Volunteers supporting visitors and communities

Volunteers strengthen the county’s visitor economy by sharing local knowledge and enthusiasm for the area, supporting events, protecting heritage, generating pride and connection in the community, and much more.

Just one great example is the group of 24 dedicated volunteers at Kirkby Lonsdale Information and Gift Shop, who have become a cornerstone of the town’s visitor welcome, resilience and community spirit.

Over the past 12 months, they have also played a fundamental role in community-led fire recovery efforts.

Often the first point of contact for visitors, the volunteers provide expert local information and advice, while also keeping the shop running smoothly and selling unique, handmade gifts and souvenirs that reflect the area’s character and creativity.

Crucially, the team actively encourage visitors to stay longer and explore more - helping to support other local businesses and jobs.

Adding another dimension to the visitor experience are five specially trained volunteer town guides, who conduct walking tours from the historic Market Square - blending modern storytelling with rich local heritage.

Marie Batty, manager of Kirkby Lonsdale Information and Gift Shop, says: “Volunteering provides essential support for the community where we live and work.

"When people give their time to a cause they believe in, it brings a real sense of pride, identity and purpose.

“Our volunteers bring fresh ideas, help us stay relevant and enable us to reach a broader range of people. Quite simply, we couldn’t do what we do without them!”

Growing Well is just one of the recipients of a grant from Lake District Estates (Image: Cumbria Tourism)

In the latest Cumbria Visitor Survey, 14 per cent of visitors confirmed they made an average donation of £7.50 to local good causes and charities while they are here in Cumbria - a third of these contributions went to Mountain Rescue. Some also make regular donations, either monthly or annually.

The concept of ‘giving back’ resonates strongly with tourism-related businesses, with many actively encouraging visitors to make voluntary donations to protect the county’s local landscapes, communities and cultural heritage.

Significant sums are raised annually through voluntary visitor and business giving, supporting charitable causes including Mountain Rescue, Cumbria Community Foundation and specialist mental health intervention Growing Well.

The English Lakes Hotels Trust Fund delivers local community projects and Grasmere Gingerbread’s Sarah Nelson Fund tackles homelessness.

Meanwhile, staff at Lake District Estates have formed a special committee to play a positive role in the local areas where the company operates by awarding community grants and charitable donations that provide support to local projects, groups, teams and individuals.

Elsewhere, the Lake District Foundation’s Visitor Giving Scheme enables accommodation providers and visitor experiences/attractions to invite guests to add small donations to their booking or bill.

These funds support projects like ‘Fix the Fells’ to help repair footpaths on popular routes like Helvellyn or Catbells, tackling erosion caused by heavy use.

Other tourism businesses encourage optional donations that go towards lake clean-ups, litter picks and habitat restoration for species like red squirrels.

Events like Another Place’s Fells and Flow Festival also make a difference.

This two-day festival of movement, nature and wellbeing on the shores of Ullswater is about connecting people to the landscape - with proceeds going to the Lake District Foundation’s work across Cumbria, from water quality and biodiversity to heritage and farming.