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Photographs snapped in the Lake District have been shortlisted for a national photography prize run by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Two shots, both of which were taken inside the national park, will compete against other finalists in the Muck in 4 Life competition, which is being run by the government body in order to encourage more people to get involved in conservation projects.

The images – of brush burning in Rusland valley and dry stone walling near Ennerdale Water – may pique the interest of budding photographers heading off for a stay in a Lake District holiday cottage.

Environment minister Huw Irranca-Davies said that the pair – along with the two other finalists – are "great photos".

"All of the photos show the enjoyment people get from mucking in to help the environment," she added.

Those planning on taking their camera on a walk in the Lake District may want to consult the Lake District National Park”s website, as some routes in the area have been damaged following the flooding that occurred last November.

Posted by Toby Lawrence

People heading to the Lake District in search of an adrenaline rush could find themselves with a whole range of new opportunities in the future.

This is because a raft of ideas has been put forward for the Lake District National Park Visitor Centre at Brockhole, Windermere, including and aerial walkway, high ropes through the woodland and a variety of watersports.

Gill Curry, Brockhole development manager, said the aim is to create "an inspiring centre encouraging visitors and locals to explore and celebrate the Lake District."

Companies specialising in producing adventure activities have been invited to submit their proposals for operating in the area and Ms Curry added: "We”re sure the inspirational views will bring aspirations for adventure."

However, if this all sounds a bit extreme for you, then the visitor centre also offers a number of more mild attractions, such as gardens, a gift shop, a cafe and an adventure playground for younger visitors.

Posted by Ben Webster

If you live in the north of England, chances are a new guide that is set to drop through your letterbox soon will make you want to book a Lake District holiday cottage.

The Events 2010 Guide, which has been jointly produced by the Lake District National Park and Cumbria Tourism, covers around 600 events and activities that are due to take place in the area from this month right up until Boxing Day, making it the definitive guide to what”s happening.

Those wanting to explore the area and possibly shed a few pounds at the same time will also be able to read up on the guided walks held across the Lakes, of which there are over 300.

"If you intend spending any time in the Lake District this year, this is the must-have guide. Nowhere else is there such a comprehensive listing of things to see and do," remarked Andrea Runkee of Cumbria Tourism.

A visit to the Lake District wouldn”t be complete without checking out Windermere, which, at 10.5 miles long and 219 feet deep – is the largest lake in England.

Posted by David Sollberger

The next stage in a consultation on expanding the Lake District is due to take place later this month.

Members of the Lake District National Park Authority (LDNPA) are to hold a meeting on February 24th, where they will discuss whether or not to approve a consultation from Natural England about adding two new areas to the Lakes.

And they are being asked to support the recommendation, meaning those who head to stay in Lake District holiday cottages on a regular basis could have new landscape to explore in the future.

If the move goes ahead, the boundaries of the Lake District will be extended to encompass Helsington Barrows to Sizergh Fell in the south and from Birkbeck Fell to Whinfell in the east.

Chris Greenwood of the LDNPA said that the proposed sites must "have sufficient natural beauty and opportunities for outdoor recreation", which suggests that those who visit will not be short of things to check out in the areas.

A public consultation on the expansion is currently underway and people have until March 17th to voice their opinions.

Posted by David Sollberger

If you”re heading off on a Lake District holiday this month and are on the search for the perfect family bonding activity, then a new scheme being run by Bassenthwaite Reflections might be just the ticket.

The organisation is looking for volunteers to help plant hundreds of oak saplings in Whinlatter”s Masmill Forest and a family tree-planting activity is planned for February 20th.

Planting will take place from 10:00 GMT until 15:00 GMT and project leader Rachel Graham said that people of all ages are welcome to join in, with children set to get certificates for their efforts.

"A marked trail will be set out from Noble Knott car park to the planting area," she remarked, adding that people who want to take part will need to bring suitable gear, including waterproofs and either "sturdy boots or wellingtons".

Bassenthwaite Reflections recently announced it is distributing a newsletter to houses and businesses across the Lake District in order to update people on projects that are underway in the area.

Changes could be made to the way the 20 lakes found inside the Lake District National Park are managed depending on the outcome of a meeting taking place later this month.

Some of the key figures in preserving the area”s aquatic attractions are to converge on the Lake District Visitor Centre at Brockhole, Windermere on February 26th to discuss ways that quality can be improved.

Issues such as improving water purity and the management of the lakes from a recreational viewpoint will all be discussed and lakes manager John Pinter said that the meeting would be "invaluable".

"It is vital we all work together in the Lake District, where our waters are of the highest importance for their ecological, aesthetic, recreational and cultural values," he remarked.

The area is home to Windermere – England”s largest lake – which offers a variety of attractions to visitors staying in Lake District holiday cottages, including Bowness on the eastern shore, which is home to a number of shops, restaurants and cafes.

Posted by David Sollberger