Park and Sanctuary The Friends of the Lake District are
trying very hard to get the whole district made into a National Park. A supporter writes :
"Personally I know of no better place for this purpose. About 130 years ago the Golden Eagle, White-tailed Eagle, Osprey and Kite all bred in the district but they were all exterminated by collectors who existed even in those days. In more recent times the Hen-harrier and Dotterel have been exterminated. There is no reason why all these birds, except perhaps the White-tailed Eagle which is now exterminated as far as Great Britain is concerned, should not return to breed, if proper protection could be afforded them. About three years ago a pair of Ospreys appeared on Ulleswater and made themselves at home on a rocky islet there. Unfortunately one of them was shot by a gamekeeper and the other one left the district. I do not for a moment think that they would ever have bred on Ulleswater, there is far too much traffic both on and around the lake to permit them to do this, but they might have nested on some quiet and lonely tam if they had been left un- molested. I have heard of Golden Eagles having been seen in the district within the last few years. Even in my time the district abounded with birds, Dippers, Grey Wagtails, Kingfishers and Sandpipers up the rivers, Pied Flycatchers, Redstarts, Woodwarblers, &c., around the lakes, but every year now I find a decrease in numbers. If the Lake District could be turned into a National Park its wonderful flora and fauna would be saved for all time."
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