Geology

Geology

The beauty of Borrowdale is a result of a combination of nature, weather, time and human activity. The valley's geology is formed from ancient volcanic debris that formed around 450 million years ago, and is part of the Borrowdale Volcanic Group.

The valley was shaped by glaciers that carved out its distinctive U-shaped form, leaving behind features such as roches moutonnées, hanging valleys, and terminal moraines. The Bowder Stone, a popular tourist attraction, is also a result of glacial activity and subsequent weathering.

The valley's history and geology continue to be shaped by onging natural processes and human activity, with the Borrowdale Story working to preserve the area's history and culture for future generations to appreciate.
"By the path to King's How, I used to see the twinkling white flowers of Grass of Parnassus. I have found butterwort, sundew and cottongrass in the marshy areas. Occasionally stars of yellow tormentil and gentian-blue milkwort shine out on the higher slopes, with creamy white meadowsweet, pink dog rose and foxgloves jostle for position on the lane sides."-Nan Hicks, 2011
The National Trust
The largest landowner in Borrowdale and the foreshore of Derwentwater. It owns and manages most of the land in these areas, preserving and protecting the natural beauty and heritage of the region for visitors to enjoy.

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Nurture Lakeland
We work with local businesses to promote eco-friendly tourism practices and fund conservation projects.

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Borrowdale Parish Council
Represents the views of the community to local, regional, and national organisations and is consulted on planning applications. They work to ensure that the community's views are taken into consideration when decisions are made about the development and growth of the area.

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Friends of the Lake District
A charity organisation that works to protect the landscapes of Cumbria and addresses the environmental issues currently affecting the region. They strive to preserve the natural beauty of Cumbria for future generations to enjoy.

Learn More

Natural England
A government body responsible for the protection and conservation of England's natural environment.

Learn More

The National Trust

The largest landowner in Borrowdale and the foreshore of Derwentwater. It owns and manages most of the land in these areas, preserving and protecting the natural beauty and heritage of the region for visitors to enjoy.

Nurture Lakeland

We work with local businesses to promote eco-friendly tourism practices and fund conservation projects.

Borrowdale Parish Council

Represents the views of the community to local, regional, and national organisations and is consulted on planning applications. They work to ensure that the community's views are taken into consideration when decisions are made about the development and growth of the area.

Friends of the Lake District

A charity organisation that works to protect the landscapes of Cumbria and addresses the environmental issues currently affecting the region. They strive to preserve the natural beauty of Cumbria for future generations to enjoy.

Natural England

A government body responsible for the protection and conservation of England's natural environment.