Reviving Nature and Ethics: Skiddaw’s Rewilding & Nursing Accountability

In an ambitious effort to restore England’s highest nature reserve, more than 1,200 hectares of Skiddaw Forest in the Lake District has been acquired by Cumbria Wildlife Trust for the rewilding project named Skiddaw Forest Restoration Initiative. The organization seeks to transform the area—a significant ecological site with a rich history—as part of a 100-year vision to revive its biodiversity and ecosystems.

Purchase Details and Funding Efforts

The Skiddaw Forest, which once served as a royal hunting ground, was purchased for £6.25 million. The successful bid was secured following the involvement of a £5 million contribution from a collaborative fund initiative led by Aviva, aimed at restoring temperate rainforests throughout western Britain. Now, Cumbria Wildlife Trust must raise the final £1.25 million needed and is appealing to the public for donations to help realize this goal.

“We can’t believe it, to be honest,” stated Stephen Trotter, chief executive of Cumbria Wildlife Trust. “It’s not every day you get the chance to buy a mountain. It’s really exciting to have the opportunity to put some nature back into this landscape.” The project envisions reviving Atlantic rainforest, which has largely disappeared from the region, while simultaneously addressing issues of climate emissions linked to degraded peatlands.

Reviving Biodiversity on Skiddaw

The rewilding initiative anticipates a return of various wildlife species to Skiddaw, including hen harriers, black grouse, water voles, and upland bumblebees. The trust plans to create a harmonious mosaic of habitats, ranging from temperate forests to flower-rich grasslands, which have been neglected due to extensive sheep grazing in the past. Stephen Trotter emphasized the significance of this transformation: “We want to work with farmers and commoners… It’s not one or the other—farming or restoration. We’ve got to have both.”

To support the revival of local ecosystems, the project involves planting 300,000 native trees sourced from local seeds. This initiative will focus on sustainable practices where local volunteers will play an active role in tree planting and maintenance. In addition to the tree planting, the areas designated as blanket bogs will be rewetted to retain moisture and carbon, thus contributing to broader climate resilience efforts.

Biodiversity and Climate Resilience

The reestablishment of the peatlands is crucial—not only for biodiversity but also for combating climate change. Peatlands store significant amounts of carbon, and their restoration will help alleviate flooding by retaining water and creating natural filters for water purification. “It’s amazing that doing something as simple as blocking up some ditches and holding back some water can have lots of benefits,” emphasized Gemma Jennings, Cumbria’s peatland team manager.

Previously, criticisms surrounding wilding projects in the Lake District stemmed from concerns over traditional grazing practices being overshadowed. However, Trotter expressed optimism about Skiddaw’s project, noting that sheep farming had been absent from the land for nearly a decade. The previous government-supported decision to halt sheep grazing was made to enable ecological recovery, especially since Skiddaw has been classified as a site of special scientific interest.

Public Involvement and Support

As part of its fundraising strategy, Cumbria Wildlife Trust has launched a public appeal. Notable personalities, including mountaineer Sir Chris Bonington and presenter Julia Bradbury, have endorsed the initiative, calling it a remarkable opportunity for large-scale nature recovery. Bradbury highlighted the importance of such initiatives, stating, “Our natural world needs a lot of help, and it’s visions like this that can make a tremendous difference.”

Stephen Trotter reiterated the urgency of community engagement in these efforts, saying, “We urgently need to put more wildlife back into a much-loved and spectacular part of Cumbria. This is a unique and exciting opportunity to create England’s highest nature reserve.” He encourages individuals interested in supporting this vital ecological project to contribute financially or through volunteer efforts.

Final Call and Future Prospects

With significant public interest and backing, the restoration of Skiddaw Forest aims to create a thriving ecosystem and is part of a broader movement to enhance biodiversity and combat climate change in national parks across the UK. The plan not only aligns with conservation goals but also reinforces the importance of sustaining traditional farming practices alongside ecological restoration.

To contribute to the Cumbria Wildlife Trust’s efforts, individuals can visit cumbriawildlifetrust.org.uk call 01539 816300. Your support can help secure this significant site for both wildlife and public enjoyment, creating lasting benefits for generations to come.

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