Developers' "Containment" Plan Fails to Ease Fears of Harm to Nature Reserve

As of November 9th, 2025, a property developer named ILM is facing fierce opposition over its plans to build a 233-lodge holiday resort in Roanhead, near Barrow in Cumbria. The main concern raised by the Save Roanhead campaign group is that the influx of visitors to the area would cause "catastrophic harm" to the nearby Sandscale Haws National Nature Reserve.

In response, ILM has proposed an "on-site containment strategy" designed to limit people from leaving the resort and accessing the protected nature reserve. However, the Save Roanhead group has dismissed this strategy as ineffective, arguing that the type of customers the resort aims to attract - "nature lovers" - will still find ways to explore the sensitive environment.

The Sandscale Haws reserve is home to a number of endangered species, including natterjack toads, as well as around 20,000 wintering waterfowl and migratory birds. Save Roanhead warns that the sheer number of people expected to visit the holiday park would "decimate" these protected species.

Despite the developer's claims that the resort's guests will be "ecologically responsible," the campaign group remains unconvinced. They believe the "containment" approach makes the holiday park sound more like a "prison camp" than a nature-focused destination.

Westmorland and Furness Council is yet to make a decision on ILM's proposal, but plans for a smaller holiday park in the area were recently withdrawn following public backlash. Save Roanhead is determined to prevent what they see as an imminent threat to the delicate Sandscale Haws ecosystem.