An Ulverston lecturer has been named as the newest ambassador for the Lake District Foundation (LDF).

Dr Kate Rawles, associate lecturer at the University of Cumbria, was named this week as a new ambassador for the LDF.

Dr Rawles is an advocate for tackling major environmental challenges such as the increasing loss of biodiversity.

This year, she cycled 8,288 miles across the length of South America, as part of a 13 month expedition to highlight the importance of biodiversity.

As part of her journey she visited environmental projects throughout the continent. Her adventure led her to meet sustainable coffee farmers in Colombia as well as the men and women behind nature reserves in Patagonia, in Chile and Argentina.

Whilst in Patagonia, Dr Rawles met Kris McDivitt Tompkins, an American conservationist who has made major contributions to protecting biodiversity in South America.

Sarah Swindley, Chair of the LDF said: “We are delighted to welcome Kate as an ambassador for the Lake District Foundation.

“Her passion for communication and adventures in the great outdoors are a perfect fit for our cause.

“We hope that this partnership will inspire many more people to care for our spectacular wildlife and landscapes.”

In the past, Dr Rawles has embarked on a number of journeys like her cycle across South America.

In 2006, she cycled from Texas to Alaska along the spine of the Rockies exploring climate change.

She later published a book about her journey and subsequent findings.

The Carbon Cycle; Crossing the Great Divide, was shortlisted for the Banff Mountain Festival Adventure Travel Award in 2012. A

As the newest LDF ambassador, Dr Rawles joins existing ambassador Sean Conway, who has been supporting the charity since it was founded in 2017.

The LDF, aims to encourage people to support projects that care for the spectacular wildlife, landscapes and cultural heritage of the Lake District and Cumbria