Holiday Park in Ambleside Calls for Debate on Low Flying Military Jets

A leading holiday park in Ambleside has called for a discussion about the impact of low-flying military jets on visitors and wildlife in the Lake District.

Henry Wild of Skelwith Fold says the thunderous noise created by the aircraft is causing distress to guests and animals when training flights pass over the park.

Concerns Over Low-flying Military Training

Henry Wild says the roar of military jets regularly interrupts the peace of the park’s 140 acres, particularly during the busy holiday season.

Speaking during an interview on BBC Radio Cumbria, he suggested that advance warnings of training flights, or limiting them to specific days of the week, could help reduce disruption.

“Over the coming summer months we will have up to 1,500 guests staying each night at Skelwith Fold, including many children and older folk,” said Henry.

“We’re often told by families how the jets cause upset and anxiety when they appear from apparently nowhere at very low altitude at random times of the day.

“I’ve also seen for myself how the wall of noise can trigger dangerous flight responses amongst our wildlife population which includes deer, red squirrels and many bird species.

“I have to admit that the jets do make an impressive sight, and I of course recognise that low-level flying at high speed is vital for developing pilots’ navigation and tactical skills.

“But would it not be possible for the RAF to designate a single day each week for these operations, or at least to provide an alert in advance of each sortie?

“That would at least allow us to forewarn guests to be prepared for the planes’ sudden arrival, and to be reassure anyone in their party who is more likely to be distressed.”

Balancing Military Training and the Visitor Experience

Henry acknowledges that the Lake District’s deep valleys and rugged terrain make the area valuable for military pilot training, helping crews practise navigation and tactical flying in realistic conditions.

A trained helicopter pilot himself, he also recognises that Cumbria’s relatively quiet airspace makes it well suited to military exercises.

However, he believes there is now an opportunity to discuss whether operational needs can be balanced with the interests of local communities, visitors and wildlife.

“However, I think we now need to debate if there should be a reconciliation between the needs of the RAF, and the best interests of our human and wildlife population.

“Perhaps we should also be asking if the escalating use of drones modern warfare is replacing the need for piloted aircraft to undertake such missions?” said Henry.

An Award-winning Holiday Park in Ambleside

Skelwith Fold is located near the shores of Windermere and was named Cumbria Tourism’s overall Holiday Park of the Year in 2025.

The family-owned park welcomes thousands of visitors each year who come to enjoy the peace, scenery and wildlife of the Lake District National Park.

Highlights

• Holiday park in Ambleside calls for discussion on military training flights
• Concerns raised about guest experience and wildlife disturbance
• Proposal includes advance warnings or scheduled flying days
• Henry Wild acknowledges the importance of RAF pilot training
• Award-winning Lake District park welcomes up to 1,500 guests each night during summer

FAQs

Why has a holiday park in Ambleside raised concerns about military jets?

Skelwith Fold says low-flying military training flights can cause distress to guests and disturb local wildlife.

What changes has Skelwith Fold suggested?

The park has suggested advance notification of flights or limiting training exercises to designated days where possible.

Does Skelwith Fold support RAF pilot training?

Yes. Henry Wild recognises the importance of low-level flying for military training while calling for discussion about reducing its impact on visitors and wildlife.

Where is Skelwith Fold located?

Skelwith Fold is located near Ambleside and Windermere in the heart of the Lake District.

What wildlife lives at Skelwith Fold?

The park is home to deer, red squirrels and a wide range of bird species that benefit from its natural surroundings.