England’s largest temperate rainforest a National Nature Reserve
Today, Natural England plans to announce that the biggest rainforest with a mild climate in England will be established as a National Nature Reserve.
Moderate rainforests can be discovered in regions that receive ample rainfall and have a humid environment. They also experience a small fluctuation in temperature over the year. The ecosystem in these regions is incredibly diverse and features abundant growth of lichen and mosses. In the past, these areas were plentiful in the UK due to the oceanic weather conditions. However, presently, it accounts for less than 1% of England’s landmass, making it a globally rare habitat.
Borrowdale, located in Cumbria, is a National Trust area that spans over 721 hectares. It holds the title of being the wettest inhabited region in England due to the abundance of rainfall in the upper valley, which is double that of the lower valley. This has resulted in a landscape that is filled with exuberant vegetation that constantly drips with water.
The high-altitude forests are abundant carbon repositories filled with scarce lichens, mosses, and liverworts. These unique flora hold a significant position in a bustling agricultural setting.
The recently established National Nature Reserve will preserve and revitalize the age-old oak, birch, and fern trees that have grown on the steep inclines for several millennia. Furthermore, it will offer sanctuary to significant hillside birds such as redstarts, pied flycatchers, and tree pipits, along with the esteemed red squirrel, which thrive in these wooded areas.
The National Trust has stated that they will enhance the accessibility of nature for both residents and tourists in addition to safeguarding the historic customs of Borrowdale. The farmers renting the land have shown their dedication to prioritizing nature conservation by continuing to utilize traditional methods that have been passed down from previous generations and have helped shape the region's landscape.
The National Trust is collaborating with local farmers to assist them in accessing payments for crucial conservation endeavors. This is a critical aspect of managing the NNR and adjacent land.
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The announcement is a significant development for the restoration of nature in England. By focusing on a broader geographic area, linking various parts of the forest, and establishing passages for animals, we can enhance the durability of these famous habitats against the consequences of climate change.
The above statement highlights the effectiveness of collaboration in speeding up the restoration of nature. It brings us immense joy to be partnering with the National Trust and tenant farmers, who have been taking care of this area for years, in our pursuit to safeguard the valuable rainforest for the upcoming generations.
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The latest statement is proof of the higher priority given to the nurturing and enriching of the rainforest, while also acknowledging the positive influence this remarkable terrain has had on the innate and social legacy of the Borrowdale region.
We're managing the woodlands to promote conservation and access for nature through compatible practices. Creating this nature reserve is a way for us to take action towards this goal.
Today, only a tiny fraction - less than 1% - of the land in the United Kingdom is home to temperate rainforest. Because of this, it's incredibly important that we work hard to protect this rare and special habitat so that it can survive for years to come. By making this declaration, we're taking a positive step towards promoting a collaborative approach to managing nature with our tenants, and helping to raise awareness about the incredible value of this nature reserve.
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It's thrilling to witness the small changes made in the environmental stewardship at Ashness Farm a decade ago, having contributed to the recognition of Moss Mire as a temperate rainforest within a National Nature Reserve. This recognition comes at a time when significant transformations are occurring in British farming.
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The temperate rainforests are a valuable part of our environment. They are full of diverse animal life and unique lichens and mosses that can only be found in this specific area.
We have made a promise to safeguard our temperate rainforests that are still left and gave £750,000 to enhance their ability to endure and the way they are managed. This statement will bring together these beautiful surroundings and help a few of our vital national species. Our aim to stop and undo the harm done to nature, specified in the Environmental Improvement Plan, will be sped up through this declaration.
Borrowdale is going to become easier for people to visit, both tourists and locals alike. The National Trust is going to make changes to the current pathways so that individuals can better explore the rainforest and the striking volcanic surroundings. The objective is for more people to appreciate the amazing landscapes that Borrowdale has to offer. However, the National Trust also wants to be certain that the environment is protected, so they will concentrate on getting the community involved in preserving the area without attracting more visitors.
The announcement is based on the English government's strategy for temperate rainforests. This fresh initiative aims to revive these rainforests found in Cornwall, Devon and Cumbria. The government has allocated £750,000 for Research & Development to enhance durability, administration and safeguarding of these exceptional areas.
The administration has established high goals to cease and invert the decay of the environment and Natural England is assisting in fulfilling these objectives by setting up a National Nature Recovery Network that encompasses bigger and more interconnected areas for nature to prosper and flourish. This will enable wildlife to thrive and prosper.
Today, the Moccas Park and Gillian’s Wood National Nature Reserve in Herefordshire have been expanded. This expansion will result in an increase in size, from 139 to 239 hectares. It includes some of the country's oldest oak trees. This update follows Monday's announcement of the Bradgate Park and Swithland Wood National Nature Reserve expansion in Leicestershire.
The newest addition to the King's Series of National Nature Reserves has been announced as these reserves. Natural England will establish a long-lasting public heritage for society and the environment with the endorsement of His Highness King Charles III via the creation of the King's Series.
Right now, we are in the midst of the week-long celebration of National Nature Reserves Week. This important event highlights the significant contribution that nature reserves make in supporting the restoration of the natural world. With more than 100 activities happening nationwide, people have many opportunities to engage with nature at these sites.
Check out this website to find out about happenings near you!
To acquire further knowledge about the reserve, please click on this hyperlink.
In May 2024, there will be 221 NNRs in England. This is an increase of 2 NNRs compared to the previous year. The total area of these reserves will be over 110,000 hectares. This represents approximately 0.8% of England's land. The biggest NNR is The Wash, which covers almost 8,800 hectares. The smallest NNR is Horn Park Quarry in Dorset, which measures just 0.32 hectares.
