It’s a year since we launched our successful fundraising appeal for Skiddaw Forest, which raised £1.25m. The development of Skiddaw Forest near Keswick, a 100-year vision, will see restoration work across 3,000 acres of habitat, including just over 1,000 acres of peat bogs and the creation of 620 acres of Atlantic rainforest. 

Prior to the fundraising campaign, we had already secured £5 million, thanks to a long-term partnership between The Wildlife Trusts and Aviva and additional support from charitable funders. With this, and the thousands of people who donated to the campaign, we were soon able to complete the purchase of what is now England’s highest nature reserve.

Pete Jones joined us as Skiddaw Forest Project Manager in January this year and is bringing extensive nature reserve management experience to the job. Rowan Sharpe, our Community Tree Grower, is leading an innovative effort to source and raise native trees from local seed, avoiding imported stock that could introduce pests or fail in the harsh upland climate. Volunteers are collecting seeds, which are nurtured in local nurseries being set up across Cumbria, to create resilient woodlands that reflect Skiddaw’s character.

Pete Jones reflects on the past year:

“Despite its name, Skiddaw Forest is now mostly treeless, made up of high fell and bog. Our vision is to restore temperate rainforest and revive damaged peatlands. This is a 100-year project, and we aim to recreate an upland rainforest rich in native oak, birch, rowan, and hazel, alongside moss- and lichen-covered ground teeming with wildlife. Our peat bog restoration will combat climate change by storing carbon and improving water quality. The land will remain open for visitors to continue to experience a true sense of wildness.

“The first year has focused on groundwork: we’ve been busy with baseline ecological surveys, partnerships, community engagement, and regulatory permissions. Scientific surveys have been mapping current habitats and species. The bird breeding report has shown the usual upland mix of meadow pipits and skylarks, with good numbers of red grouse present. Vegetation habitat mapping is ongoing, and peatland assessments have detailed restoration strategies to re-wet the degraded bogs.

“Surveys of invertebrates and bryophytes (small plants including mosses and liverworts) are underway to deepen our understanding of the ecology of Skiddaw Forest. These studies will guide future work while protecting sensitive areas.”

“We’ve run guided walks for supporters and donors to see our plans first-hand. Engaging with local residents, parish councils, running clubs, and farmers fosters trust and participation in the community. At public events at Keswick Museum we’ve shared plans and opportunities for people to get involved. Local volunteers have been helping to collect tree seed from Cumbria to grow them at our community tree nurseries.

“As a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and Special Area of Conservation (SAC), all works require strict oversight to protect wildlife and habitats. We’ve secured initial permissions from Natural England, and Environmental Impact Assessment approval from the Forestry Commission is in progress, looking into any potential ecological, visual, and heritage impacts.

“Looking ahead, Skiddaw Forest’s restoration is ambitious, but with science, community, and persistence, the project aims to prove that marginal upland landscapes can be reborn - giving nature not just a chance, but a thriving future.”

Hazel Jones, Head of Fundraising at Cumbria Wildlife Trust recalls the launch of  the project in September 2024:

“A year ago we were bowled over by the public response to our appeal to secure Skiddaw Forest for nature. It was overwhelming to read everyone’s messages, and to appreciate how much they wanted to help protect this unique landscape. We had already secured £5 million, thanks to a long-term partnership between The Wildlife Trusts and Aviva, and additional support from charitable funders. Once the public had donated the shortfall, we were able to start planning the restoration of Skiddaw Forest.

“We want to send a huge thank you once again to Aviva, all our charitable funders and everyone who donated to this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to put nature firmly into recovery on a vast scale. Since we secured Skiddaw Forest, we have received further generous donations from Aviva, other funders and the general public, to enable us to start important restoration work that Pete has mentioned, including baseline surveys of the wildlife on site, sourcing seed and growing native trees, and boundary repairs, as well as funding Pete Jones to oversee this huge project."

Want to get involved? Please keep an eye on the volunteering page on our website to find out about volunteering opportunities with Skiddaw Forest.