AN 8.41 hectares extension of lowland wet heath at Finglandrigg Woods National has been described as an 'important moment for nature recovery'.
This was formally declared by Natural England on October 2, adding the landscape for its ecological and local community significance.
The reserve, nestled near Carlisle, now stretches over 87.6 hectares.
This ecosystem provides a home for various plant, animal, and fungal species, categorising the site as one of the largest wildlife-rich zones on the Solway Plain.
The reserve offers a diverse spread of habitats, from mixed woodlands to purple moor-grass, rush pasture, and lowland wet heath - it is maintained by Natural England.
Visitors can explore the reserve via well-marked trails, including an easy-access 2km blue route specially designed for those with limited mobility.
To mark the additional land being added to the NNR, schoolchildren from Kirkbampton Primary School attended a celebration with Natural England where they explored the area and undertook conservation works including heathland management.
Helen Kirkby, area director of Natural England, said: "The extension of Finglandrigg Woods National Nature Reserve is an important moment for nature recovery and the many different and rare species that call this site home.
"Over seventy years on from the creation of our first National Nature Reserves in England, these wonderful places are needed now more than ever as we face into the challenges of global warming, wildlife decline and reconnecting people with the natural world.
Yesterday we formally added 8.41 hectares of lowland wet heath to Finglandrigg Woods #NationalNatureReserve. This helps to secure Finglandrigg as one of the largest wildlife rich areas on the Solway Plain.
— Natural England Cumbria (@NECumbria) October 3, 2023
To celebrate, children Kirkbampton Primary School visited the site. pic.twitter.com/Q5Zz5tqs4z
"That’s why we are working hard to better protect the environment for future generations to come, so they can continue to enjoy the best nature has to offer," she said.
NNRs were established to protect some of England’s most important habitats, species and geology, provide ‘outdoor laboratories’ for research and offer opportunities to the public, schools and specialist interest groups to experience wildlife first-hand, along with learning more about nature conservation.
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