Welcome to Wild Ennerdale


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"sensing the wildness, restoring nature"

Welcome

Rising from the coastal plain of West Cumbria, Ennerdale is one of the region’s most remote valleys, known for its tranquillity, self-willed landscapes and striking sense of wildness. Wild Ennerdale is one of the UK’s largest rewilding partnerships and, as of November 2022, the largest National Nature Reserve in Cumbria.
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The Wild Ennerdale partnership invites you to explore this unique valley and experience its special sense of wildness. Wild Ennerdale is excited to be a part of Rewilding Britain and Rewilding Europe.

Beaver Reintroduction Update March 2026

Forestry England has recieved news that its Expression of Interest to release beavers into the wild was successful and it has been invited to prepare a full application. For more information visit the  Forestry England beaver page.

River Liza Restoration

In summer 2025, the National Trust’s Riverlands team began the first phase of restoring the River Liza. Although most of the river remains wild and free‑flowing, its final section entering Ennerdale Water had been historically straightened and simplified.

Working with Wild Ennerdale, the team reintroduced natural features to this downstream stretch — lowering parts of the embankment and adding riffles, pools and dead wood. These changes create richer habitats for wildlife and allow water to spread across the delta, helping a diverse wetland to form and strengthening the lakeshore SSSI plant communities.

The project was developed in collaboration with the Environment Agency, Natural England, Forestry England and specialist archaeologists to ensure habitats and heritage features were protected throughout.

The work was completed in early August. To learn more visit Riverlands or download the Liza Delta project leaflet.
Funded by the Environment Agency and the Wild Ennerdale Partnership.

Phytophthora Larch Disease
Tree felling continues at Latterbarrow

Forestry England are continuing to fell Phytophthora infected larch and spruce at Latterbarrow north of Ennerdale YHA. Find out more on the Forest webpage.

Long-term plans for Ennerdale Water

In late September 2024 United Utilities shared their initial long term plans for Ennerdale through two drop-in information sessions based at the Gather in Ennerdale Bridge. These were aimed at sharing initial plans with the community and answering queries about proposed work at Ennerdale. You can read more about these plans on the United Utilities Ennerdale webpage.

Video Stories

Watch our inspiring videos to find our more about what we have been doing for People, Nature and Climate Change or if you are short on time watch our Introduction or Trailer videos.

Thank you to Jo and Garth and for the team at Scotland the Big Picture.

 

National Nature Reserve

On the 15th November 2022 the chair of Natural England, Tony Juniper, declared Wild Ennerdale as a new  National Nature Reserve (NNR). The NNR is a legacy for future generations committing the management of the valley to have a continued focus on nature restoration and recovery.

You can find out more on our National Nature Reserve page.

Nearby Rewilding Projects

 

Rewilding Podcasts

Podcasts are a great way to listen, learn and enjoy whilst you are on the go. Take a look at our 4 favourite rewilding podcasts

More About Rewilding

Do you want to experience more wild nature? Wild Ennerdale is a member of both Rewilding Britain and Rewilding Europe which help and inspire rewilding partnerships across the continent.