Bringing Wildlife Back to Cumbria
At Cumbria Connect, we’re determined to halt the decline in wildlife across Cumbria.
Let’s face it, traditional conservation methods have been insufficient in addressing the challenges we face.
Across the UK, we’re witnessing the silent disappearance of wildlife, leaving our landscapes emptier and quieter than before.
The Urgent Challenge of Wildlife Loss in England
Wildlife in England has suffered dramatic losses.
Since 1970, wildlife abundance in England has dropped by an average of 32% and some 13% of assessed species now face the threat of extinction.
Our Focus Areas for Wildlife Recovery
Mammals: Bringing Back the Water Vole
One of our first, and perhaps most symbolic, efforts at Cumbria Connect has been the reintroduction of the water vole— affectionately known as “Ratty” from The Wind in the Willows.
This charming little creature was once a common sight along Cumbria’s rivers, but it’s now Britain’s fastest-declining mammal and perilously close to extinction – lost from 94% of its former habitats due to habitat loss, pollution, and the invasive American mink. Yet, this small creature plays a big role in our ecosystems, shaping riverbanks, supporting plant diversity,creating habitats for other species and is an important link in the food chain.
But in August 2023, we celebrated a major milestone: the release of 365 water voles into restored habitats at the RSPB at Wild Haweswater and the Lowther Estate – the first reintroduction into the Lake District National Park. This triumph, was made possible by Cumbria Connect, Eden Rivers Trust, the Environment Agency, partner organisations and a dedicated team of 27 local volunteers.
Imagine it—a species once pushed to the brink, now paddling its way back home and breathing life back to Cumbria’s rivers.
Birds: Restoring the Black Grouse Population
Once upon a time, black grouse graced the hills of Cumbria. But habitat loss has stripped them of their homes, pushing them closer to the brink.
The last confirmed local sightings were in 2005, with a long history of decline since the mid-1980s when they were last seen around Shap.
But hope isn’t lost. As awareness of wildlife loss grows, we’re seeing a resurgence in efforts to create the right habitats for these remarkable birds. The North Pennines still holds a healthy population, and encouragingly, there are signs they’re slowly spreading westward.
At Cumbria Connect, we’re teaming up with landowners to restore habitats and explore the possibility of reintroducing black grouse to strengthen the populations that remain.
Fish: Protecting the Atlantic Salmon
Wild Atlantic salmon are more than just fish; they’re our ‘indicator species.’ Their presence—or absence—tells us so much about the health of our waterways.
Salmon need cold, clean water but many of our rivers are in dire straits, with no stretch of river in England currently meeting good ecological standards. Only 15% of our rivers are classified as healthy, making survival increasingly difficult for these incredible creatures.
In the Cumbria Connect area, over 200 km of watercourses still support healthy salmon populations and other aquatic species. We’re undertaking river restoration projects to breathe life back into these crucial habitats, and we’re monitoring salmon populations to measure the impact of our conservation efforts.
Plants: Rejuvenating Montane Flora
Picture this: vibrant, diverse mountain landscapes teeming with life. Sadly, decades of intensive grazing by sheep and deer have left our uplands stripped of their natural beauty. Few of us can imagine how colourful these places could look like if we allowed nature to thrive again.
We can learn from examples abroad—take Norway, for instance, where large-scale rewilding has transformed the landscape.
We’re already seeing change here in Cumbria, particularly around Haweswater, where we’re embarking on a woodland restoration project. By translocating montane plant species like downy willow and pyramidal bugle, we’re accelerating the journey towards a richer, more diverse ecosystem.
Insects: Saving the Marsh Fritillary Butterfly
The Marsh Fritillary butterfly plays a vital role in Cumbria’s ecosystems as both a pollinator and a sign of healthy habitats. Once widespread across the UK, this beautiful butterfly saw its numbers crash over the last century as wet grassland habitats disappeared.
In 2004, they had been declared extinct in Cumbria – a stark reminder of what we lose when nature’s balance shifts.
Nature, however, has a knack for resilience and they are now making a comeback, thanks to a successful reintroduction programme. In 2007, the Cumbria Marsh Fritillary Project released 42,000 Marsh Fritillary larvae over four sites in the county in order for them to spread out naturally.
In 2023, the RSPB team at Wild Haweswater spotted them once again about the meadows of Swindale Valley and at nearby Shap.
For these butterflies to thrive, they depend entirely on one plant – the Devil’s Bit Scabious – a crucial food source for Marsh Fritillary caterpillars.
At Cumbria Connect, we’re restoring meadows and mapping where Devil’s Bit Scabious already grows. By filling in the gaps and planting new area, we’re creating vital ‘stepping stones’ across the landscape, allowing the Marsh Fritillary to expand and strengthen its presence in our landscape.
Golden Eagles: A hopeful return to Cumbria
Haweswater, one of Cumbria Connect’s core sites, was the only and last place in England where Golden Eagles resided, from 1969 until the death of the last male in 2015. Cumbria and England have been without eagles ever since — it’s a tragic reflection of what’s at stake.
However, hope is literally on the horizon and the dream of welcoming Golden Eagles back to the Lake District and Haweswater is becoming increasingly real. Thanks to the success of a Scottish reintroduction project and charity, Restoring Upland Nature, populations have soared on the Scottish borders around Dumfries and Galloway offering hope for a future where these magnificent birds once again grace English skies.
Cumbria Connect and its partners’ work to restore the habitat, creating ideal conditions for Golden Eagles to return. As the southern Scottish population thrives, there’s a strong possibility that young eagles, naturally exploring new territories, may venture into the eastern fells marking a historic return for this iconic species.
Contact us
Want to get involved or learn more about our work to bring back local wildlife?
Reach out to us – we’d love to connect.
Fill out the form below and our team will be in touch to answer your questions, share volunteer opportunities or discuss ways you can support species recovery across Cumbria’s landscapes.
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