Cass Associates has been working with the National Trust in the Lake District with the aim of turning picturesque Aira Force waterfalls and the surrounding landscape into a world-class visitor destination.

Appointed at the end of 2012, the Cass team was briefed to develop a wide-ranging masterplan concept for the site and a planning application for a number of implementation projects has now been submitted, with work due to start in November.

Owned by the National Trust since 1903, this area of dramatic landscape, lake shore meadows, open parkland, arboretum, beck and falls attracts up to 200,000 visitors a year. The Cass landscape architecture team has been looking at ways to improve the quality of the landscape affected by high tourist numbers and to enhance the visitor facilities and experience.