A charity has called for immediate action and more support for the protection of Cumbria's designated landscapes.

Friends of the Lake District made this call during a Government consultation on the future of the county's National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs).

In January, the Government published a series of proposals in response to an independent review of England’s National Parks and AONBs, led by Julian Glover.

The Government consultation has been seeking views on the proposals which include ways to improve the management of protected landscapes, boost biodiversity, manage visitor pressure and address the inequalities in accessing the outdoors.

The charity said the proposals recognise the importance of Cumbria's protected landscapes for health and wellbeing, however, the pandemic has highlighted some of the inequalities in accessing nature.

Laura Partington, Policy Officer at Friends of the Lake District said: "To truly ‘level up’, people need access to cheap, reliable public transport.

"Among Government proposals is a sustainable transport pilot in Cumbria to develop new sustainable ways to access the Lake District National Park.

"This has the potential to transform public transport in the area and provides a huge opportunity to improve transport for Cumbrian communities and visitors alike, enabling those without a private car to access the wider landscape for recreation and providing access to employment opportunities for those living in local communities.

"It could also help to meet local climate change targets and ensure the impacts of tourism do not damage the landscape it relies upon."