Local voices

The story of the Lake District, told through the local voices of people that live, work and love our beautiful landscape gives us a real insight into what makes this place so special.

Read about the inspiration behind local businesses, family life and adventure through the eyes of our 'Local Voices' collection...

An Ever Evolving Masterpiece

Emma Moody

Emma Moody shares her childhood memories of living in the Lake District with her family

Graham Watson

Graham Watson believes World Heritage represents everything he loves

Nigel Wilkinson

Nigel describes the impact World Heritage recognition will have on local businesses and new markets

Liz Hunter MacFarlane

Liz is the House and Collections Manager at Hill Top, home of Beatrix Potter, owned by The National Trust

Jeff Cowton

Jeff works for the Wordsworth Trust and reads a passage from one of Wordsworth's poems: Home At Grasmere

Harriet Fraser

Harriet Fraser writes poetry inspired by the Lake District

Vivienne Westwood

Vivienne is an international fashion designer who was amazed by her visit to the Lakes

Grace Ji

Grace explains why the Lake District is special to Chinese visitors

Glen Swainston

Glen Swainston works for Natural England and describes a special area they are protecting

Richard Fox

Richard Fox is a Lake District National Park Ranger who works on the Fix the Fells project to repair and maintain paths

Will Benson

Will Benson is a local farmer and a World Heritage 'Farming Hero'

Ryan Blackburn

Ryan is the Owner of The Old Stamp House restaurant in Ambleside.

Diane Hannah

Diane is a Co-founder and Director of the Herdy Company.

Helen Towler

Helen Towler lives in Kendal with her family and works as a Midwife.

Alex Morgan

Alex is a Novelist and journalist who also works at the National Trust Wordsworth House.

Barrie Roberts

Barrie is a Director at Ennerdale Brewery in Cumbria.

Jack Ellerby

Jack has worked for 3 National Parks, Exmoor, Lake District and North York Moors.

Sheona Southern

Sheona has worked with many destinations and organisations in the tourism and leisure sector.

Jo Evans

Jo lives in Windermere and runs her own company, Bespoke Aroma.

Ian Hall

Campsite businessman, Ian Hall, of now one of 50 ‘best in the world locations’.

Sam and Candida Hodgson

Sam and Candida Hodgson have been on Glencoyne Farm, which dates back to the 17th century.

Maria Whitehead

Maria founded Hawkshead Relish Company Ltd, based in Hawkshead, Cumbria