The BMC welcomes the new Skiddaw rewilding project in the Lake District
The BMC welcomes and supports the Cumbria Wildlife Trust who are set to rewild the bleak plateau of Skiddaw. This work aligns fully with BMC values - protecting the mountains for future climbers, hill-walkers and mountaineers and promoting environmental sustainability.
The Cumbria Wildlife Trust, backed by a cool £5 million donation from Aviva, is embarking on an ambitious project to rewild the arguably bleak and uniform plateau of Skiddaw, just north of Keswick, with temperate rainforest. This initiative aims to restore a habitat that once thrived from Dartmoor to Scotland but has become increasingly rare.
BMC Access & Conservation Officer for England, Jon Fullwood, says, "This work chimes with our vision at the BMC of a better future for climbers, hill walkers and mountaineers, and our aims to promote environmental sustainability. As such, this project is something we welcome and support. The BMC hopes to liaise with the Cumbria Wildlife Trust in the future to see if our volunteers can assist with the rewilding as part of our Get Stuck In projects. These events are funded by Mend Our Mountains, a campaign from BMC's Access & Conservation Trust."
A vision for biodiversity
Jon says, "The aim is not simply to plant 250 hectares with native locally derived trees. The rewilding of Skiddaw, third highest mountain in the Lake District, promises to radically transform the landscape. By introducing a diverse array of native shrubs and trees and restoring peat bogs, the project aims to create a self-sustaining mosaic ecosystem where species currently absent will return and flourish. This mosaic of habitats will be made up of temperate rainforest, blanket bog, heathland, acid grassland and montane scrub. Species that might thrive here in the future include hen harriers, black grouse, water voles and upland bumblebees."
Addressing climate change
Jon says, "In addition to enhancing biodiversity, this initiative will help in the fight against climate change through carbon sequestration. The new woodlands and scrub will act as carbon sinks, drawing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, while the restored rewetted peat bogs are expected to store around 1.5 million tonnes of carbon."
A cultural landscape
Jon says, "The Lake District is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, celebrated for its cultural landscape shaped by centuries of human intervention. Wordsworth himself lamented the “artificial appearance” of the area due to the profound impact of human activity. Projects like this offer a chance to return to a more natural balance and restore landscapes not seen here for many decades."
How can we help?
The BMC support this project and would encourage all nature enthusiasts, climbers, and hillwalkers to consider contributing to CWT’s fundraiser in its effort to raise the additional £1.25 million required the purchase the land.
Want to help rewild the mountains?
The BMC runs Get Stuck In conservation and rewilding events in the Lakes, Peak District and Wales for volunteers to give back to the mountains. Come and help us repair the footpaths, clear out invasive species, restore peat hags and plant carbon-locking sphagnum moss. Everyone is welcome!
Did you know?
Simply becoming a BMC member supports conservation and rewilding projects like this, plus you get all the benefits that membership offers, including these and many more:
£15 million Worldwide Combined Liability Insurance
£10,000 Personal Accident Insurance
Quarterly member-only magazine, Summit
15% off Cotswold Outdoor, Snow+Rock and Runners Need
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