Wild Ennerdale has become a Super National Nature Reserve (NNR).
Recognised for their landscape-scale, connected approach, there are only a few Super NNRs in England. This designation shows how rewilding has led to biodiversity booming in Ennerdale.
A shared vision
Wild Ennerdale is a partnership between the main landowners in the valley (Forestry England, National Trust and United Utilities) and Natural England; two government departments, a charity and a private utility company working as one landowner at a landscape scale with a shared vision.
Thick Sitka Spruce plantations dominated the landscape for the last century, and high levels of sheep grazing reduced the biodiversity and habitat structure across the valley. The Wild Ennerdale project aims to let natural processes shape the landscape and ecology and will always take decisions which favour this, ultimately leading towards a wilder, more diverse and resilient place over time. A minimalist approach has been applied for almost two decades, working with a range of partners and stakeholders at local, regional and national level. This approach has seen the return of wildlife in abundance, more diverse habitat, greater structure, expanding woodland, a wilful river that can respond to high rainfall events and an increase in support for the work. Highlights include salmon within restored river systems and Marsh fritillary butterfly populations that are now thriving.
Nature based enterprise
The valley primarily supports forestry, farming and tourism. There are few buildings within the valley, limited to residential dwellings, farms, a field centre and two youth hostels. Use of the ‘Wild Ennerdale brand’ by local businesses to help promote income has increased and they are now looking at ways to develop the eco-tourism potential of the valley in a sensitive and sustainable manner. Collaboration between stakeholders for a shared vision was key to the success of the project.
Find out more on the Wild Ennerdale website.