Damsons

Today's the day .................... to live in hope

These damsons are ripening nicely on the tree in our garden - and hopefully we'll have a good crop by late summer.  This part of the Lake District is famous for its damsons. 

We heard the news today that the Lake District National Park has been listed as a world heritage site - becoming the UK’s first national park to be granted the status which is one of the highest accolades that there is.  With its rolling hills, spectacular mountains and stunning lakes, the Lake District will find itself in the illustrious company of such attractions as the Taj Mahal, the Great Wall of China and the Grand Canyon. 

While many will be rejoicing at this news - it does bring along with it a fair number of reasons to be apprehensive.  I've already touched upon the problem of too many cars, coaches and other traffic on roads that cannot cope even now.  The UNESCO Committee has suggested the impact of tourism be monitored and requested improvements in conservation efforts.  The scope of the latter would fill several volumes - and indeed already has!  

I'm sure today's news will cause much on-going debate between the various groups and interested parties that will be affected.  We can only live in hope that the outcome will be a good one for all of us who are lucky enough to live here ......................