Lake District, England: The ‘Cumbria Wildlife Trust’ is seeking public support to purchase Skiddaw Forest in the Lake District to safeguard the area’s natural, geological, and public access significance. As part of a long-term, 100-year vision, the trust aims to restore 620 acres of lost Atlantic rainforest on the lower slopes of the forest, bringing wildlife back to the region.
The land, located in the northern Lake District, covers 1,447 acres (585 hectares) and sits between the famous Skiddaw and Blencathra mountains. This area is largely treeless upland terrain, home to a rich diversity of wildlife, including rare species like the hen, harrier and red squirrels.
A collaboration between The Wildlife Trusts and Aviva has already raised £5 million towards the £6.25 million required, with further backing from charitable donors to help Cumbria Wildlife Trust secure the opportunity to purchase the land. However, the trust still needs to raise the remaining £1.25 million and is calling on the public for support.
The effort to purchase Skiddaw Forest, a 3,000-acre expanse of ungrazed upland, has gained the support of renowned mountaineer Sir Chris Bonington and writer and TV presenter Julia Bradbury.
Sir Chris said that, “As a lover of the Lake District fells, and a keen advocate for the environment and biodiversity, I can’t think of a better organisation to manage Skiddaw Forest than Cumbria Wildlife Trust.”
Skiddaw Forest is a key part of the Lake District National Park, and its preservation is seen as crucial for maintaining the area’s natural beauty and ecological integrity. The John Muir Trust hopes that public donations will help ensure that this unique landscape is managed sustainably.
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