Visions and plausible pathways for positive lake futures in the English Lake District, UK
Workshop report
This report details the discussions and narratives which emerged following an introductory workshop in the English Lake District National Park carried out by the PLURALAKES project team on the 20th of May 2025. A local graphic illustrator Bethan Thorsby, Sporadic illustration joined the day to capture the discussions.
The PLURALAKES project aims to improve lake health by bringing together multiple values and perspectives to co-create shared future visions and practical pathways.
During this first workshop we used two tools: the Nature Futures Framework (to map how people value nature and shape value-based scenarios) and the X-curve (to discuss how change might happen). Participants began by sharing personal connections to Lake District lakes, then grouped themselves by their value orientations and discussed positive futures, “seeds of change” (good practices already happening), and tensions.
A common vision emerged around respect, responsibility, and stronger human–nature connection, with restored shorelines, healthier standing waters, and more abundant, diverse species. As pathways were explored, a key tension surfaced between “nature for nature” (giving nature space to function on its own and build resilience) and “nature for society” (integrating human activity to sustain livelihoods, tourism, and community well-being). Finding the right balance is especially challenging in the Lake District, which seeks both thriving communities and healthy ecosystems. Next, the project will continue dialogue and test scenarios to identify where compromises are most needed. The workshop missed some important local voices - such as landowners and tourism, recreation, and agricultural representatives - so the team will keep working to include them in future sessions.
Download report here.
Contact person in Pluralakes: Heather