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Cumbria Connect receives major boost from leading ecologist
June 2024
Cumbria Connect receives major boost from Leading Ecologist endorsing landscape-scale nature restoration efforts
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Cumbria Connect received a major boost this week with a visit from Professor Sir John Lawton, a renowned ecologist and author of the ground-breaking report “Making Space for Nature.” Sir John’s visit signifies a significant endorsement of the programme’s efforts in restoring and enhancing natural habitats across eastern Cumbria.
Professor Sir Lawton with Lee Schofield taking a closer look at the Lowther tree and plant nursery
Professor Sir John Lawton
L-to-R: John Gorst, United Utilities, David Morris, RSPB, Victoria Lancaster, RSPB, Jim Lowther and Professor Sir John Lawton
Landscape-Scale nature recovery takes centre stage
Professor Lawton, a Vice President of the RSPB and former chair of the Endangered Landscapes & Seascapes Programme, emphasised the critical role of large-scale nature restoration in safeguarding Cumbria’s biodiversity. Cumbria Connect, encompassing a vast 42,000 hectares of diverse ecosystems, aligns perfectly with the principles outlined in Lawton’s influential report. The programme advocates for creating “more, bigger, better and joined-up” habitats, fostering resilient landscapes for a thriving natural world.
Seeing is Believing: A Visit to the Core Sites
Sir John’s visit included tours of Cumbria Connect’s two key sites: Lowther Estate and Wild Haweswater, managed by the RSPB and United Utilities. He witnessed first hand the innovative practices being implemented to restore peatlands, enhance woodlands, and rejuvenate grasslands – all crucial for the region’s ecological health.
“Absolutely wonderful… I’ve seen many projects aiming for ‘more, bigger, better, joined-up’ habitats, but this [Cumbria Connect] programme is truly outstanding and inspirational.
“It’s not about taking away from the countryside – it’s about creating more jobs, improving the environment, and unlocking a wealth of potential benefits. What’s not to like?”
Professor Sir John Lawton
The Lowther Valley
The reintroduction of Water Voles to Cumbria was one of the first actions for Cumbria Connect working with partners
Supporting farmers in farming with nature is a major focus of Cumbria Connect
Peatland restoration is one of the many actions undertaken as part of landscape-scale nature restoration
Collaboration is key
Professor Lawton highlighted the importance of Cumbria Connect’s collaborative approach, particularly in creating wildlife corridors essential for species adaptation to climate change. He acknowledged the challenges faced by farmers in adopting these landscape recovery measures and emphasised the programme’s role in finding a balance between nature recovery and community needs.
Cumbria Connect operates with the support of diverse partners including RSPB, United Utilities, Natural England, The Ernest Cook Trust, The Orton Fells Farm Cluster, Lune Rivers Trust, Eden Rivers Trust, Cumbria Wildlife Trust and The Woodland Trust. Together with volunteers and local communities, the programme aims to set a precedent for similar initiatives nationwide, showcasing the potential for collective action in landscape-scale nature restoration.
“We need to be understanding of people’s viewpoints,” said Sir John, whose brother David Lawton previously managed Greystoke Castle Farms. “However, this shouldn’t prevent us from doing the right thing. And the right thing, in this case, is exactly what the Cumbria Connect programme is achieving for this remarkable landscape.”
Martin Varley, Cumbria Connect Programme Manager, expressed his gratitude for Professor Lawton’s support and expertise:
“Having someone of Sir John’s stature on board is invaluable as we strive towards our ambitious restoration goals. His visit reinforces the importance of collaboration in achieving impactful nature recovery outcomes. By making space for nature within our working landscapes, we not only protect wildlife but also ensure the land can continue to provide essential services for generations to come.”
Setting a National Precedent
Cumbria Connect operates with the backing of a diverse group of partners, including the RSPB, Lowther, United Utilities, Natural England and various conservation trusts.
Together with volunteers and local communities, they aim to set a national precedent for similar initiatives. Cumbria Connect showcases the immense potential of collective action in achieving landscape-scale nature restoration across the UK.
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