Borrowdale Valley Designated as National Nature Reserve

England's largest temperate rainforest gains protected status to preserve its unique biodiversity and cultural heritage.

The Borrowdale Valley in Cumbria is now a national nature reserve, covering 721 hectares.
This temperate rainforest is home to rare species like the redstart, pied flycatcher, and native red squirrels.
Natural England and the National Trust aim to restore and connect forest fragments to enhance climate resilience.
The initiative is part of the government's temperate rainforest strategy, with £750,000 allocated for research and development.
Efforts include modifying footpaths for accessibility and supporting traditional farming practices to maintain the landscape.