A CONSERVATION charity has branded controversial plans to place two 1,200m zip wires over Thirlmere as 'wholly inappropriate'.

Friends of the Lake District was responding to the news Windermere-based company Tree Top Trek wants to develop an activity hub in the forest around the lake.

Consultation has begun on the proposals - which also include a new 18km cycleway - ahead of a planning application being submitted to the Lake District National Park Authority.

The application has reignited the debate between activities to thrill-seekers and the necessity to preserve the peacefulness of the Lake District, which has been drawn into sharper focus since the national park was awarded World Heritage Status.

Laura Fiske, planning officer at FOLD, said the charity supported the cycleway but was concerned about the negative impact on the 'relative tranquility' of the Thirlmere Valley.

"We are not against zipwires or adventure pursuits, however, the siting of this proposal will be extremely obtrusive," she said. "Although the structure itself may have minimal impact its function and potential associated development will undoubtedly have an impact upon the character and relative tranquillity of the Thirlmere Valley away from the A591."

She added the fact the park had recently been awarded UNESCO site status added to the weight of the argument to not have zip wires in the Lakes.

"National parks are for everyone to enjoy not just those who can afford to participate in adventure experiences," she said. "A development of this type in this prominent location could potentially have a significant impact on the features people visit the Lake District to enjoy – the landscapes, the tranquillity, the heritage."

She said the Thirlmere Valley makes an 'important contribution' to the Lake District’s Outstanding Universal Value - one of the reasons for being awarded the status.

"This is especially true of the valley’s association with the early conservation movement," she said. "Thirlmere, and the resistance to the Manchester Corporation’s desire to create a reservoir to service Manchester in the 1870’s, was a seminal moment in the history of the conservation movement and landscape protection in the UK and beyond.

"This battle brought in to focus the fact that landscapes matter to everyone, not just those who own or work the land. It highlighted the incredible natural resources of the Lake District but also its vulnerability and sensitivity."

Have your say on the proposals at www.treetoptrek.co.uk/thirlmere