Website users are being urged this month to tell landscape specialists just what they think makes the Lake District landscape so special and what needs to be done to make sure any changes benefit the area rather than spoil it.

The electronic questionnaire has been launched as one part of an extensive survey - by a partnership of the National Park Authority, the National Trust, Friends of the Lake District and Natural England - to find out what makes the area unique. The survey will also show what aspects of Lake District life need particular attention when organisations start planning how the National Park will look in the future.

For the rest of this month anyone visiting www.lake-district.gov.uk will be directed to an easy-to-use electronic survey - and then they get the opportunity to win one of three unique Lake District experiences.

All people taking part in the survey will be entered into a free draw, with the lucky winner having the chance to choose either: a day-out - including free lunch - for four people at the National Park Visitor Centre at Brockhole, on the shores of Windermere; a free day's hire of an electric powered boat for up to eight people from the Coniston Boating Centre; or a half-day's sailing tuition for up to four people on Coniston Water.

LDNPA landscape architect, Chris Greenwood urged all visitors' to the authority's website to take part, as their views would provide a real insight into how this particular group of people view what goes on inside the Lake District.

"Using an online survey in this way gives us the opportunity to directly reach a specific type of person who has an interest in the National Park, and whose opinions might be missed through normal traditional surveys and market research techniques."

Information gathered from this survey will be added to other consultations, field surveys and face-to-face research with residents, visitors and businesses, to provide a reference document for everyone with an interest in the future management of the National Park.

"All this research will promote a deeper understanding of what makes the Lake District's spectacular landscape unique. It will also provide an inspirational source of ideas and guidance to help encourage appropriate management and use of the landscape," Chris added.