The Grot

Spent the day with John Hodgson the person responsible for putting together the UNESCO World Heritage bid. We walked around Grasmere and Rydal whilst he explained the rationale behind the bid. The case for World Heritage Inscription for the English Lake District is based on three themes of 'Outstanding Universal Value': the harmonious beauty of the natural landscape as modified by farming and industry; the inspiration for the Picturesque and Romantic movements; and the the emergence of early conservation initiatives to protect the Lake District Landscape - which led to the creation of the National Trust and the UK National Parks. 

As we completed a circuit of Rydal Water he pointed out various aspects of the landscape and how they related to the bid. It was a privilege to spend time with such an amazingly passionate and knowledgable person.

The blip is of Rydal Beck falls taken from The Grot in the grounds of Rydal Hall. The Grot is a Grade II listed building built in 1668 to provide a window to frame the view of the lower Rydal Beck waterfall. It became famous as part of the Picturesque movement as an example of a wild and rugged scene to inspire dramatic landscape painting.