Sensing the WILDNESS, restoring the FUTURE NATURAL

Welcome

Rising abruptly out of the coastal plain of West Cumbria Ennerdale is one of the most remote of Cumbria valleys and has a distinctive character of its own. There is a sense of tranquillity, ruggedness, self-will, wildness, a feeling more of Scotland or Scandinavia. Wild Ennerdale is one of the UK’s largest wildland partnerships and in November 2022 it was declared the largest National Nature Reserve in Cumbria.

It is widely recognised for its partnership working, future natural approach and for pioneering innovative ways of upland management which blur boundaries between forestry and farming. Read our latest Newsletter to find out more. You can also subscribe to Wild Ennerdale and get our quarterly newsletter direct to your inbox along with updates about our beaver reintroduction project.

The Wild Ennerdale partnership invites you to explore this unique valley and experience its special sense of wildness. Wild Ennerdale is excited to be a part of Rewilding Britain and Rewilding Europe.

Subscribe to Wild Ennerdale

Subscribe to Wild Ennerdale and receive our quarterly newsletter and updates about our developing beaver reintroduction proposals. We won't share your data with anyone and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Video Stories

Watch our inspiring videos to find our more about what we have been doing for People, Nature and Climate Change or if you are short on time watch our Introduction or Trailer videos.

Thank you to Jo and Garth and for the team at Scotland the Big Picture.

 

Stewardship Plan

Our 2018-2028 Stewardship Plan is now approved and available to view. We are now working on actions aimed at delivering the plans objectives.

Newsletter

Check out the news from the valley with our latest Newsletter

European wilding 

Wild Ennerdale is excited to be a member of the European Rewilding Network.  Wild Ennerdale has its own page along with other UK projects such as Knepp and Trees for Life - Restoring the Caledonian Forest

National Nature Reserve

On the 15th November 2022 the chair of Natural England, Tony Juniper, declared Wild Ennerdale as a new  National Nature Reserve (NNR). The NNR is a legacy for future generations committing the management of the valley to have a continued focus on nature restoration and recovery.

You can find out more on our National Nature Reserve page.

Phytophthora Larch Disease

During Summer and Autumn 2021 Phytophthora Ramorum was identified across 60 hectares of larch forest at the west end of the Ennerdale valley. To help control the spread of the disease and reduce the risk of a variant jumping into another tree species Forestry England is required to fell or kill standing the infected trees.

Find out more on our Forest page.

 

 

Spirit of Place

Through a number of events in 2016 and 2017 we  explored the valley's "Spirit of Place"  and have produced this ebook to share our experiences. The book can also be purchased from the Gather in Ennerdale Bridge.

Other Nearby Landscape Restoration Projects

 

Wild Haweswater

An exciting partnership between RSPB and United Utilities to restore the Haweswater catchment and encourage people to discover wildlife.

 

Carrifran

Inspiring Community led rewilding project in the Scottish Lowlands north east of Moffat

Forest

More about how the valleys forest

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Protecting the valley's historic landscape?