20-year plan to 'restore nature' underway in South Cumbria

The Upper Duddon Landscape Recovery project runs across 2,800 hectares in the South Cumbrian uplands.

The project is being backed by Defra’s Landscape Recovery scheme and involves a partnership led by the University of Leeds, in collaboration with farmers, the National Trust, Forestry England, South Cumbria Rivers Trust, the University of Cumbria and Natural England.

A Duddon Valley dormouse (Image: University of Leeds)

Professor Dom Spracklen, of the University of Leeds’ School of Earth and Environment, is leading the scheme.

He said: "This partnership will help farming, forestry and nature work together.

"In addition to supporting local farms, the project will create and support 14 jobs in the valley, providing an important source of employment in the local area.

A small skipper butterfly in the Duddon Valley (Image: University of Leeds)

"We feel very privileged to be working together to create a secure future for fell farmers and nature in this beautiful corner of Cumbria."

The Duddon Valley is known for its ancient oak woodland and temperate rainforest.

The project aims to restore meadows, heathland, woodland and blanket bog, and support the recovery of species such as pine marten, water vole and tree pipit.

A pied fly catcher in the Duddon Valley (Image: University of Leeds)

The project, which received guidance from Natural England throughout its development phase, has now entered into a 20-year agreement with Natural England.

River restoration will also be a major focus, with the aim of improving water quality in the River Duddon and its tributaries while reducing downstream flood risk.

Steve Jolley, project officer from the National Trust, said: "We're really excited to be part of this project, which has brought together local farmers to deliver sustainable farming across the Duddon Valley."

A pine marten by day in the Duddon Valley (Image: University of Leeds)

A community volunteering programme will offer opportunities for residents and visitors to get involved.

A new wildflower and tree nursery will also be established, designed to support habitat regeneration.

Paddy Deady, project farm manager and one of the tenant farmers involved, said he hopes the benefits will soon become clear.

Duddon Valley volunteers (Image: University of Leeds)

Mr Deady said: "Within a few years I hope we will be able to demonstrate how the project is benefitting nature, benefitting the local community and benefitting the farming community who live here year-round."

Matt Powell, Catchment Partnership Officer, from United Utilities, said: "We are very happy to be supporting investment in nature recovery that will help deliver better water quality for communities in South-West Cumbria.

"By working with the farming community in the Duddon, we will ensure a more resilient water supply for Ulpha Water Treatment Works and the enhancement of the natural environment."