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Visitors staying in Lake District holiday cottages could soon have a larger national park to explore after a consultation regarding extensions to the area was launched by Natural England.

A total of four proposed changes have been outlined for the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales National Parks, with all the sites in question currently lying between the two areas.

Included are the Northern Howgill Fells and the Birkbeck Fells to Whinfell, while consultees will also be asked to decide whether the Orton Fells should become part of the Lake District National Park or the Yorkshire Dales National Park if it is selected.

Chair of Natural England Poul Christensen said that the body is "looking to consult as widely as possible on these proposals" in an effort to make sure they deliver as many benefits as possible to the public, as well as the people and businesses of the locations concerned.

The Lake District National Park is currently 2,292 km sq in size and hosts 8.3 million day visitors a year, according to figures from 2008.

Posted by Toby Lawrence

Organisers of an event held in the Lake District as part of a BBC attempt to break the world record for the number of trees planted in an hour have declared it a success.

Those staying in Lake District holiday cottages had the opportunity to go down and help out at Tree O”Clock, which took place this past weekend in Whinlatter.

Guinness World Records will not announce whether the present figure of 653,143 trees has been surpassed until later this month but Rachel Graham, head of woodlands at Bassenthwaite Reflections – which help organised the event – thanked volunteers for their hard work

A total of 70 people showed up and Ms Graham stated: "The goodwill and enthusiasm were a pleasure to see and it was wonderful to welcome so many families along."

Whitlingham Country Park, near Norwich in Norfolk, also took part in Tree O”Clock, which was organised to mark the 60th anniversary of the UK”s national parks.

Posted by Andrew Hill

Keswick”s Theatre by the Lake has revealed what those staying in Lake District holiday cottages next year can enjoy if they are looking to take in a play during a break in the region.

It has announced its programme for 2010, which includes What the Butler Saw by Joe Orton and Bus Stop by William Inge, as well as a stage adaptation of Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen.

In addition, a number of events that are free for under 26-year-olds will be held throughout the spring when a variety of theatre companies visit the venue and it is also hosting the Jennings Keswick Jazz Festival between May 13th and 16th, which will see music being played in the town”s streets and pubs.

Those planning a Lake District holiday for next year may wish to note that bookings for the events open on January 4th 2010.

Speaking prior to the announcement, artistic director Ian Forrest said that the aim is to "provide something for everyone" during the summer months.

Posted by Toby Lawrence

Those wanting to pick up Christmas gifts for friends or family that often take holidays in the Lake District can now use the internet to purchase a range of items relating to the area.

The Lake District National Park has launched an online store in time for Christmas, selling gifts that reflect the "iconic" landscape of the Lakes.

Among the items available are books and DVDs, as well as maps and GPS equipment for those who like going waking in Cumbria.

Web editor for the national park Helen Reynolds said staff at information centres in the Lake District have chosen "a great selection of goods".

She noted that many of the products are also available at sites Keswick and Ullswater, adding that this will be a "terrific boost" for visitors wanting to do their Christmas shopping.

The Keswick Visitor Centre can be found in Moot Hall in Market Square and is open until 16:30 GMT daily, while the Ullswater site – which is in Glenridding, Penrith – only opens on weekends.

Posted by Toby Lawrence

A special two-day event is to take place in the Lake District later this month in order to mark the winter solstice.

Organised by Bassenthwaite Reflections, Time Honoured Trees will be held on December 19th and 20th and may appeal to families staying in Lake District holiday cottages over the festive season.

It is to be hosted by Trotters World of Animals and will feature story-telling, organised walks and lantern-lit adventures into the woodland.

Ash and Scandinavian trees are to be at the centre of the event due to Cumbria”s strong links with Scandinavia and Iris Glimmerveen of the Cumbria Wood and Forestry Festival – which is helping Bassenthwaite run the event – said that the two days will be "thoroughly memorable".

"Although we can”t promise snow, there will be amazing lantern displays and twinkling lights everywhere," she remarked.

Bassenthwaite Reflections, which is backed by Heritage Lottery funding, currently runs 22 projects that aim to educate people about the Bassenthwaite landscape.

Posted by Matt Smith