On holiday amidst the awesome scenery and grandeur of the Lake District this week. So much to enjoy with the magnificent landscapes, sweeping panoramas, idyllic lakes, and challenging fell walks.
What is it about mountains that draws us to them? The beauty of nature. And more than this. Their immense size is humbling. The refreshing quietness away from busy lives. A place of reflection and food for our souls [1].
For years I had thought that the bare hills around the Lakes were nature at its best. And without doubt this is a beautiful place to visit. However, since reading about environmental issues in the British countryside I am compelled to agree with those who say that the treeless mountain sides, ‘sheepwrecked’ by livestock farming [2] are contributing to biodiversity loss, flooding, and global warming.
Now, with an informed perspective, it appears to me that in many parts of the Lakes there is a choice; destructive sheep farming or rich biodiverse wooded hillsides. And sadly it is becoming apparent that the wrong choice has been made.
The ‘sheepwrecked’ Lakes are another reason for taking up a vegan diet. Why impact the natural world for the sake of a few minutes of the flavour of lamb when we don’t have to? Why push the world’s climate closer to irreversible tipping points when we don’t know how much further it can go?
Of course the livelihoods of sheep farmers and associated industries must also be considered. They will need support and incentives to move to alternative ecofriendly occupations. But this is an industry already heavily dependent on government subsidies. Why not pay to enhance the natural world, rather than to destroy it?
While in the Lakes I found many cafes and restaurants serving vegan options
The Ivy House Restaurant, Braithwaite, CA12 5SY
A delicious Maple Roasted Pear to start with, followed by Roasted Portobello Mushroom Thai Green Curry. Sadly they were not authentic Lake District recipes.
The Thai Green Curry was superb – a brilliant combination of flavours from the lightly spiced sauce.
On a second visit The Puy Lentil Ragu followed by lemon sorbet and vegan ice cream was also very good
References
[1] The Bible, Matthew 14:23-24, writing of Jesus after ministering to the crowds, “And when He had sent the multitudes away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray”
[2] Regenesis, George Monbiot, pg 75-76
