01
No Boats.
After sixty plus years the national trust want all boats and equipment gone by Oct 31st 2026. It seems some groups are allowed to stay. The rowing club have signed a ten year lease, contribute nothing to fell foot park and of course have boats. How can the trust choose who stays and goes on a shared space for all.
02
No Launching. No Storage.
No Boats means no launching and of course viable income is lost. The summer launch pass was upwards of £300 and a day pass was £15. Storage for a tender was £160 and hard standing over the winter £450. Other groups can still launch and use storage. Bias at its finest. Whats the problem with Boaters?
03
Opening more of the Lake shore for general public access.
They want the public who use the bottom end of fell foot near the river leven to use the upper end with boats, jetties and deeper water and no infastructure to facilitate the public. There are no redeveopment plans and no risk assessments for the past 3 years. Its an accident waiting to happen.
04
No Money. No Staff.
Last November the national trust decided to make all the staff redundant. So the current proposal are a complete disaster. When the boaters are their, the boat yard and surrounding area as well as the lake shore is secure and safe for everyone.
The decline of the National Trust is there for everyone to see. Their policies and direction is not sustainable for the future.
Statistics March 30 2026
The National Trust membership has been reduced by more than 119,000 since 2023. Some 89,000 were lost between 2023 and 2024 alone. There has been a slight up turn in younger members which increased in 2024 and 2025.
At the moment the national trust has lost its way with regard to heritage and conservation.