THE LAKE DISTRICT SEARCH AND MOUNTAIN RESCUE ASSOCIATION
We promote, co-ordinate and secure adequate search and rescue arrangements, primarily in the mountainous areas of Cumbria. We undertake publicity where necessary in order to inform or educate the public in all aspects of mountain safety. We represent and support all our member rescue teams with help, guidance, training, funding and advice, including fundraising for them.
Financial health, per its FY2025 accounts
The accounts state that the charity held total funds of £1,341,003.17 at the end of 2025, with £658,936.60 in unrestricted reserves. The treasurer reports the region is in a healthy financial state, supported by significant income from donations and legacies, despite forecast capital costs of £3-4m for member teams over the next 3 to 5 years.
What the accounts disclose
“We received a contribution from Cumbria Police and have paid the insurance for 2025/26.” — page 114
“£50,000 was received from Keswick MRT specifically for the Fairness Fund.” — page 114
“We received a contribution from Cumbria Police and have paid the insurance for 2025/26.” — page 114
“£50,000 was received from Keswick MRT specifically for the Fairness Fund.” — page 114
“The production of the 2024 Annual Report was delayed.” — page 4
Structured financials (annual return, FY ending 31/12/2024)
Trustees
Income and spending
| Financial year end | Income | Spending |
|---|---|---|
| 31/12/2025 | £430k | £344k |
| 31/12/2024 | £1.0m | £93k |
| 31/12/2023 | £307k | £237k |
| 31/12/2022 | £242k | £331k |
| 31/12/2021 | £242k | £358k |
Common questions
Is THE LAKE DISTRICT SEARCH AND MOUNTAIN RESCUE ASSOCIATION financially healthy?
Per its FY2025 accounts: The accounts state that the charity held total funds of £1,341,003.17 at the end of 2025, with £658,936.60 in unrestricted reserves. The treasurer reports the region is in a healthy financial state, supported by significant income from donations and legacies, despite forecast capital costs of £3-4m for member teams over the next 3 to 5 years. Its FY2025 accounts were independently examined.
Funders of similar charities
| Funder | Similar charities funded | Amount to them |
|---|---|---|
| THE BALCOMBE CHARITABLE TRUST | 1 | £27k |
| THE PENNIES FOUNDATION | 1 | £12k |
| DUCHY OF LANCASTER BENEVOLENT FUND | 1 | £5k |
| THE CHURCHILL FOUNDATION | 1 | £4k |
| WASPS LEGENDS CHARITABLE FOUNDATION | 1 | £3k |
| THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF ST MARY WITH HOLY TRINITY ULVERSTON | 1 | £1k |
| THE FRIEDA SCOTT CHARITABLE TRUST | 1 | £1k |
| THE CHARLES LITTLEWOOD HILL TRUST | 1 | £0 |
Charities like this
- LANGDALE/AMBLESIDE MOUNTAIN RESCUE TEAM
- THE DUDDON AND FURNESS MOUNTAIN RESCUE TEAM CIO
- LLANBERIS MOUNTAIN RESCUE TEAM CIO / TÎM ACHUB MYNYDD LLANBERIS SCE
- SCARBOROUGH AND RYEDALE MOUNTAIN RESCUE TEAM
- WASDALE MOUNTAIN RESCUE TEAM
- CONISTON MOUNTAIN RESCUE TEAM
Side by side with its peers
| Charity | Income | Top pay band | Staff >£60k | Reserves vs policy | Fundraising cost | Going concern |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| THE LAKE DISTRICT SEARCH AND MOUNTAIN RESCUE ASSOCIATION | £430k | — | 0 | unclear | — | no doubt |
| LANGDALE/AMBLESIDE MOUNTAIN RESCUE TEAM | £608k | — | 0 | unclear | — | no doubt |
| THE DUDDON AND FURNESS MOUNTAIN RESCUE TEAM CIO | £405k | — | 0 | unclear | — | no doubt |
| LLANBERIS MOUNTAIN RESCUE TEAM CIO / TÎM ACHUB MYNYDD LLANBERIS SCE | £123k | — | 0 | above | — | no doubt |
| SCARBOROUGH AND RYEDALE MOUNTAIN RESCUE TEAM | £159k | — | 0 | unclear | — | no doubt |
| WASDALE MOUNTAIN RESCUE TEAM | £184k | — | 0 | above | — | no doubt |