WHAT IS WORLD HERITAGE STATUS?

UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation) awarded World Heritage status to the Lakes on 9th July, citing its unique farming systems (based around the famous Herdwick sheep breed), its extraordinary natural beauty and the cultural impact it has had via writers and artists. It gives the park extra layers of protection and allows the authorities access to potential new funding streams to preserve and protect its landscapes. Several previous bids have been made, dating back to 1986, but this was the first successful attempt. There are 30 other World Heritage sites in the UK, including the Derwent Valley in Derbyshire, the tin mining areas of Cornwall and West Devon, and the remote island of St Kilda. Find out more at whc.unesco.org