SKIDDAW AFTER ONE YEAR
“Tis year is all about laying the foundations – planning how the project will work in the years to come, geting good baseline data, and geting the permissions to do the work that will improve the wildlife and habitats
into the future.” Pete Jones
A team from Cambridge University has undertaken a survey of the peat, which included taking a core sample prior to restoration.
Another major milestone was assessing
the condition of the peat bogs. Much of this peatland, dry and degraded by historical grazing and drainage, currently leaks carbon into the atmosphere. Te survey revealed the current conditions and has informed detailed plans for a restoration project across the site. Once rehydrated, these bogs can return to their role as powerful carbon sinks. More baseline work is underway,
including surveys of invertebrates and bryophytes – tiny mosses and liverworts that play outsized roles in healthy ecosystems. Each report brings us closer to understanding this wild landscape in more detail. Alongside baseline surveys and
assessments, work has already begun to grow the trees that will repopulate the upland valleys and hillsides with native woodland species. Tis involves building a seed collection network across Cumbria, which includes recruiting volunteers to gather seeds
from local woodlands. Tese seeds are the first step in a highly localised, ecologically sound reforestation effort. Rather than importing young trees grown elsewhere, which can introduce pests, diseases and trees that may not be suited to the difficult conditions they will be growing in on site, the project aims to raise its woodland from the ground up, right here in Cumbria. Rowan Sharpe is the Skiddaw Forest
Community Tree Grower, whose task is to grow the trees that will repopulate the upland valleys and hillsides with native woodland species.“It’s not just about planting trees – it’s about growing the right trees, in the right place, from the right seed. I’m developing a network of small nurseries, working with local partners and land owners to raise native tree species. It’s a long process, but it’s how you get resilient, diverse woodlands that reflect the true character of a place like Skiddaw Forest.”
Engaging communities
Public involvement remains central to the nature reserve’s success. Over the spring and summer, guided walks introduced people to the site, including some of the campaign’s major donors who were invited to see the impact of their contributions first-hand. Tere’s been outreach too. In February,
staff met with residents of Caldbeck and have since connected with local parish councils, fell-running clubs, and farmers. Public engagement events have also taken place at Keswick Museum to introduce the project and vision to local communities, and explain how people can get involved in the future. We want to show people this isn’t about
locking up the land or keeping them out. It’s about showing how a restored landscape can support wildlife, water quality, slow the flow of water over the land, and enable a deeper human connection to nature.
22
Cumbrian Wildlife | November 2025
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44
