Business plea to help boost Lakes

Money is needed to help preserve the Lake District

Big businesses based in Cumbria are being urged to dig deep and help preserve the Lake District.

The Tourism and Conservation Partnership is writing to larger businesses to ask for financial help.

It is sending out hearts made from Grasmere Gingerbread with information about how they can show they love the Lake District and its beauty spots.

Over the last 11 years the partnership has raised nearly £1m for environmental projects across Cumbria.

'Good PR'

Currently the organisation's members are supporting 34 different schemes including upland path repair, the Lake District Osprey Project and rebuilding an historic viewpoint on the shores of Lake Windermere.

Much of the funding comes from smaller tourism businesses and visitors to the county.

Partnership Manager Claire Stott said: "Our main aim is to make it easier for businesses to make a difference to the environment.

"The idea of 'Corporate Responsibility' is becoming a big issue for companies and customers are increasingly aware of environmental issues.

"We help businesses invest in the landscape and really maximize the good PR that can come from this kind of responsible action."