Many communities in the Lake District National Park have already expressed an interest in looking at renewable energy generation and energy efficiency measures within their communities, but many struggle to know how to take these ideas forward, often finding the enormity of the challenge overwhelming.

The Lake District National Park Authority has been awarded funding from CLASP to undertake a project until January 2015, which will help to overcome these barriers.

This project will provide three communities in the Lake District National Park with the support and advice they need to progress through this initial stage, and help them take ownership of their own energy futures.

It will also build a physical 3D architectural model of a rural setting, showing renewable energy opportunities. This is similar to a more urban-focused model called Plan LoCaL, and will be used with the communities to help them visualise what they could have in the future.

Each of the three communities will receive help to develop their ideas and overcome barriers. They will also each receive an action plan which identifies support and funding options to get their projects off the ground. The model and training notes will also be available for use by other local authorities after the end of the project (at no cost other than transportation).

For more information, contact Sam Hagon Samantha.hagon@lakedistrict.gov.uk      Direct dial 01539 792659.