Project Name

Geltsdale

Country

England

Current land designations

AONB, NP, Geltsdale and Fells SSSI, North Pennines SPA, candidate SAC

Specific location

North Penines

Year rewilding started

1975

Grid reference

NY596517

Location

Latitude: 54 51 30 N Longitude: 02 37 51 W

Altitude

Project Management

Ownership: RSPB (sporting rights for whole estate), Some private landowners

Management:  Tenant farmers, RSPB, English Nature,

Area under rewilding (hectares)

5000ha

Project funding

RSPB, DEFRA (Countryside Stewardship Scheme), English Nature, ALSS funds

Rewilding methods

Blanket bog restoration (drain blockage); Planting of native trees (Alder, Oak, Ask, Birch); Fenced enclosures of native trees; Reduction in grazing pressures (reduction of sheep numbers); Reduction in cutting and burning of heather; Introduction of cattle

Habitats present

Blanket bog; Dry and wet heath; Upland farmland; Grassland; Small amount of native woodland

Target species

Species of moss, Red squirral, Black grouse, Hen harrier, Merlin, Peregrine, Golden plover, Ring Ouzel, Breeding waders

Species reintroductions

Otter

Access to the area

Open public access

Links to further information

RSPB information on Geltsdale: www.rspb.org.uk/england/north/about/geltsdale.asp

 Natura Network initiative: www.eurosite-nature.org/article.php3?id_article=266