The boundary of the Lake District National
Park, which encloses one third of the County of Cumbria and extends from Caldbeck in the north to Lindale in the south, from Ravenglass in the west to Shap in the east, has not changed since 1951. Its local government body - The Lake District National Park Authority (NPA) – has two main purposes: 1) to conserve and enhance the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage of the national park; and
2) to promote opportunities for the understanding and enjoyment of the special qualities of the national park by the public
The NPA does not own all the land within the national park. It owns approximately 3.9% of the land with the remainder being in the hands of other agencies such as the National Trust, North West Water, Forest Enterprise, and a vast range of private landowners.
The greater part of the Authority's expenditure is financed by central government. A grant from the Department of the Environment accounts for 75% of the NPA's expenditure net of income generated from its own sources, such as car park fees and sale of literature at Information Centres. The remaining 25% come from Cumbria County Council.
Income generation can be difficult to estimate so expenditure must be monitored and controlled carefully. Some expenditure is difficult to reduce; staff salaries, rates, heat and lighting (fixed costs), whereas others can be reduced if required; maintenance, marketing and equipment (variable costs).
In the years 1998/99, the main source of income was from: Car park fees - £95,000, Shop - £135,500, Café - £180,000, Events - £1,000, External rents and service charges - £18,170, Internal rents and service charges - £18,930, Cruises - £1,700, Games lawn - £3,000, Room hire - £500, Miscellaneous - £2,000, totally £455,800.
The quality of the landscape and scenery is the reason why most visitors come to the Lake District and it is the factor most important to their visit. The visitors have also other reasons why to visit this national park. One of the reason is that they enjoyed a previous visit mainly because of the peace and quiet which can be found in the whole territory or it have been recommended by friends and relatives to those who have not been here before. Outdoor activities and specific events that take part here every year also attract many of them.
The Lake District National Park Authority organises an annual programme of over 700 events, suitable for all ages and abilities. A publication giving details of these events is produced annually.