Heritage, Environment and Resilience Together
HEART
The Lake District World Heritage Site is under increasing pressure from climate change. Flooding, biodiversity loss and rising temperatures are already affecting the landscapes, traditions and heritage that make this place globally significant. The HEART project will respond to these challenges by combining research, inclusive engagement and on-the-ground delivery-embedding climate resilience into the future of the Lake District’s Outstanding Universal Value (OUV).
For nature and for people
Partnerships working for the Lake District
Research & Engagement (Months 1–4)
A research partner will be appointed to lead a climate risk assessment of the Lake District World Heritage Site, exploring where heritage is most vulnerable and identifying opportunities for nature-based adaptation. The Lake District Foundation will connect with farmers, landowners, communities and partners through interviews, surveys, oral histories, short films and digital outreach. We will build on existing networks, including the Lake District National Park Partnership’s place-based and Farming for Nature and Climate subgroups. Alongside this, we will launch a social media campaign and develop an Environmental Management Plan.
Delivery & Pilots (Months 5–8)
A flagship Shared Ground event will bring together 60 stakeholders to set priorities and co-develop a Climate and Heritage Action Plan. We will also award ten micro-grants to community-led pilot projects. These could include peatland restoration, regenerative farming, creative climate storytelling or nature-based heritage engagement.
Legacy & Impact (Months 9–12)
A final showcase and private investment event will share the project’s achievements and future potential, featuring a short film. The World Heritage Site Interpretation Strategy will also be refreshed to reflect inclusive, climate-aware narratives that shape long-term impact.
Why is matters
This project places local voices at the centre of climate adaptation, strengthens connections to place and identity and tests scalable solutions for heritage protection. It supports environmental recovery, upland farming and more inclusive access to heritage. Learning and data will feed directly into future planning through the State of the Park Report and UNESCO monitoring.
HEART is a powerful, place-based response to climate change-designed to protect what makes the Lake District exceptional and to build a connected, resilient future for its communities, landscapes and heritage
HEART Project - Community FAQs
What is HEART?
HEART stands for Heritage, Environment, Action, Resilience Together.
It is a one-year project (October 2025 – September 2026) that explores how the Lake District’s heritage, landscapes and communities can respond to climate change together.
The project is delivered by the Lake District Foundation and is funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
What is the project trying to do?
HEART is about:
- Understanding how climate change is affecting the Lake District
- Listening to local people, farmers, land managers and communities
- Exploring how heritage – our landscapes, farming traditions, buildings and stories – can be part of climate solutions
- Testing small, practical ideas that could lead to bigger, longer-term change
It is a learning and development project, designed to help shape what happens next.
What do you mean by “heritage”?
In HEART, heritage includes:
- The cultural landscape shaped by farming and land management
- Historic features like dry-stone walls, paths and buildings
- Traditions, skills and ways of life
- The stories people tell about the Lake District and what makes it special
All of this is part of why the Lake District is a Lake District World Heritage Site.
Why is HEART happening now?
Climate change is already affecting the Lake District through:
- More intense rainfall and flooding
- Damage to paths, walls and soils
- Changes to habitats, wildlife and farming conditions
Many people want to be part of solutions, but need trusted spaces to talk, learn and try things out. HEART creates that space.
Who can get involved?
HEART is working with:
- Local residents and community groups
- Farmers and land managers
- Young people and schools
- Heritage, environmental and access organisations
- Businesses and visitors
There are different ways to take part, including surveys, events, conversations and pilot projects.
What is the Shared Ground event in March?
Shared Ground (March 2026) is a community and partner event where we:
- Share what we’re hearing from surveys and conversations
- Explore climate challenges and opportunities together
- Agree priorities for action and learning
- Shape the focus of pilot projects and small grants
It’s about listening, learning and finding common ground.
What are the small (micro) grants?
HEART includes a small pot of funding for micro-grants. These support practical, community-led projects that:
- Can be delivered within a short timeframe
- Have clear, visible outcomes
- Support climate resilience while respecting heritage
Examples of the kinds of projects that may be supported:
- Small World Heritage or climate interpretation projects
- Tree or hedgerow planting in community or farming settings
- Wildflower or pollinator planting
- Riverbank clean-ups or small restoration work
- Repairs to short sections of storm-damaged walls or paths
These projects are not meant to “solve everything”, but to test ideas, build confidence and learn what works.
Will these projects continue after HEART ends?
Some projects may finish within the year. Others may:
- Continue through other funding
- Feed into larger programmes
- Help attract future investment
HEART is designed to help move good ideas from early action to longer-term support.
What happens at the end of the project?
In October 2026, HEART will host a Final Funding & Investment Showcase.
This is a separate event from Shared Ground.
At this event we will:
- Share what HEART has learned overall
- Showcase pilot and micro-grant projects
- Highlight ideas that are ready to grow or be repeated
- Bring together funders, partners and investors
This includes links to Invest Lake District, which supports investment in projects that benefit nature, heritage and communities.
Is HEART about profit or carbon credits?
No. HEART is not about making a profit or selling carbon credits.
Any future investment linked to the project focuses on positive environmental and social impact, not financial returns.
How can I stay informed or take part?
You can:
- Take part in surveys
- Attend events
- Share your views and experiences
- Sign up for updates from the Lake District Foundation
There will be opportunities throughout the year to get involved in ways that suit you.
Why does my voice matter?
Because local knowledge, lived experience and care for place are essential for meaningful climate action.
HEART is about making sure future decisions are shaped with communities, not just about them.
