Deep in a Lakeland valley, next to the hamlet of Elterwater, is the Langdale Hotel and Timeshare, a holiday complex with breathtaking views over the fells. The successful business owes its existence to its spectacular surroundings. But it is not taking its environment for granted. It has taken a long hard look at its environmental performance, reducing energy use, installing a biomass boiler and looking into reinstating the water wheels that once powered the valley.

Elsewhere, above Ullswater, Sundog Energy provides solar and wind energy installations, for clients nationwide. Just below them, on the shores of the lake, the Outward Bound centre has created a new currency for some of its students: eco-points. Points can be earned through litter picking and other green jobs, and are spent on using the centre’s minibus, giving students a practical lesson about the cost of carbon. The Langdale Hotel, Sundog and Outward Bound are among the growing number of organisations who have realised that their future will be shaped, in part, by climate change, and the need to respond to the challenges it poses.

This project is helping the Lake District National Park formulate its response to climate change. A report, Low Carbon Lake District, was published at a major conference in Kendal in June 2008, bringing together local politicians, community groups, business organisations and others with a stake in the National Park. The report explains how climate change will alter the look and feel of the Lake District; looks at what is already being done to cut carbon; and helps chart the way ahead towards a low-carbon Lake District. It includes ten case studies of organisations who are taking the lead.

“Rebecca Willis’s report marks the beginning of a journey for the Lake District; one where those that care about and are shaping its future can embark on the journey together.”

Richard Leafe, Chief Executive, Lake District National Park Authority

Download the report here.