Cumbria Connect

Leading the way in landscape-scale nature restoration

Restoring Nature, Reconnecting Landscapes

Welcome to Cumbria Connect – we are a bold collaboration of farmers, landowners and conservationists.

Faced with the twin crises of climate change and nature loss, we recognised the need to come together to help make a difference.

Together, we’re on a bold mission to reverse the decline of wildlife and restore nature to 42,000 hectares of the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales National Parks. That’s an area bigger than Birmingham, making us
one of the largest nature recovery programmes in the UK.

Making Space for Nature

Our mission is rooted in the principles renowned ecologist, Sir John Lawton, outlined in his seminal report ‘Making Space for Nature’, which highlighted the need for a more connected and resilient natural environment.

At Cumbria Connect, we believe that by linking fragmented habitats and creating stepping stones for wildlife, we can restore the health and vitality of our ecosystems in a way that truly has an impact.

With generous funding of £4.1 million from the Endangered Landscapes & Seascapes Programme, we’re embracing nature-friendly farming practices and working together to make bigger, better and more connected habitats and creating a wilder future for wildlife and people.

From reintroducing endangered species like water voles to restoring precious peatlands, we’re tackling habitat loss head-on, with plenty of opportunities to get involved.

Healthy ecosystems provide cleaner air and water, improved flood control, better soil health and a boost to biodiversity. It’s a win-win for both nature and people.

The Landscape We're Fighting For

Cumbria Connect is working within a landscape that’s not just beautiful but ecologically vital.

This area was once home to England’s last Golden Eagle, a majestic bird that symbolised the wild spirit of our countryside. Its loss isn’t just a statistic—it’s a tragic reminder of what’s at stake. But we hold onto hope that one day, through our collective efforts, this majestic bird might one day soar again over our Lakeland fells.

Our Core Sites

WILD HAWESWATER

Managed by United Utilities and the RSPB, this 3,000-hectare site is a hub of conservation activity, supporting a rich diversity of habitats, from ancient woodlands to upland fells.

LOWTHER

Spanning 5,500 hectares, this estate is a living example of natural land management, blending conservation with responsible farming practices.

The Heart of our Landscape

These two sites represent the heart of our landscape, but we recognise that nature does not thrive in isolation.

Research has shown that nature reserves alone are no longer effective in sustaining wildlife populations, due to habitat fragmentation and the pressures of climate change.

That’s why we’re actively working to create a connected network of habitats that stretches across farms and neighbouring lands from Penrith to Kendal. These will form critical wildlife corridors and stepping stones for nature between Wild Haweswater, the Lowther Estate and beyond.

Our Guiding Principles

At Cumbria Connect, our work is driven by Seven Guiding Principles that ensure our actions create a lasting positive impact.

If you’re doing any of these, then you’re already making a difference.
Not sure where to start? We can help.

Get in touch and let’s work together to restore Cumbria’s natural beauty.

Principle 1
Principle 2
Principle 3
Principle 4
Principle 5
Principle 6
Principle 7

Bring Wildlife Back

Since 1970, British wildlife has declined by almost one fifth, and nearly 1 in 6 species are threatened with extinction. We want to address this with our first principle: Bring Wildlife Back.

We can do this by making new and better habitats reinforced with reintroductions, especially where species are locally extinct.

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Produce Food that's Good for Nature

By working with local farmers, we’ll promote nature-friendly farming practices that benefit both agriculture and wildlife. This reflects our second principle: Produce Food That’s Good for Nature. By adopting methods like regenerative agriculture, we support a healthy environment and increase biodiversity.

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Trap and Store More Carbon

To combat climate change, we focus on our third principle Trap and Store More Carbon. Protecting and expanding woodlands, wetlands, grasslands and peatlands enhances nature’s ability to absorb greenhouse gases, benefiting both people and the planet.

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Water loggers at Wasdale help us track changes in water levels.

Make Space for Water

Our fourth principle, Make Space for Water, involves restoring natural water systems. By replumbing our landscapes, we protect clean drinking water sources, control flooding and support freshwater species like water voles, otters, and Atlantic salmon.

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Restored bog pool on Mardale Common at Wild Haweswater. Photo credit Jim Holmes

Grow an Economy that Supports Nature

Supporting nature also revitalizes the rural economy. Our fifth principle, Grow an Economy that Supports Nature, encourages jobs in land management, wildlife guiding, eco-tourism and promoting local produce. This nature-centred identity attracts visitors and sustains local livelihoods.

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Nature-Friendly Farming Apprentice, Elli Foxton with supervisor Joe Clements, Conservation Manager at Lowther with two Tamworth Pigs used for conservation grazing at Lowther

Celebrate the Joy of Nature

Our sixth principle, Celebrate the Joy of Nature, is about engaging everyone with the wonders of the natural world. Creating opportunities for unique wildlife encounters enhances well-being and integrates nature into everyday life.

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Nature doodling showing the appreciation of nature

Give People a Voice

Our landscape is important to people from all walks of life. At a time when our countryside is undergoing dramatic change and facing increasing demand to meet multiple needs, it’s important that everyone feels part of the change which is happening around them. That’s why our seventh principle is: Give People a Voice.

Our Impact

Through Cumbria Connect, we are building a future where nature and people can coexist and thrive. We’re laying the groundwork for a more connected and resilient landscape, one that will support diverse wildlife and vibrant communities for generations to come.

With the passion and dedication of our partners and local communities, we are creating a legacy of restored habitats and healthy ecosystems that reflect the true beauty and value of Cumbria’s natural heritage.

Join us in our mission to make space for nature once again. Together, we can create a landscape that is richer, more diverse, and more resilient—one where the Golden Eagle might one day return to its rightful home.