It runs more than 40 nature reserves, and aims to broaden the awareness and knowledge of the wildlife in the county.
Most of the reserves, which include peat bogs (Witherslack Mosses), limestone pavements (Hutton Roof Crags), ancient woodlands and coastal sites (South Walney), are outside the national park.
The trust runs educational programmes for visitors, suitable for all ages, and welcomes the involvement of volunteers.
In 2024, the trust purchased 1,200 hectares (3,000 acres) of Skiddaw Forest with the aim of creating England's highest nature reserve.
The project will see the re-introduction of hen harriers, black grouse, water voles, aspen and rare upland bumblebees, as well as the planting 300,000 native trees The purchase was partly funded by a £5m grant from Aviva, with a public appeal being launched to raise the balance.