Lake District Holiday Company Laik Partners with Lake District Foundation for Eco-Friendly Tourism Initiative
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A home-grown Lake District holiday lettings company with a unique focus on direct support for the local community are taking their next “big green step”, partnering with the Lake District Foundation charity to generate vital income for projects protecting and restoring this iconic landscape.
Created in 2023 by Niall Mellonie and Marta Pawlik, who grew up in the South Lakes, Laik’s ethos is ethical letting which attracts sustainable tourism and spend to benefit the Lakes economy. Their year-round occupancy, over 50% higher than the National Park average, helps local businesses, shops, attractions and hospitality venues avoid a low season slump, as well as directly supporting Laik’s intentionally local staff, local trades and suppliers.
Founded in 1995 as Nurture Lakeland, the Lake District Foundation raises funds and distributes grants to projects that care for the spectacular landscapes, diverse wildlife and rich cultural heritage of the Lake District, tackling some of the region’s most urgent environmental challenges, as well as promoting, education, access and inclusion.
Aligning their shared values of community, sustainability and a deep love for the Lakes, Laik is launching a guest contribution of £2 per booking, to be matched and donated directly to the Lake District Foundation. Through a dedicated storytelling campaign on their website, in-property information and social media, guests will connect to behind-the-scenes project updates, seeing how their holiday directly supports vital work across the Lake District, and becoming part of the story to protect this special place.
Projects the partnership will support include planting new reedbeds around Windermere to improve water quality and create vital habitats for birds and aquatic life, tree planting across the National Park to boost biodiversity and build landscape resilience to climate change, and working with farmers and landowners to promote sustainable practices that improve soil health, reduce runoff and support native species.
Sarah Swindley, CEO of the Lake District Foundation, said: “We’re proud to be working with Laik. Their creative approach, distinct voice, loyal following and strong connection to the Lake District make them the perfect partner. This collaboration is about more than raising funds – it’s about building a community of people who care and want to make a positive difference to this incredible place.”
Niall Mellonie, Director of Laik, added: “The Lake District has always been at the heart of everything Laik does. Partnering with the Lake District Foundation allows us to give back in a meaningful way, contributing directly to on-the-ground action that protects and enhances the Lakes we all love. The potential is really exciting, watch this space!”
Marking a new chapter in the Lake District Foundation’s mission to connect businesses and individuals with projects that matter, see their projects at: www.lakedistrictfoundation.org and track updates on Laik’s partnership on their website www.laik.co.uk and social media.
