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Not for profit and non political: Our priority is to support any business in its desire to invest in the landscape and environment. We are funded by over 230 businesses who are commited to local conservation work and who between them have raised over £1 million for this work in Cumbria.

 

Who are we? The Partnership benefits from a significant degree of high level support from both leading conservation organisations and businesses within Cumbria. Many of these organisations are also represented on our Board.

 

History & Aims

 

The Tourism and Conservation Partnership was originally created in 1993 as a scheme to demonstrate that the tourism industry and conservation organisations could be mutually supportive. Initial funding was provided by Cumbria Tourist Board, Cumbria Training and Enterprise Council, the Lake District National Park Authority, The National Trust and the Rural Development Commission. This funding facilitated a project officer, and this post has now evolved into the organisation we are today, with four staff members. By 1995 conservation projects were securing significant private sector sponsorship. In March 1997, The Partnership achieved independence as a non-profit distributing company limited by guarantee. Today we have a membership of over 200 businesses and conservation organisations, working together to ensure a sustainable future for Cumbrias beautiful landscapes.

 

The Partnership promotes Visitor Payback fundraising as an opportunity for visitors to interact with the landscape, and take ownership of conservation work.

 

Our Mission Statement

To create a more sustainable tourism sector by encouraging businesses to successfully operate in a way that also supports the environment and local community.

 

National Geographic definition of 'Sustainable Tourism'
In its purest sense is an industry which attempts to make a low impact on the environment and local culture, while helping to generate income, employment and the conservation of local ecosystems. It is responsible tourism which is both ecologically and culturally sensitive.

 

Aims
 

To encourage Corporate Social Responsibility fundraising through tourism businesses (from visitors) to secure improvements to the environment.

 

To create a non-political forum which promotes and develops sustainable tourism practices, bringing together business, conservation and amenity organisations to foster understanding and to encourage and support all organisations in adopting a triple bottom line approach to working practices.

 

Awards

 

We are, quite simply, unique. We're also living proof that visitor payback fundraising can make a real difference to landscape conservation. In recognition of this fact we've won quite a few accolades. These include;

  • First Choice Responsible Tourism Award 2005 (Highly Commended)
  • Business in the Community The Sieff Award 2003 (Winner)
  • British Airways Tourism for Tomorrow 2002 (Highly Commended)
  • British Airways Tourism for Tomorrow 2000 (Winner)
  • British Airways Tourism for Tomorrow 1997 (Highly Commended)

Meet the Team


Sue Savege - Partnership Manager

Sue joined the partnership in Summer 2008, followng a career in outdoor and adventure tourism. As a professional moutaineering instructor Sue has extensive experience of working in and protecting endangered landscapes worldwide. Sue worked for many years at the National Moutaineering Centre and following this set up her own outdoor publishing company, winning the Welsh Tourist Board Award for "New Tourism Entrepreneur".

Sarah Caley - Office Manager

Sarah has been with the Partnership since Autumn 2003, she joined after finishing her degree in Tourism, Leisure & Management at the University of Central Lancashire.

Lin Petry - Conservation Administrator

Lin joined the Partnership in Spring 2008, after moving to England as a graduate from Leiden University in The Netherlands. Lin enjoys trekking and cycling in the great outdoors!

 

Our Board


Chris Collier (Chairman)
Chris is the former Chief Executive of Cumbria Vision. Prior to this she was the chief executive of Cumbria Tourist Board.

Stephen Broughton (Vice Chairman)
Stephen owns Mountain Goat transport and the Lindeth Howe Hotel in Windermere. He is also involved with the B4 Network, an award winning environmentally sustainable transport scheme in the south lakes area.
Peter and Sue Jackson
Owners of Heart of the Lakes, a holiday cottage letting company. Peter is also Company Secretary. Heart of the Lakes is a corporate member of our organisation, and key fundraiser.
Michael Robinson
Owner of the Burn How Garden House Hotel in Windermere.
John Darlington
The National Trust North West Region.
Simon Berry
Managing Director of English Lakes Hotels, one of the largest hotel businesses in Cumbria, and a strong corporate member and fundraiser.
Barry Colam
Owner of Cumbria House Guest House, the first and only establishment in Cumbria to gain the ‘Green Globe’ environmental standard.
Ian Stephens
Chief Executive of the Cumbria Tourist Board.

David Stanning

David was manager of The Langdale Estate, the organisation which innovated 'Our Man at the Top' and has recently moved to Zeffirrellis in Ambleside.

Bob Cartwright
Advisor to the Board, Director of Park Services, the Lake District National Park Authority.
John Redgate
Advisor to the Board, Representative from Natural England.