Wild Ennerdale is a landscape-scale habitat restoration project in the western Lake District. Wild Ennerdale was established 19 years ago with a vision to allow natural processes to shape the ecology and landscape of the valley. Four partners collectively lead this project: Natural England, Forestry England, National Trust and United Utilities. Work over almost 2 decades is making a positive difference in transforming and nurturing the ecology and landscape of the valley and establishing sustainable grazing across grasslands, forests, and open fells. Main habitats: include rivers, lake, wetlands, woodland and scrub, upland heaths, grassland, mountain heath and tall herb Area: 3032.79 hectares (ha) Features of interest The NNR covers 3032.79ha of the Ennerdale valley. The lower valley is dominated by Ennerdale Water, a nutrient-poor lake with ice-age relic fish called Arctic Charr. The River Ehen flows out of the lake and hosts the biggest population of freshwater mussels in England and parts of the headwaters of this river are within the NNR. The upper valley floor is a mixture of restored valley mire and species-rich grassland, together with some conifer plantation which is being diversified and restored to native habitats and mixed woodland. The River Liza dominates the landscape and is virtually unmodified across its whole length. Stretches are dominated by a rich and varied river corridor with meanders, gravel bars, multiple channels and dynamic islands. The valley sides in Ennerdale have Atlantic oakwood, rich with bryophytes and lichens, and also some mixed woodland with stands of conifer. These woodlands are an important refuge for populations of red squirrel. Upper slopes above the woodlands are a mixture of scrubby woodland, dry heath and blanket bog. As altitude increases, these habitats are replaced by montane heath, dominated by mosses and lichens and occasionally there are stands of mountain tall-herb vegetation with nationally rare shrubby cinquefoil and alpine saw wort. The SSSIs within Wild Ennerdale cover just under 40% of the NNR area. The extensive upland areas are part of Pillar and Ennerdale Fells and cover 1319ha. The geological features of Bowness Knott show the contact between the Ennerdale granites and the Skiddaw Slates and cover 40ha. Ennerdale SSSI (338ha) covers the lake and its wetlands and there are future plans to restore its natural hydrology. The River Ehen is important for its salmon and freshwater mussels. The condition of the upper catchment has improved dramatically in recent years and water quality is excellent. Safety and access Further details on access including a valley guide map are on the Wild Ennerdale website https://www.wildennerdale.co.uk/visit/ The Ennerdale Valley is located in the north-western corner of the famous Lake District National Park. It is a secluded valley which offers visitors a tranquil experience and a sense of wildness which are increasingly rare in this busy urban world we live in. It’s easy to get ‘off the beaten track’ and there are a range of access points from forest tracks and waymarked walks to open access on fell and within woodlands. Visitor facilities are limited to car parks within the valley and the nearest toilet, café and visitor information provisions are in the nearby village of Ennerdale Bridge. Ticks and Lyme disease - you are advised to take adequate precautions such as covering arms and legs, and checking for bites after visiting the valley. Directions and facilities Details on access to Wild Ennerdale by rail, cycle, road and bus are on the Wild Ennerdale website https://www.wildennerdale.co.uk/visit/ The nearest facilities are in Ennerdale Bridge, see https://thegatherennerdale.com/ Contact Contact details for the Wild Ennerdale Partnership officer and representatives from the partnership are on the Wild Ennerdale website
https://www.wildennerdale.co.uk/about/contact-us/ Natural England general enquiries:
Email: enquiries@naturalengland.org.uk
Telephone: 0300 060 6000