The careful conservation of our landscapes, coast, woodlands and countryside is important.   This helps to maintain and enhance the distinctive character and value of these areas.   Conservation work is guided by policies in the NW Regional Spatial Strategy, saved policies in the Joint Structure Plan and emerging policy in the Local Development Frameworks.  Activities are carried out by our Countryside Access team and by the AONB Units, environmental partners, local authorities, landowners, local community and other environmental organisations.  

Conservation work in the three Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs) is managed and carried out by dedicated AONB Units.   They have developed Management Plans, on behalf of us and other local authorities in the region, to guide this work.  

We support Cumbria Woodlands to help manage and conserve forests and woodlands across the County, and the Morecambe Bay, Duddon Estuary and Solway Firth Partnerships to guide conservation work in the coastal areas.  

In some cases these organisations can provide grants to assist landowners, community groups and others with conserving and enhancing the high quality landscape, natural, wildlife and historic features across the County.  

For more details on conservation work, events and volunteering carried out by these and other environmental organisations in the County click on the links below.