ sessions to assess participation and possible extension of activities.
· Sustained increases in the number of hits to relevant websites/pages.
6.3 Aim 3: Develop greater awareness of the water environment, and the role users can play in protecting and enhancing it.
Measure 3.1 Increase awareness of threats to the water environment by users.
Measure 3.2 Work with users to reduce any negative impact users have on the water
environment and support actions which produce positive benefits.
Targets to demonstrate these aims:
· All marinas and hire centres to receive posters and leaflet drops about invasive species.
· Ongoing provision of advice, guidance and liaison with large scale water-related event organisers regarding environmental impacts including monitoring (for example Bluebird Project).
Annex 1: PROPOSED ACTION PLAN
This annual action plan outlines work that will be undertaken to deliver projects to enhance access to lakes, rivers and the coast up to March 2010, and then in a separate table outlines future aspirational projects to be developed by the National Park alongside our other partner organisations from April 2010 – 2013.
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Lake District National Park Authority
Access to Lakes Rivers and the Coast: Annex 1 Proposed Action Plan
Main beneficiary / Aim/Measure / Action (YY-No) / Partners / Targets - / Finance/Resources· Small £0 – 10k
· Med £10 – 50k
· Large £50 – 100k
· V large £100k+ /
PROJECTS: DECEMBER 2009 - MARCH 2010
Aim 1: Enhance accessibility to the lakes, rivers and the coast
Waterside Independent Users / Measure 1.1 / 09-01 Windermere WaterbusDevelop new waterbus and public jetty at Bark Barn, Windermere. A key link in developing a sustainable transport network on Windermere. / National Trust;
Windermere Lake Cruises / Spring/
Summer 2010 / Medium (total cost)
Our contribution likely to be small (5-10k)
Lake Ranger, Planning, Sustainable Development Fund, Lake District Visitor Centre Redevelopment Project
All Water Dependent activities / Measure 1.1 / 09-02 Webcam/Weather station development.
Install webcam at Windermere Lake Cruises Building in North Basin. Providing weather forecasting and additional website messages to the public. / Windermere Lake Cruises; / March 2010 / 3k
LDNP Ranger; Catchment Projects Coordinator; Web Editor; ICT Team; Windermere Lake Cruises
All Users / Measure 1.2 / 09-03 Windermere Reflections.
Support/involvement in the Heritage Lottery Fund Bid for “Windermere Reflections”.
Incorporation of Access to lakes, rivers and coast findings/ strategy into Landscape Plan in 2010/11.
Also link to Aim 3: Windermere Reflections role in raising awareness of user impact on water / Forestry Commission; United Utilities; Natural England; Environment Agency; National Trust; South Lakeland District Council / 2009 - 2013 / Small
2k contribution to Windermere Reflections bid in 2009.
Catchment projects coordinator; Rangers; Head of Countryside Service
Canoeing; Land Managers / Measure 1.2 / 09-04 Review of western lake canoe access. Identify existing access at Crummock Water, Buttermere, Ennerdale and Wastwater and explore greater or more equitable access. / Forestry Commission; United Utilities; National Trust. / April 2010 – summary of existing access
2011 proposals for change
if required / Small – March 2010
Catchment Projects Coordinator; Rangers.
Aim 2 Promote the diverse opportunities available for the enjoyment of the lakes, rivers and the coast
Angling
/ Measure 2.1 / 09-05 Angling in Cumbria Website.Re-design of comprehensive, accurate and detailed web based information source for angling within the National Park and Cumbria. In need of upgrade and maintenance. / Windermere and District Angling Association; Environment Agency; Cumbria Sports Partnership / April 2009 / Small
2k
Input from Catchment Projects Coordinator (CPC), Web Editor, Rangers
Canoeing / Measure 2.1; Measure 2.2; / 09-06 Canoe Trail webpage/downloadable onto waterproof paper at canoe hire shops and tourist information centres
For Coniston and Windermere, providing information for day trip paddlers, wishing to explore the lakes. BCU Canoe Trail leaflets:
For Derwentwater. Lead by BCU. LDNPA to provide advice/mapping. / British Canoe Union;
Environment Agency / 2011 / Small
LDNP Rangers; CPC; Coniston Boating Centre Manager; Web Editor
Swimmers / Measure 2.1; Measure 2.3 / 09-07 Outdoor swimming promotion and awareness. Production of leaflet to highlight the safety messages regarding swimming and promote swimming in the Lake District. / Adventure Capital / April 2010 / Small
1k
AIM 3 DEVELOP GREATER USER AWARENESS OF THE WATER ENVIRONMENT AND THE ROLE USERS CAN PLAY IN PROTECTING AND ENHANCING IT
All / Measure 3.1 / 09-09 Develop greater awareness of invasive species.
1. Re-design of Crassula Helmsii (New Zealand Pigmyweed) leaflet;
2. Develop communications plan for specific recreational activities and events to raise awareness – including targeting of specific outlets; venues. / Marinas and Hire Centres; / November 2009 (leaflet/press release and initial distribution) / £700.00
Publications and Information Coordinator; Ecologist; Catchment Projects Coordinator
All / Measure 3.2; Measure 2.3 / 09-10 Advice and Guidance.
Advice and guidance to water-based event organisers on improving environmental impact of events. To include monitoring (for example Bluebird Project, Great North Swim) / Environment Agency / Ongoing / Rangers; Catchment Projects Coordinator;
Main beneficiary / Aim/Measure / Action (YY-No) / Partners / Targets / Finance/Resources
· Small £0 – 10k
· Med £10 – 50k
· Large £50 – 100k
· V large £100k+ /
Projects: April 2010+
Aim 1 Enhance accessibility to the lakes, rivers and the coast
Waterside independent users / Measure 1.1 / 10-01 Coastal AccessSupport and prepare for implementation of the Marine and Coastal Access Act.
Member of the Cumbria Coastal and Open Access Working Group (joint working group of Cumbria and LDNP Local Access Forum members and staff) / Cumbria County Council; Natural England; Cumbria Local Access Forum; LDNP Local Access Forum / 2015 / Small
Catchment Projects Coordinator, Rangers, Rights of Way Advisors
Anglers / Measure 1.1 / 10-02 Accessibility Boat.
Investigate and establish use of a boat for less-abled anglers and general users.
Increase use of existing angling boat on Coniston. / Wheelyboat Trust; Coniston Boating Centre; / Summer 2010
Feasibility identified by Spring 2009 / Small – Medium Bassenthwaite Lake Bailiff; Catchment Projects Coordinator; Bassenthwaite Volunteer Wardens; Coniston Boating Centre Manager
General Users / Measure 1.1 / 10-03 Lake and River Shoreline Access improvements
To identify and develop projects which improve access to lake shore lines. A number of ROWIP suggestions have identified possible access improvements. These will be assessed for feasibility and, subject to funding being sourced, pursued. / Ongoing / Small – Medium
Canoeing / Measure 1.1 / 10-04 Access Infrastructure Improvements
Work with canoe users to investigate possible improvements for access/egress to minimise disturbance to wildlife/shorelines/river banks / Canoe Clubs; British Canoe Union; Angling Clubs / Ongoing / Small-Medium
Cycling / Measure 1.1 / 10-05 Round Windermere Cycle Route
To pursue and develop initiatives which contribute to cycling around Windermere. Part of the Windermere Management Strategy / Cumbria County Council; South Lakeland District Council / Ongoing / Small-Medium
All users / Measure 1.2 / 10-06 Codes of Conduct.
Produce a Code of Conduct for rescue operations and rescue training events on Windermere. This will include a framework to allow certified Training Courses (Part of the Windermere Management Strategy). Possible expansion to other lakes. / Outdoor Centres on Windermere; Commercial Users / April 2010 / Small
All users / Measure 1.2 / 10-07 Toilet Refurbishment/Redecoration
Improvements to LDNPA toilets. Recognised need from the access to lakes, rivers and coast research supports this. / Ongoing / Large
All users / Measure 1.2 / 10-08 Sustainable Transport Framework; Cumbria Tourism Car Park Study:
Ensure needs of water based access and recreation users are fully considered in assessment of need and future requirements. / Key partners – Cumbria Tourism; Cumbria County Council; Local Authorities; / 2010 / Small
AIM 2 PROMOTE THE DIVERSE OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE FOR ENJOYMENT OF LAKES RIVERS AND THE COAST
Canoeing;
Land Managers / Measure 2.1
Measure 1.1 / 10-09 Canoe Trail Expeditions
Identify campsites which can cater for those arriving by canoe, and help to facilitate/ raise awareness. Possible development of a ‘source to sea’ expedition/trail route working within existing river access agreements / Environment Agency; Local user groups; Land managers; Angling groups / 2013 / Small-Medium
Water based activities / Measure 2.2 / 10-10 Sport and Recreation Hubs
The Environment Agency has identified the need for watersport recreation hubs across the region which provides access and recreation.
Work with Environment Agency to include suitable sites within their network, likely to include the Lake District Visitor Centre at Brockhole and Coniston Boating Centre.
Support proposals for a watersports centre at the Lake District Visitor Centre, Brockhole. / Environment Agency / 2012 / Medium-Large
Canoeing
Rafting / Measure 2.2 / 10-11 ‘Have a go’ days.
Currently taking place at the Lake District Visitor Centre. Assess feedback, and investigate options for expansion for days at Coniston Boating Centre or western lakes. / Forestry Commission; United Utilities; National Trust; Coniston Boating Centre; Field Studies Council / April 2010 / Small.
Coniston Boating Centre; Possible resource contribution in taking bookings etc.
Beginners
Canoeing / Measure 2.2 / 10-12 Beginners guide to Canoeing leaflet/web page.
Production of leaflet for Tourist Information Centre distribution: to target identified gap in provision of information for the general, non-specialist/dabbler on where to hire, sites for easy access and locations for beginners on navigable lakes. / Adventure Capital; / 2011 / Small
Measure 2.1
Measure 3.1 / 10-13 Ullswater Interpretation Panels
Panels on the lake shore, at various key locations Informing visitors about the importance of Ullswater, its wildlife and heritage as well as where you can go/what you can do. / Landowners, local businesses / Spring 2011 / Small
Eastern area Ranger
AIM 3 DEVELOP GREATER USER AWARENESS OF THE WATER ENVIRONMENT AND THE ROLE USERS CAN PLAY IN PROTECTING AND ENHANCING IT.
All users / Measure 3.1 / 10-14 Windermere Reflections; Bassenthwaite Reflections
Ensure inclusion of projects to increase awareness of locals and visitors who use the windermere catchment of their impacts on the water environment. / Forestry Commission; United Utilities; Natural England; Environment Agency; National Trust; South Lakeland District Council / 2010-2013 / Medium
Measure 3.2 / 10-15 Water Forums
Support lake forums to ensure access and recreation developments do not have negative impacts on the environment. / Windermere Lake User Forum; Bassenthwaite Lake Forum; Borrowdale User Group; Coniston Water Association; ULLSARA and others / 2010-2013 / Small
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