NEW technology is being introduced to make it easier for visitors to donate money to projects which help care for the Lake District.

With the support of Cumbria Tourism and The Lake District National Park, The Lake District Foundation (LDF) is rolling-out its first contactless debit and credit card donation terminals as a convenient alternative to the more traditional coin-slot collection boxes.

Three contactless donation boxes were operational in time for the Easter weekend at the Bowness Bay and Keswick Tourist Information Centres, as well as at the beginning of the Ullswater Way route.

The LDF raises money through donations from the public and businesses before distributing grants to projects which care for local landscapes.

Sarah Swindley, director of the LDF, said: “We had great feedback from last year’s survey and it’s clearer to us than ever that people who love the Lake District want to help us look after it.

"People are generally carrying less cash with them than they used to, so we’re really excited to be able to offer this pioneering approach to fundraising to people who would like to support our work”.

Each machine not only makes donating possible with a simple swipe of a credit or debit card, but also features prominent new messaging about how fundraising can help.

Liam McAleese, head of strategy and partnerships for the Lake District National Park, said: “Visitor giving is a critical component for how the Lake District Foundation is able to fund so many worthy projects to help ensure the national park remains a beautiful place for us all to enjoy.

"Existing funding streams go a long way, but just aren’t enough on their own.

"So our visitors play a huge role in helping to preserve the beauty that surrounds them during every visit."

Managing director of Cumbria Tourism Gill Haigh said: “It’s an innovative new option for the millions of people who enjoy the Lake District and to the best of my knowledge this is the first national park to embrace it fully.”