England's largest rainforest becomes protected reserve

England's largest temperate rainforest has been announced as a new National Nature Reserve (NNR) by Natural England and the National Trust.

Borrowdale Valley in Cumbria represents a habitat that previously covered large parts of England but now only covers 1% of land in the country.

Jane Saxon, general manager at the National Trust, said: "By creating this nature reserve, we are actively managing the woodlands for nature conservation and access through compatible practices."

Temperate rainforest is an important habitat for birds such as Pied Flycatcher (Ian Bollen).

High rainfall

The 721-ha site regularly experiences the highest rainfall in England, meaning it easily meets the criteria for a rainforest, although it is much cooler than equivalent habitats in the tropics. The resultant lush habitat is ideal for mosses, ferns, and lichens, which are important carbon stores, and benefits populations of declining birds such as Common Redstart and Pied Flycatcher.

Marian Spain, chief executive at Natural England, said: "Operating at a landscape scale, reconnecting parcels of the forest and creating corridors for wildlife will make these iconic habitats more resilient to the impacts of climate change."

Following the declaration of the NNR, conservation efforts will focus on maintaining and restoring populations of rare species in the valley. The National Trust will work on existing footpaths to make them more accessible and is in discussion with tenant farmers to help them access funds for conservation work. This will enable them to focus on traditional methods, such as fell farming, which involves rotational grazing.