Conservation

Enjoy England Finalist 2012 Highly Commended Sustainable Tourism Award

Gold GTBS Accreditation - Highly Commended in the Virgin Holidays Responsible Tourism Awards 2011

In 1998 the Company introduced a visitor donation scheme with proceeds to Nurture Lakeland in order to fund access and conservation projects in the Ullswater Valley. The purpose of this body is to bring together businesses involved in tourism with conservation organisations to promote sustainable tourism, raising much needed funds for conservation projects.To date we have raised over 30 thousand pounds as part of this scheme. We as a business continue to reduce our carbon footprint by putting into place work practices from the simplest tasks such as eco-friendly cleaning products, recycled wooden picnic benches to the more complex; a magnetic device currently being trialed on Raven reduces her hourly fuel consumption and current inverters on each vessel convert 24V to 240V power, replacing the need for excess energy to power a generator.

Every year we measure our Carbon Footprint and in 2011 we increased our recycled versus non-recycled waste per passenger by 65%. We also raised £1400 for the RSPB, £1400 for Nurture Lakeland, £200 Save our Squirrels. Some of our products also include donation schemes Save our Squirrels Mugs. Sammy Squirrel Keyring and our Helen Herdwick Key - ring with monies raised being donated towards upland farming education for young farmers.

We hold sponsored Cruises to raise money for local charities such as Patterdale Mountain Rescue, Save our Squirrels, Children in Need, LDNP Ranger Commentary Cruises & Walks and the RSPB. All information is listed on our event and press pages so help us to help them and lend your support to these events.

What are we going to do this year for Green British Tourism Week, What will you do ? We have installed cycle racks at both Pier Houses for our passengers and staff, plus new electric vehicle charge points at Glenridding. View our sustainable tourism page to view our environmental pledges. 

Steps to a Greener Holiday

Visit places that are close to where you are staying. There are plenty of places throughout the country and many only a walk away.

Use local rail and bus services and check out local cycle hire facilities. There are frequent rail and bus services in many parts of Cumbria and cycle hire places are widespread, so leave the car at home.

Don’t waste water or energy – just use what you need, and you’ll help combat climate change.

Try to minimise waste by recycling bottles, cans and paper, and refusing unnecessary bags etc, and please do not drop litter.

Try to use local businesses rather than just multi-national chains, so that the money you spend re-circulates in the local economy.

Look out for local produce in terms of food and drink and also buy gifts made in the area if possible. Cumbria is particularly well off for local produce and local farmers markets are held in many towns. This all helps provide jobs for the local people, as well as minimising the distance food or drinks are transported.

Stay in accommodation or visit attractions that support the local environment by raising money for local conservations projects. For information on these businesses check out www.ourstolookafter.co.uk

Remember your Countryside Code -well our version !

If you have to open it, please close it

Litter does not grow on trees so take it with you

They live here so treat their homes as you do your own

Keep your footprints on the path for others to follow

Standing the test of time depends on who stands with you

Treasure the past and give the future a chance