A new National Nature Reserve will be formally created today (Tuesday, November 15) by Natural England in Ennerdale, West Cumbria.
The 3,000ha site will be the largest nature reserve in the county, and the ninth largest in England.
The ‘Wild Ennerdale National Nature Reserve’ will feature a landscape consisting of water, forests and mountains.
Chair of Natural England, Tony Juniper, said: “Wild Ennerdale is a diverse and varied landscape which supports some of our most unique and precious wildlife, including red squirrels, the freshwater pearl mussels that dwell in the river there and which can live for 100 years, and the arctic charr – a fish that has hung on in the valley since the last Ice Age.
“We have been working with partners for some years to improve this already amazing place and its declaration as a National Nature Reserve will enhance the spectacular landscape, wildlife and habitats, safeguarding them for the future while providing space for people to get close to wild nature.”
Work over almost two decades was carried out to improve nature recovery in the Ennerdale landscape and sustainable grazing has been promoted across grasslands, forests and open fells.
Wild Ennerdale Partnership
The Wild Ennerdale Partnership, which began 20 years ago, has a vision to allow natural processes to shape the ecology and landscapes within the valley. It brings together four organisations: Forestry England; National Trust; United Utilities; and Natural England.
“National Nature Reserves are at the very centre of our ambition to create a vibrant national Nature Recovery Network comprised of bigger and better places for both wildlife and people,” Juniper added.
“The Ennerdale partnership is a great example of what we have in mind and shows how working together can achieve that aim.”
“I hope the partnership will continue to build strong relationships with local landowners, communities and farmers – who are custodians of the countryside – to develop sustainable uses for these sites,” added environment minister, Trudy Harrison.
“Support from local communities is essential for the success of National Nature Reserves, and it’s vital that we work together to protect the future of these wildlife habitats.”
