ULLSWATER Steamers has presented its first donation to the brand new charity - The Lake District Foundation formerly known as Nurture Lakeland.

From November 1 2016 until the November 1 2017 more than £2,340 has been raised through Ullswater ‘Steamers’ visitor donation scheme.

It is an initiative that is dedicated to raising funds and awareness towards the repair and upkeep of footpaths between Howtown and Glenridding and also a popular walking route between two of Ullswater Steamers’ most popular piers.

Mark Horton, General Manager at Ullswater ‘Steamers’, said: “Ullswater ‘Steamers' prides itself as having been one of the first, if not the first, Lake District tourism operator to establish a visitor payback scheme.

"Every passenger fare between our piers of Howtown and Glenridding generates a 10 pence donation for conservation work in the local area.

"Over the years we have regularly donated to Nurture Lakeland and we look forward to continuing these initiatives with the new Lake District Foundation. As an active sustainable tourism business, we are always looking towards new ways of working with both the charity and our loyal visitors.”

Sarah Swindley, Director of Lake District Foundation said: “Ullswater Steamers have raised a fantastic amount of funds for projects that care for the wonderful wildlife, landscapes and cultural heritage of the Lake District and Cumbria. Their success is an example of how visitors and businesses can have a positive impact in our unique and special destination”.

Monies raised also support and fund other projects within the Eden Valley, online donations help to support local charity Penrith Red Squirrels who protect and preserve the habitat of one of England’s rarest mammals.