Landscape charity Friends of the Lake District celebrated its 90th anniversary and held its annual general meeting in Keswick last Friday (September 13).
Keswick was the birthplace of the charity 90 years ago when it was launched at a public rally in Fitz Park.
This event was an opportunity for members and supporters of the charity to celebrate all that has been achieved over the last nine decades and discuss plans which will shape the future of the organisation.
As part of the day, people enjoyed a guided tour of Keswick’s three historic parks, beginning in Hope, moving on to Crow, and ending at Fitz Park, where Friends of the Lake District came into being.
Michael Hill, CEO of Friends of the Lake District, said: “Friends of the Lake District started at a public rally in Fitz Park, Keswick, in June 1934 when a group of passionate people launched an association with the aim of protecting the beauty and traditions of the landscape, while ensuring the public had access to it.
“They also began to campaign for the Lake District’s status as a national park. And in 1951 their campaigning finally led to the creation of the Lake District National Park – one of the first national parks in the country.
“Today, we continue to be a strong voice for the landscape, campaigning against threats and challenges, doing practical conservation work on our own land, and running projects to inspire others.
“I’m so proud of everything our charity has achieved and look forward to working with our members and supporters to do even more to protect the wonderful Cumbrian landscapes that we all love.”
