ONE of the great attractions of the Lake District – you know, after the mountains, the idyllic villages oh, and the Cumberland Pencil Museum in Keswick, is the beer.

It seems that, everywhere you turn, there’s another micro-brewery at the back of some quaint little pub turning out stuff to quench the thirsts of some very happy customers.

The number of brewers is ever-changing but it’s estimated there are around 30 of them in Cumbria, from those making just a few barrels per brew to the ‘big daddy’ of them all, Jennings in Cockermouth.

And many of the brews have some weird and wonderful names such as Jennings’ Sneck Lifter (a ‘sneck’ is a door latch in northern dialect)

So there are some very pleasant times to be had seeking out and sampling the brews available, particularly if you’ve spent hours trekking the high fells with only the thought of a fine local beer to keep you going.

Last weekend, after walking near Buttermere, it seemed only right to enjoy a pint named after a peak we’d just conquered. The prize-winning Melbreak Bitter from Cumbrian Legendary Ales was enjoyed at the Kirkstile Inn in Loweswater village where it first made its mark. It’s a lovely, light-coloured refreshing beer that, at 3.7%abv is not too high on alcohol. It hit the spot following a good few hours out on the hills.

There’s a great special edition poster mapping all of Cumbria’s breweries which is currently being sold to raise funds for the Cumbrian Flood Recovery Fund following last year’s devastating downpours.

The poster, developed by Westmorland CAMRA, costs £15 (includes p&p). It’s available from www.camra.org.uk/shop

While it may not be of much use on the fell tops, it’s certainly a great way to plan a route around the best beers in the area.

The Lake District could be granted the highly-prized world heritage status and join the Taj Mahal as one of the most iconic places in the world.

World Heritage Sites are chosen for their outstanding universal value to culture, history or science. The Lake District is one of 38 nominations from across the country unveiled by the Government as bidding for the status.

An independent expert panel will now be set up to assess each bid and advise ministers on which should be included in a shortlist submitted to UNESCO in 2011.

Tourism and Heritage Minister John Penrose said: “The UK’s heritage is world class and this list represents the unique variety and history present in all corners of this country and our overseas territories. We wanted a strong and varied list to eventually put to UNESCO and I’m delighted that so many wonderful, diverse places have been put forward.

“Any list that includes Jodrell Bank, the Forth Bridge, Blackpool and the Turks and Caicos Islands certainly doesn’t lack variety. But what all 38 sites have in common is a wow factor and a cultural resonance that makes them real contenders to sit alongside The Pyramids and Red Square in this most distinguished of gatherings.”

Earlier this year Government invited councils and others to bid. Places winning through will join the Taj Mahal, the Great Wall of China, The Statue of Liberty and more than 800 other sites on UNESCO’s list of the most iconic and important parts of the planet’s heritage.

The entire process can take between five and 10 years. After the bid is submitted to UNESCO by the UK Government, it will then be assessed by the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) and the World Conservation Union (IUCN).

Holidaymakers staying in Lake District hotels in the coming months may see the area change shape.

This is because two conservation areas in the district – Caldbeck and Hesket Newmarket – are to be extended following a review of their boundaries by the UK’s leading environmental heritage consultants.

According to members of the Park Strategy and Vision Committee, both extensions will be designed to “support the existing character of the conservation areas”.

Meanwhile, a report from national park conservation and design adviser David James stipulated that the landscape, cultural heritage and wildlife of the two areas would be improved by “supporting the development of new approaches to celebrating cultural heritage, design and the built environment”.

Both conservation areas were designated as national park sites in 1983, with the programme of appraisal and review for Caldbeck and Hesket Newmarket commissioned for 2007.

Covering 885 square miles, the Lake District is the largest national park in England.

An exciting conservation project has been launched which will see 90 spectacular red kites released in the Lake District – the first time the birds have been reintroduced in the North West.

Following the issuing of a special licence from Natural England, the Forestry Commission North West England has begun a three-year project that will see the birds of prey released in Grizedale Forest.

The birds will be taken soon after hatching from Rockingham Forest, Forestry Commission woodlands in Northamptonshire, and brought up to Cumbria 30 at a time – 30 birds will be released each year for the duration of the three-year scheme.

The Grizedale programme will be the ninth reintroduction of red kites into different regions of the UK, and the final reintroduction phase in England.

Forestry Commission Wildlife ranger Iain Yoxall, project manager for the Grizedale Red Kite Release Project, said:

“I’m very excited about this scheme. I have a keen interest in birds and in birds of prey in particular.

“It is a real conservation coup for the area and it will help to establish the red kites in the largest region in England from which the species is absent, a process which could take decades naturally.”

Red kites were almost eradicated from the UK following persecution between the 16th and 19th Centuries. However they managed to cling on in mid Wales and their numbers recovered thanks to the actions of local conservationists.

Now the birds are beginning to thrive again following the conservation work undertaken by organisations like the Forestry Commission.

The red kites that will be introduced into Grizedale are the product of a reintroduction programme that took place in Northamptonshire in the 1980s.

The young birds will arrive at Grizedale between late June and early July and will then be held in special pens for up to two months where forest wildlife rangers will feed and water them until they are ready to leave.

Even after they have left the holding pens rangers will continue to feed the young red kites until they stop coming back because they have learned to fend for themselves – however special care will be taken to ensure the birds do not become accustomed to contact with humans.

All the birds will be wing-tagged with a colour and number and will be given leg rings. Around ten per cent will also be tagged with radio transmitters, which will help Forestry Commission staff to monitor the success of the release programme.

Mr Yoxall is confident the birds will prove to be a big hit with visitors to Grizedale.

“They are large spectacular bird and have a wing span of around five feet. They are stunning to see in the sky as they are also very agile. They will be an exciting thing for people to see and an added attraction for people visiting Grizedale.”

A special advisory group has been established, containing bird experts from organisations like Natural England, the RSPB and the British Association of Shooting and Conservation, to help ensure the project’s success.

Red kites are coloured chestnut red and have white patches under their wings. They are primarily a scavenger and feed mostly on carrion. They breed from around the age of two years and usually pair for life.

The Cranleigh, a luxury cutting-edge guesthouse, with in-room facilities that rival the best Lake District hotels, has created the perfect sanctuary for those with love on the mind.

The Sanctuary is a converted bungalow that has been transformed into its own private retreat featuring high ceilings, natural beams, remote control contemporary log effect fire, Bose surround sound throughout including the bathroom complete with a Ben Di Lisi glass bath, with mood lighting throughout.

Guests are greeted with champagne and strawberries on arrival to help them get in the mood.
The bedroom has a Super King size bed with luxury goose down bedding and an 8-foot high designer headboard.

There is a built in designer remote control log effect fire with a 46″ LCD television above which is connected to a Bose surround sound Lifestyle system with Ipod docking station and DVD player.
There is a separate breakfast area, under-floor heating, built in wardrobes with a well stocked mini bar featuring contemporary cool lighting.

There is a dressing table, hair dryer and remote control blinds in the high pitched ceilings with natural oak beams. The room has alternative mood lighting to set an ambiance especially in the winter with the warmth of the fire.

The room has an internal phone to contact reception for any requirements, free internet access and free access to a large DVD library. The fabrics and designer papers are from the Royal Collection which has been produced from the Queens archives.

The large bathroom features the first Ben Di Lisi glass bath ever to be put into a hotel room. The floor is tiled with Black Magic marble tiles and the walls with Samara Platinum and has underfloor heating.

The large shower enclosure features mood lighting and an Ethos Chromatherapy shower head for the ultimate showering experience. Twin sinks, twin mirrors, luxury toiletries, towels and accessories with a 18″ television to watch while relaxing in the bath. The bathroom also features Bose surround sound too if you prefer to listen to your favourite music through the Ipod docking station.

Through the bathroom and to the outside is a private Hot tub area that has been designed and built using Iroka timber featuring curved walls and decking. The area has mood lighting and outside Bose speakers to relax ideally with a bottle of Champagne. The hot tub can fit 2 people comfortably and has spa controls and underwater lighting.

All occupants have free access to brand new 3 million pound refurbished leisure facilities where you will find a luxury spa with a 20m pool, steam room and gymnasium located a two minute walk away.
The Cranleigh is perfectly located just one minutes walk from the shores of Lake Windermere and just one minute’s walk from the centre of Bowness on Windermere, where you will find a large selection of established restaurants, bars, shops and cafés.

Stephen and Louise, the owners, bought the Cranleigh with a vision to create a luxury cutting-edge guesthouse, with in-room facilities that rival the best Lake District hotels. Their aim is to change the perception of traditional guesthouses by creating a haven of style and comfort with a relaxed and friendly atmosphere in the centre of the English Lake District.

Much care and effort has been spent on design, layout, decoration and furnishings on all the new rooms.

The lounge, dining and reception areas of the main building have also been refurbished using contemporary classic design as a theme throughout, complementing the Arts & Crafts design of this period property.

The Cranleigh has achieved AA 5 stay Highly commended and Visit Britain 5 star Gold making it the highest accommodation provider in its class in Bowness on Windermere.

Prices: From £250.00 – £400.00 per room per night inclusive of breakfast and based on two people sharing.

Japanese tourists are being asked to give £5 each to help preserve the Lake District. The visitor payback scheme, will help mend footpaths and replant native trees round the Lakes by asking Japanese visitors to donate money through organised tours and travel corporations.

it is thought the scheme, controlled by Nurture Lakeland, will encourage other nationalities to follow in kind and help raise £25,000 this year to keep the Lake District in spotless condition. The Japan Forum, a grouping of Lake District firms which benefit from Japanese tourism, helped invent the program. Stephen Broughton, of touring company Mountain Goat and an affiliate of the forum, expounded : “it is a new concept and we are hoping it’s going to be a communicable one.

“if we are able to develop this concept to other UK and world groups then hopefully we will raise lots of cash for the Lake District.I suspect folk would like to give cash after they see the views on offer here as we love nature. It manifestly relies upon what folks wish to do but I do not believe £5 is much to give when you consider how gorgeous it is here.”

Andrew Dobson, who owns the Lakes Lodge Bed and Breakfast in Windermere, announced between 30 and 40% of his guests were Japanese .

He suspects they might be very unlikely to give cash for conservation of the Lake District. “when they’ve paid for everything on their trip it customarily costs a ton of cash, so I don’t believe they will need to give anything more”

“from my personal experience of the Japanese they desire what they pay for and they will pay no more and no less. “I believe it’s up to area folk to pay for conservation instead of visitors because holiday makers are visitors here they do not get any permanent benefit by giving money for these causes.”

The Japanese visitor market has boomed since the releasing of the Miss Potter film in 2007. Doners to the visitor payback scheme will get a Peter Rabbit pin badge and certificate, and around five thousand badges are anticipated to be sold in 2010.

Japanese visitors head to the Lake District to go to Beatrix Potter attractions like Hill Top in Near Sawrey, the Beatrix Potter Studio in Hawkshead, and the sector of Beatrix Potter.

The Lake District’s famous pair of mating Ospreys have reunited at their Bassenthwaite Lake nest after a 3,000 mile migration from Africa.

The female arrived back at Bassenthwaite on March 26, the earliest date an Osprey has ever returned to the Lake, followed on April 1 by the male bird.

Since then they have been seen by staff from the Lake District Osprey Project gathering sticks and moss for nest building.

Pete Barron, of the Lake District Osprey Project, said: “We are delighted that the ospreys have returned for a 10th season.

“They have been busy mating so we are hopeful the female will be laying eggs very soon. We now have a dedicated team doing 24-hour nest protection to ensure the ospreys are left undisturbed.”

The team are certain that the birds are the same ones that have appeared at Bassenthwaite in the past. The male has nested at Bassenthwaite since 2001, while he paired up with the female for the first time in 2007.

The return of the ospreys raises hopes for a 10th successful nesting season for the famous fish-eating birds of prey.

Ospreys first nested near Bassenthwaite Lake in 2001, the first to do so for at least 150 years.

The Osprey Viewpoint at Dodd Wood, near Keswick, is now open, offering views of the nest and nearby Bassenthwaite Lake.

At the Forestry Commission’s Whinlatter Visitor Centre, near Braithwaite, there is an exhibition area dedicated to the ospreys with a live feed from a nest camera.

Osprey fans can follow the birds in the daily osprey diary at www.ospreywatch.co.uk.

When Lucy Nicholson set up a small delicatessen with a £1,000 loan 21 years ago she never dreamed her culinary adventure would see her listed alongside food greats.

But now the mother-of-four has seen her efforts rewarded as her Lake District café has been named as the UK’s best dessert restaurant outside London.

Lucy’s on a Plate, in the picturesque village of Ambleside, was handed the Remy Martin Coeur de Cognac award by Harden’s Guides.

The café has already gained a reputation locally for serving up to 40 delicious homemade puddings daily. Favourites including the raspberry rice pudding brûlée and a Borrowdale sticky banana – described as a cross between bread and butter pudding, banoffee pie, and sticky toffee pudding.

Mrs Nicholson, 52, who set up the deli to enable her to work from home when her eldest daughter was diagnosed with leukaemia, said: “It’s fantastic, I can’t believe it. I think it shows that people like proper puddings – people will come here and just have a pudding.

“Nowadays one of the only things that you can’t do virtually, rather than in real life, is eat and socialise, and I love that glorious moment of seeing people eating and enjoying a pudding we’ve made.”

More than two decades ago, while working in marketing in London, she fell in love with a Cumbrian man, married him, and swapped her busy city existance for a more relaxed lifestyle.

Then when the eldest of her four daughters, Amy, now 24, fell ill, she decided to make a career out of her love of food so she could have a more flexible working arrangement.

“The deli didn’t go that well at first, but it was my passion and I loved it,” Mrs Nicholson admitted.
“The problem was that if you buy 12 of something and you throw away three there is almost no point having sold the other nine, so it was hard to make any money.

“I was trying to find ways of not wasting anything and when the shop next door came up I just went for it and turned it into a deli-café combo with just nine tables.

“It was hard along the way, there were days when we sold just two hot chocolates, but I kept going. Too few people go through the pain barrier now, it’s too easy to give up.”

Since then her business has grown even further. The café now holds 27 tables, a wine bar and bistro has opened, she provides outside catering, and she even teaches others how to make her puddings at Lucy Cooks Cookery School.

“I think this proves how much great food is on offer in the Lake District,” she added. “We are really lucky up here and have so many different, small, eclectic businesses.”

Telegraph.co.uk

Tourism chiefs in the Lake District are so concered about a shortage of daffodils that they are asking visitors report any sightings on Twitter.

The area’s flowers, celebrated by William Wordsworth, are normally blooming by late February.

But after the coldest winter in 31 years, there is no sign in the vales and hills of Wordsworth’s famous “host of golden daffodils”.

The thousands of visitors who some in search of the flowers every year, have been asked to inform the authorities in a project known as “Daff Watch”.

Julia Darroch of Cumbria Tourism said only a few buds have come up by Ullswater where Wordsworth was inspired to write his famous poem.

And in Dora’s Field in Rydal near Ambleside where the poet lived for 37 years there is not one flower.

Miss Darroch insisted Wordsworth would have approved of “tweeting” about daffodils rather than writing poetry.

“He was quite a rebel in his time and quite outspoken so I think he would be tweeting with the rest of us,”she said.

The Lake District is set to benefit from millions of pounds worth of funding for conservation work over the next four years.

The Environmental Land Management Service, ELMS, which has been hailed as one of the biggest management initiatives ever seen in the area, has already brought £2.5m to farm businesses taking part in the scheme over the past year.

Project co-ordinator Sam Lumb said ELMS was one of the most significant schemes ever under-taken by national park staff, and would make a ‘huge difference to the countryside’.

He said: “No one can over estimate its importance. It is seeing 42km of hedgerow planted and restor-ed, along with 12km of dry stall walling, 2,300 new trees, over 700 traditional gates and 35 farm buildings renov-ated.”

ELMS is now working on projects for 10 archaeology sites, with another nine in the pipeline, as well as hay meadow restoration, fencing for woodlands, riverbanks and steep gills, improve-ments to peat and breeding waders’ habitats and bracken control.

Mr Lumb said: “This funding is a considerable boost not just to our world renowned landscape, but to farm businesses and the local economy. In the long term, ELMS will benefit all those living and working in the national park, along with its 8.3 million annual visitors.”

The Lake District National Park Authority (LDNPA) anticipates that by working closely with Natural England and the National Trust, mulit-million pound funding from environmental steward-ship schemes could be secured. LDNPA rangers have been working alongside Natural England advisers, liaising with landowners and tenants to help identify schemes and apply for grants.

Rangers have received almost 200 inquiries from farmers and landowners and helped with 140 conservation plan applications.

Most of the Lake District’s farmland is currently in the Environmentally Sensitive Area scheme, which will end in 2014, but is expected to come into Higher Level Stew-ardship (HLS).

Mt Lumb said: “The focus is now on environmental stew-ardship through HLS.

“We are looking forward to exciting and rewarding times ahead.”

Westmoreland Gazette