CONSULTATION has started over a proposal to open a new activity hub in the managed forestry around Thirlmere.

Cumbrian company Treetop Trek Ltd has begun a review and negotiations into a potential scheme to launch world class family attractions on the shores of the lake, featuring two zip line experiences and an 18 kilometre-long, family-friendly cycle way.

Mike Turner, managing director of Treetop Trek Ltd, is proposing the hub in collaboration with international ropes course expert Nick Moriarty, also a director of the company and owner and director of Zip World in north Wales.

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“We have been very carefully considering locations within the Lake District for the last three to four years and are confident that Thirlmere would provide the perfect site for an exceptional family activity hub," said Mr Turner.

“We are now looking forward to consulting with local bodies and the local community on the viability of our proposal.”

Mr Turner and Mr Moriarty launched Treetop Trek, Windermere, in 2012 featuring the UK’s first multi-use zip line activity. With the addition of Treetop Nets in 2014, the company has become multi-award winning, gaining the coveted title of best visitor experience in England in 2015.

Now attracting more than 75,000 participants a year to its Brockhole site, Treetop Trek Ltd has gone on to open two further sites, one at Ripon in North Yorkshire in 2016 and one at Heaton Park in Manchester which was launched in July.

The company currently employs 100 people and it is estimated that the proposed activity hub would add an additional 28 full time jobs to this total.

There will be a public display featuring further information on the proposed hub on August 1 from 3pm until 7pm in the parish hall at St John’s in the Vale.

To find out more about the proposed Thirlmere Activity Hub, please visit www.treeetoptrek.co.uk/thirlmere.