As part of Windermere Reflections, a three year Heritage Lottery funded programme, Friends of the Lake District launched their new ‘Secret Windermere' project last week on the shores of Windermere near Bowness, with Windermere Junior School.

‘Secret Windermere' will be working with young people from eight schools around the Windermere area to find out about tranquillity and where it can be found. Two classes of pupils from Windermere Juniors aged 9 and 10 enjoyed an indoor yoga session and an outdoor exploration of the lake shore as part of the project to show how peace and quiet can be found in many ways. The project will also be introducing the importance of dark skies in being able to see the stars.

Judith Moore, Policy Officer at Friends of the Lake District said: ‘Windermere is often thought of as a busy place, but you can still find quiet places to get away from it all. Research by the Campaign for the Protection of Rural England (CPRE) has shown that people feel that tranquillity is important for health and well-being. Transport, noise and light pollution all get in the way of tranquility. This project is about seeking out tranquil places and experiencing them.'

Annie Masson, Education Officer at the Friends said: ‘We've had a lot of enthusiasm from schools who are interested in looking at their local area in a different way. Exploring peace and quiet is seen as a positive thing for young people, who like the rest of us tend to lead increasingly hectic, stressful lives.'

The project will run a series of events in 2012 and will highlight the findings of young people and their ideas about tranquillity with an exhibition.

‘Secret Windermere' is part of Windermere Reflections, a Heritage Lottery Funded programme which will work with the whole community - both residents and visitors, to encourage positive action for the environment, to bring about many improvements to the Windermere area.