Cumbria Wildlife Trust facts for kids

Cumbria Wildlife Trust is a special group that works to protect nature in Cumbria, a county in North West England. They manage over 40 nature reserves. Their main goal is to help people learn more about the amazing plants and animals living in Cumbria.

A Look Back: How the Trust Started

The trust began in 1962. It was first called the Lake District Naturalists' Trust. In 1974, Cumbria became a new county. So, the trust changed its name to the Cumbria Trust for Nature Conservation.

Its main office is close to Kendal. This area is near the Lake District National Park. Most of their nature reserves are outside the national park. These special places include wet peat bogs like Witherslack Mosses. They also have rocky limestone pavements such as Hutton Roof Crags. Other reserves are old woodlands and places along the coast, like South Walney. One of their newer areas is Craggy Wood near Staveley.

What the Trust Does: Protecting Nature

The trust runs fun learning programs for visitors. These programs are great for people of all ages. They also welcome people who want to help as volunteers. The trust also speaks up for wildlife. They campaign both in their region and across the country.

Helping Meadows and Sea Life

In recent years, the trust has worked on important projects. They helped with hay meadows through the Coronation Meadows project. They also have their own Meadow Life project. The trust also helped to create Marine Conservation Zones in the Irish Sea. These zones are special areas that protect sea creatures.

England's Highest Nature Reserve

In 2024, the trust bought a huge area of land. This land is about 1,200 hectares (or 3,000 acres). It is part of Skiddaw Forest. Their plan is to create England's highest nature reserve there.

This exciting project will bring back many animals and plants. They plan to re-introduce hen harriers and black grouse. Water voles and aspen trees will also return. Rare upland bumblebees will find a new home there too. The trust also plans to plant 300,000 native trees.

A big part of the money for this land came from a £5 million grant. This grant was from a company called Aviva. The trust also asked the public for help. They launched an appeal to raise the rest of the money needed.