Cumbria Wildlife Trust has announced ambitious plans to restore Skiddaw Forest and create England’s highest nature reserve
In a bold and transformative move for wildlife conservation, the Cumbria Wildlife Trust has unveiled plans to acquire and restore Skiddaw Forest, a vast and iconic landscape in the heart of the Lake District National Park. This ambitious project, which includes Skiddaw mountain, one of England’s most prominent peaks, promises to create England’s highest nature reserve, aiming to bring back a diverse range of wildlife and vital habitats to the region.
Spanning 3,000 acres of rugged uplands, Skiddaw Forest is renowned for its sweeping views and dramatic landscape. However, much of the area has suffered from environmental degradation over the years. The Cumbria Wildlife Trust’s restoration efforts will focus on reviving over 2,200 acres of precious habitat, including montane scrub, wildflower grasslands and heather moorland. Additionally, 992 acres of peat bogs—a critical carbon sink in the fight against climate change—will be restored, ensuring the protection of these fragile ecosystems.
In a particularly exciting development, the Trust also plans to restore 620 acres of lost Atlantic rainforest to Skiddaw Forest. This rare and ancient habitat once covered large parts of England’s uplands, but has been largely lost due to historic deforestation and intensive land use. Its reintroduction will not only support a wide array of plant and animal species but also help with carbon sequestration, making the area more resilient to the climate emergency.
Conservationists hope that Skiddaw Forest will serve as a model for future projects across the UK, demonstrating how large-scale habitat restoration can benefit both the environment and local communities. With the Lake District National Park already designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the transformation of Skiddaw Forest could become a flagship example of sustainable environmental stewardship in one of the country’s most beloved areas.
To support the Cumbria Wildlife Trust’s appeal and help secure the future of Skiddaw Forest please visit their website.
(Image credit: Cumbria Wildlife Trust)