About the Project

Derwentwater Foreshore is a key site in the heart of the Lake District which has a rich history. In the 16th century the site was used as a landing spot for the local mining industry and in the 18th and 19th century it became the inspiration for Romantic Poets such as William Wordsworth.

In Victorian times the Foreshore became a focal point for the newly developing tourist industry which brought tourists to Keswick by railway. Since then, hundreds of thousands of visitors have come every year to enjoy the stunning views which the Foreshore has to offer.

 A grant of £1,205,500 has been awarded to the Derwentwater Foreshore project by the BIG Lottery Fund and Heritage Lottery fund, which totals over £1.76 million of investment in a 3 year period. This was the last piece of funding that needed to be secured by the project.

hi_big_e_lrg_blue_2
 

The Future

Its importance to the community, along with its deterioration under the pressure of so many visitors each year, has inspired the land owners and users, local people and organisations to develop a project to restore the site, improve long-term management and increase opportunities for the appreciation and interpretation of its unique heritage.

  ntpl_131791_1_

At the suggestion of local people, a group will be established called “The Foreshore Community Volunteers” enabling local people to come forward as volunteers.  There will be a range of opportunities allowing everyone within the Keswick area to get involved ranging from welcoming and engaging with visitors, liaising with local and visiting schools to undertaking visitor surveys.  Opportunities may also arise to be involved with The National Trust on land management and maintenance.