Ennerdale One of England’s Wildest Valleys

1. Ennerdale One of England’s Wildest Valleys

2. Discussion between and experience of NT and FC staff Consultation work for the Ennerdale Water Management Plan Declining economics of forestry and farming Input from the Trust’s community learning work These told us what people value in Ennerdale and what the detracting features are. Where did the concept come from

3. The scale and variety of landscape types Peace and Quiet Remote location Diverse wildlife Good access to the lake and fells Absence of man made structures What do people value about Ennerdale

4. Landscape impact of forestry operations Traffic on the road up the valley from Bowness Knott Sharp demarcation between forest and fell Unsightly man made features- roads, post and wire fences Lack of diverse vegetation in some areas. What things detract from Ennerdale’s special qualities

5. Build on the strengths and significance of the valley Work to minimise detracting features Manage the valley holistically, as one unit Create opportunities for people to benefit Wild Ennerdale- what is it trying to achieve?

6. Partnership • Simple land ownership- three principle land owners FC, NT & UU • Landowners with similar objectives • Partnership formalised in September 2002 • Applies to combined FC, NT & UU land ownership - 4364ha

7. Vision “ To allow the evolution of Ennerdale as a wild valley for the benefit of people relying more on natural processes to shape its landscape and ecology”

8. Support for Wild Ennerdale • Council for National Parks report “Wild By Design” 1997 • Introduction:- “A number of experimental schemes on a limited scale should be set up in the national parks, where farming is withdrawn entirely and the natural succession of vegetation is allowed to take its course” Edwards 1991. • Chapter 5 Current and Future Opportunities:- “Ennerdale - Naturally regenerated broadleaved woodland and dwarf scrub heath communities (>400ha). Possible future-natural conifer woodland.” • Ennerdale Water Management Plan consultation • The National Trust’scommunity learning work

9. No end point- an evolving process Very long term approach Give more space to nature and natural processes Gradual evolution of cultural landscape, respecting what is important and the social and economic needs of the time Benefits to people Wild Ennerdale- the Philosophy

10. What do we mean by Wild • a philosophical approach to managing the landscape • balancing and combining two ways of thinking:- • ecologically based • encouraging the greater involvement of natural forces in the long term development of the valley in terms of the distribution, extent and variety of habitats and ecosystems that make up the future character of the valley. • people based • recognising that wildness is a human experience. Seeking ways to increase the sense of wildness by limiting the visible impact of man in the valley but at the same time encouraging the involvement of people in the valley in employment, economy and recreation

11. Wild Ennerdale - What is Happening Develop the Partnership Initiate Community & Stakeholder involvement Economic Study Take advantage of Opportunities Develop Ideas & Plans Ecological Study Cultural Study Seek Expert Advice

12. Wild Ennerdale - Developing Ideas Wild Zone planning “Community Involvement Reducing man made features eg signs & roads “Wild Ennerdale” brand eg beef, venison, adventures Principles of Stewardship

13. Thank you

14. Conserving Natural Beauty-gradual change directed to strengthening landscape character Conserving Wildlife- integrate ecological objectives with other land management practices Public Enjoyment- provide the freedom for people to explore, discover things for themselves and test themselves in a challenging environment Economic and Social Development-focus on initiatives which promote conservation, public enjoyment and the well being of local communities National Park Plan Context