Bamse's Wood facts for kids

Bamse's Wood is a special new forest and nature reserve in the beautiful Lake District in Cumbria, England. It's located between the villages of Gosforth and Nether Wasdale. This 17-acre area is a wonderful place for nature to thrive. You can reach it by following an old path called Guards Lonning, which is a bridleway used for walking and riding.

The idea for Bamse's Wood was supported by the Forestry Commission, a group that helps manage forests in the UK. They gave advice to make this project a success. The wood acts like a natural bridge, connecting other important forest areas. To the north, it links to Blengdale Forest, which is also managed by the Forestry Commission. To the south, it connects with Meolbank Plantation and Bolton Wood, which are cared for by the National Trust, a charity that protects special places.

Why Was Bamse's Wood Planted?

The main reason for planting Bamse's Wood was to create a safe home for the red squirrel. These cute animals are endangered in the UK, meaning their numbers are getting very low. This new forest helps them move safely between different woodland areas. The trees planted here are mostly native deciduous trees, which lose their leaves in autumn. Many of them produce fruits and nuts, which are perfect food for squirrels and other wildlife.

Who Was Bamse?

Bamse's Wood is named after a very brave and famous dog called Bamse. He was a St. Bernard dog who became a mascot for the Free Norwegian forces during World War II. He was known for his courage and loyalty.

The land for Bamse's Wood was bought and planted to help balance out the carbon footprint from a children's book about this amazing dog. The book was written by Anna Mandell. Sadly, Anna suffered from a serious illness called motor neuron disease. Her ashes were buried in a small garden area within the woodland in September 2016, making the wood an even more special place.